The second half of this post is a sequel to last year’s blog post about the 610 MASS reunion. In the previous post, I talked about David having been nominated to succeed as chairman of its Alumni Association. Before I come back to this topic, however, let me digress a bit in order to touch on a historic event that took place earlier this month in Japan.
On August 8, 2016, Emperor Akihito of Japan, age 82, announced, via a recorded-video message, that he would like to “step down.” By doing so, he used the same method that Princess Diana had used to make her case known to the public, which is to appeal directly to them. Not so co-incidentally, by the way, prior to Japan’s unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces, the public would all have been considered Emperor’s subjects.
Within Japanese society, in which I grew up, being politically correct was expected, at least when out in the open, UNLESS the leader of an organization encouraged and expected its members to speak their minds for the benefit of the whole – much like the U.S.A. of the past where almost everyone appreciated the First Amendment to the Constitution. (I could write a dissertation on the topic of comparative studies on political correctness in Japan vs. the U.S.A.)
In any case, full English translation of Emperor Akihito’s message is available here. One of the most striking comments to me is that he wants to alleviate the heavy and prolonged burden placed upon those involved when an Emperor dies – clearly based on his own experiences when his father, Emperor Hirohito, passed away in 1989. Emperor Akihito has been a revered figure in Japan. He is the oldest son of Hirohito, about whom I wrote in a four-part series in 2014, after having read a book by the same title by Herbert P. Bix.
After Japan unconditionally surrendered to the Allied Forces, which marked the end of World War II, the Imperial Family members’ lives were spared by General Douglas MacArthur – with the condition that they were to be and remain nothing more than a Symbol of Japan. In other words, the Imperial Family was (and still is) prohibited by law from participating in politics, for a very good reason when you look at the history of Japan. For example, the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which was the determining factor that made the U.S. get involved in WWII.
I remember very well the wedding day of then Crown Prince Akihito to Ms. Michiko Shoda because it took place one day before my 10th birthday. Since that day forward, both as Crown Princess and as Empress Michiko, she has always been at Emperor Akihito’s side, fully supporting his role as the Symbol of Japan. The enormous stress that she must have endured as the first commoner to marry into the Imperial Family, meeting the strict rules and demands of the Imperial Household Agency, was manifested in her sudden and drastic weight loss during the early stages of their marriage. It has always been clear to anyone, however, that they truly have a genuine love, affection, and respect for each other. Empress Michiko embodies an ideal spouse.
The couple’s oldest son (who is, of course, Emperor Hirohito’s grandson), Crown Prince Naruhito, is the heir apparent to the throne when Emperor Akihito either dies or his wishes are approved by the Japanese Diet, whichever comes first. In contrast to his parents’ ideal marriage, however, Crown Prince Naruhito’s life with his beloved wife, Crown Princess Masako, can only be described as tragic for both of them. People magazine summarized it in its December 2015 article what most Japanese already knew.
Prior to her marriage into the Imperial Family, Ms. Masako Owada aspired to be a diplomat, just like her father; and she was already well on her way to becoming a successful one in her own right. She had not only all of the credentials and abilities but, most importantly, freedom to be whatever she wanted to be. Becoming a princess was the last thing she wanted. Tragedies ensued.
Tragedy #1: When she kept refusing the Crown Prince’s marriage proposals to her, the Imperial Household Agency stepped in and convinced her that she, as Crown Princess, would have her chance to play a major diplomatic role. In reality, this never materialized, at least not so far. Her instincts were right: upholding tradition was of supreme importance to the Imperial Household Agency. That is the pinnacle of where Japanese culture of duty, honor, and obligation is kept very much intact. There is no room whatsoever for individual freedom. With the controversy surrounding the Emperor’s video announcement, it became evident that not even the Emperor himself has the freedom to do or say whatever he wants. “Freedom” remains a foreign concept for most people in Japan, and especially for the Imperial Family. It is no wonder, therefore, that Crown Princess Masako has been suffering from stress-induced illnesses all these years since their marriage in June 1993. Personally, I cannot fathom a life where all decisions are being made for me by others and what I think does not matter at all. As someone who cherishes personal freedom and independence more than anything else, that would drive me crazy. This is precisely why I have absolutely no regrets about having left the country of my origin.
Tragedy #2: Japan remains a male-dominant society. Just to give you a glimpse into how deep-rooted this is, when I had two sons, my grandmother, who had three daughters and no son, said to me, sounding almost envious, “Well done!” While I was happy that she was proud of me, her comment puzzled me; I had nothing to do with the gender choice of our children. In any case, the pressure for the Crown Princess to produce a male heir was enormous. When the couple had a daughter, Princess Aiko, the Japanese Diet began getting ready to change the laws so that she could eventually become the rightful heir to the throne. This, however, ended up going nowhere because a son was born to Crown Prince Naruhito’s younger brother and his wife.
I would not be surprised if Emperor Akihito wants the Japanese laws changed so that not only will he be allowed to step down but also put in place a system where a female is allowed to be the heir to the throne.
As I contrast my life with that of Crown Princess Masako, I cannot help but be grateful despite everything that I’ve been going through since the market crashes of 2000 and 2008; and a house fire to boot, also in 2008, that destroyed almost everything. I am, at least, free to choose how I react to these external events over which I had no control. I am married to my best friend, whom I chose myself, and whose company I cherish more than anything else. I have been privileged to live in the country of my childhood dreams, America. Here, in my small world, what I think matters. I make my own decisions. Probably because these basic needs are being met as a human being, I am full of hope for my future. And this makes me – an immigrant from Asia – a very busy yet happy individual.
Enough digression. Let’s get back to the topic of 610 MASS. An update: the existing chairman, Ed Strahan, remains firmly in place. As the spouse of the nominee, I take shared responsibility with everyone involved for the transition that did not materialize.
As noted last year, I gave David my full blessing for the honor – so long as he supported me, first and foremost, with our investment business. And he has. So far, so good.
David was nominated to succeed as chairman during our second participation at the annual reunion. Neither of us knew how things really worked within the 610 MASS Alumni Association. I have since come to realize that there were tacit expectations of my role as chairman’s spouse. I needed to be ready to provide much more than full, moral support. To be specific, the tasks and responsibilities of the chairmanship involve not just those by the nominee himself but a hands-on support by the spouse as well. In addition, all volunteers – and spouses where applicable – donate much of their time AND money. It is sad to have to admit it but I have neither to spare at the moment. It is somewhat akin to being on a commercial flight where the attendant tells you to put on your oxygen mask first BEFORE helping others, including your own child.
After all, I did not come to this country to be dependent on anyone, not even my husband, let alone the rest of the society. I came to America to be and remain free and independent for the rest of my life. Except for important family events and 610 MASS reunions, my every waking moment is devoted to this goal. And every dollar we currently generate goes right back into our investment business. I wrote about my primary goals, and the big why, in my inaugural monthly blog post in July 2012.
At every reunion for the last three consecutive years, including this year’s, David and I have been privileged to enjoy the wonderful results of all of the volunteers’ efforts. And we are determined to continue making it our number-one vacation destination every year – to the best of our abilities – wherever 610 MASS reunion is held. As I noted last year, there is something very special about the 610 MASS Alumni organization. Much of the kudos go to Harold (Mitch) & Barbara Mitchell, Ed & Lori Strahan, Jim & Ruth Ann Watkins (the photographers), and all other volunteers who have been working tirelessly to make it what it is today.
I sincerely thank Ed for graciously handling the question that was raised regarding the chairmanship at the dinner event on July 28, 2016.
With much love and respect to Ed, Lori, and all of the 610 MASS Alumni members and their spouses, I thank you for your warmth, kindness, and understanding. David and I look forward to seeing you again next year.
Reiko McKendry
