Enthronement

This week in Japan saw the new Reiwa Emperor Naruhito proclaim his Enthronement in a series of sacred Shinto rites that formalize his ascent to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Like the Emeritus Heisei Emperor before him, he wished to for the happiness of the Japanese people and pledged the following:

 

"I pledge hereby that I shall act according to the Constitution and fulfill my responsibility as the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people of Japan, while always wishing for the happiness of the people and the peace of the world, turning my thoughts to the people and standing by them," Naruhito said.

We at American Mishima wish Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, peace and happiness throughout the Reiwa Era. Long may they reign. ばんざい! ばんざい! ばんざい!

JMSDF Launches New Destroyer Haguro

This week in Yokohama saw the launch of Japan's newest Maya-Class Aegis destroyer DDG-180 Haguro which bears the same of it's IJN predacessor of the heavy cruiser that fought in WWII. The Haguro is currently undergoing sea trials and is expected to recive her full commission in 2021 before heading out to join the fleet.

JMSDF Strength and Readiness

We recently came across this 2018 video produced by the Japanese Government that showcases the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (海上自衛隊 Kaijō Jieitai) capabilities. With 114 warships and 45,800 volunteer personnel, this small, yet effective Navy, is by far, the best in Asia and one of the best Navies in the world.While there is no subtitles in this video, none are needed to see the JMSDF in action. Pay special attention to their US-2 Flying Boat SAR crews. Enjoy!

Petulant Pettiness: USS John McCain Ordered To Protect Fragile Ego

In an incident that is beneath the office of the presidency, Donald Trump has stooped to his lowest level of vile pettiness by having the White House order the crew of the USS John McCain to have the destroyer currently under repairs to be hidden from sight for his visit to Japan. The ship's name was covered by a blue tarp and sailors wearing caps bearing the ships name were given leave. This is the third incident in less than a month (The Mike Pence strip club cheer order, USS WASP patches, and now this) that this now exposed (by Robert Mueller as being elected with the help of the Russian GRU) illegitimate regime has brought shame to the men and women who proudly serve in the United States Navy. No president in our entire history has acted in such a vile and vindictive way towards a late Senator who criticized his policies. This is the act of a Third World Two-bit dictator despot, not an American President. We deserve better. We sure hope those guys on the USS WASP who were caught out of uniform wearing unauthorized patches bearing his likeness were paying attention. This isn't about politics, this is about NAVY Pride. No Navy veteran or current active duty sailor should stand for this insult and neither shall we. #GoNavy!

American Mishima Classic Re-Release

Late last year, we had pulled The Setting Sun: Death and Deception on the Bakumatsu Trail for a major re-edit and reformat. New editing software and improved techniques allowed us to go back and fix this story. What's changed is the cover and the book title which has been streamlined to just The Setting Sun. There is also a change in the overall length of the story. We also removed some of the Japanese dialog as well as some other elements which took away from the story. We at American Mishima hope you will give this epic tale set in 1860's Japan by American Mishima author Louis Edward Rosas a second chance for we believe you will enjoy this improved story now available on Paperback and eBook. An Audiobook will also be available soon. To get your copy, please visit the following link for THE SETTING SUN. Thank you!

First Rites of the Reiwa Era

Seen here is Emperor Naruhito performing his first rites within the Imperial Palace. In this age-old Shinto custom, the new Reiwa Emperor reports to this ancestors in three sanctuaries to announce his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne.

Empress Masako also visited the same sanctuaries, her first visit since 2002. Over the past years, she has had issues with stress related to limitations placed upon her joining the Imperial Family. We wish her well and pray this transition will be a happier one. 

Emperor Naruhito's Speech

Today marks the first official day of the Reiwa Era. In his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, Emperor Naruhito is seen here with Empress Masako, and Crown Prince Akishino, delivered his first speech the People of Japan, and in extension, as his majesty stated: "those who stand by them." We offer here, an opportunity to share his kind words:

"I have hereby succeeded to the Throne pursuant to the Constitution of Japan and the Special Measures Law on the Imperial House Law. When I think about the important responsibility I have assumed, I am filled with a sense of solemnity. Looking back, His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus, since acceding to the Throne, performed each of his duties in earnest for more than 30 years, while praying for world peace and the happiness of the people, and at all times sharing in the joys and sorrows of the people. He showed profound compassion through his own bearing. I would like to express my heartfelt respect and appreciation of the comportment shown by His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus as the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people of Japan. In acceding to the Throne, I swear that I will reflect deeply on the course followed by His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus and bear in mind the path trodden by past emperors, and will devote myself to self-improvement. I also swear that I will act according to the Constitution and fulfill my responsibility as the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people of Japan, while always turning my thoughts to the people and standing with them. I sincerely pray for the happiness of the people and the further development of the nation as well as the peace of the world."

The Dawn of the Reiwa Era

Happy New Era! We would like to convey many thoughts of renewed optimism for the new Reiwa Era and for Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. But instead of our usual commentary, we will leave you with this beautiful banner photo shared by the Japanese Embassy and let it speak volumes. Please enjoy!

Abdication: The End of the Heisei Era

Today marks the end of the Heisei Era. The 85-year-old Emperor Akihito has abdicated the  Chrysanthemum Throne in the Kenji to Shokei no gi ceremony thus marking the end of his peaceful thirty-year reign. We will miss this kind benevolent Emperor who had sought to heal the wounds of war committed in his father's name. His life's mission near complete, he had visited many if not most of the countries and battlefields to pray for Japan's fallen and for Japan's victims of war. His reign is marked as an era of Peace for Japan. It is understandable and most reasonable for him to retire to become Emperor Emeritus given his advanced age. Now in his twilight years, he passes on the torch to Crown Prince Naruhito who will become the new Reiwa Emperor in an era named for orderly peace and harmony. We at American Mishima wish The Heisei Emperor and Empress Michiko a peaceful retirement and joy in their golden years. We would like to thank the Heisei Emperor for all his kindness and efforts to bring about peace during his reign. He will be missed.

New Era Named

By now, everyone should know the name of the new era that will begin after Emperor Akihito abdicates on Tuesday, April 30th, 2019. The new era will be known as the Reiwa Era - meaning be in harmony. Unlike other eras, the name is not taken from the Chinese Classics but rather a traditional Japanese poem of antiquity. We at American Mishima like the sound of harmony. It is a positive aspiration for both Crown Prince Naruhito when he becomes the new Emperor, Japan, and perhaps, for the world itself so that all peoples may live in harmony. Reiwa!

Welcome to the Fleet: Japan Commissions New Soryu-Class Submarine

This week, Japan's JMSDF welcomed the newest addition to its submarine fleet. The 84-meter long diesel powered JS Shōryū was commissioned this month. This is the tenth Soryu-Class Submarine and the 28th submarine built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries since WWII.

The Line of Succession

Seen here is Prince Akishino of Japan with his son Prince Hisahito and wife Princess Kiko at their son's graduation from a prestigious primary school in Tokyo. Twelve-year-old Prince Hisahito will become second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne after his father Prince Fumihito becomes first in line after Emperor Akihito abdicates and Crown Prince Naruhito becomes Emperor. With so few male heirs in the Imperial Family, Japan will look to reconsider the roles of the Imperial Princesses in the future lines of succession. This shall be interesting to see how they adapt. We wish the Imperial Family a smooth transition into their new roles.

The Process of Abdication

As the Heisei Era draws to a close, Emperor Akihito performs a series of Shinto rituals at three Imperial Sanctuaries on the Imperial Palace grounds in preparation of his Abdication. As reported by NHK, the first ceremony was performed at the main shrine Kashikodokoro. Emperor Akihito bowed and read an ancient-worded script to report his abdication and its date to Imperial ancestor Amaterasu-Omikami, the sun goddess, who is enshrined there. The Imperial Household Agency says he will also report his abdication at the Mausoleum of Emperor Jinmu in Nara Prefecture, who is Japan's first emperor. He will then visit the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of Ise and from there to the Mausoleum of his father, the late Showa Emperor Hirohito. All of these solemn rites are being conducted in private. And while it is sad to see him go, it is a necessary completion to his thirty year reign. We at American Mishima wish the Emperor Emeritus a peaceful transition and a happy retirement.

JAXA Successfully Lands Space Probe on Asteroid

This week, as we released our most recent book ROBOT PLANET- a story about a robotic rover on Mars, another rover-laden space probe made headlines elsewhere. Japan's Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced that it has successfully landed its Hayabusa 2 probe on the asteroid known as Ryugu The potato-shaped asteroid is said to be three hundred kilometers away from earth. The Hayabusa 2 is expected to fire an impactor blast into the surface to collect samples before lifting off and returning to Earth in 2020. The probe is said to be equipped with two tiny MINERVA-II rover robots as well as the 10-kilogram French-German observation robot  MASCOT that will scan the surface temperatures and measure the magnetic fields. While the mission itself has had issues aligning with Earth, it is now streaming data and by many accounts, a success. 

We at American Mishima wish to congratulate the Hayabusa 2 Mission team on their recent achievement. おめでとう ございます!

Japan Set to Recognize Ainu People

Japan's long-suffering Ainu people are finally getting their due as Japanese lawmakers passed a bill that recognizes the ethnic minority as an Indigenous People. The Ainu who mostly live in Hokkaido has long been subject to oppressive measures of discrimination and forced assimilation going back to the start of the Meiji Era. While an earlier bill passed in 1997 to preserve the Ainu culture, many living Ainu has lost must of their cultural traditions. This new bill is aimed at granting the Ainu more rights and respect. The government of Japan further plans to build a National Ainu Museum in Shiaroi, Hokkaido. With the languages and customs of indigenous people's under threat around the world, this is a long overdue step in the right direction.  

Did He Or Didn't He? What Shinzo Abe Won't Say

Earlier this past week, the Asahi Shimbun reported that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had nominated Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. What is most curious is that this has been touted by the Trump Regime while the Prime Minister has downplayed this in Japan. What is known is that he did indeed write the Nobel Committee a five-page document praising Trump's efforts for peace with North Korea. What's troubling is that PM Abe's own spokesman has declined to say whether or not he nominated Trump for the coveted Peace Prize. Abe himself will neither confirm nor deny this. Rather, he made some vague blanket statement that the Nobel Committee does not disclose recommenders and nominees for fifty years. Thus Abe declines to comment. It is likely that PM Abe has been strong-armed by Donald Trump who has been obsessed with acquiring the Nobel Peace Prize for the sole purpose of equating himself with his predecessor Barrack Obama who won the Nobel Peace Prize just before taking office as 44th President of the United States. It should be further be noted, that if indeed he did in fact nominated Trump at his behest, he is embarrassed to have done so and looks to history to judge him in fifty years. We have long speculated that Shinzo Abe is playing Trump. It is no secret that Abe's wife loathes Trump and pretends to not speak English when they meet. In light of Abe's slow military buildup, it should be noted that he has been angling to strip away elements of Japan's Post War Constitution prohibiting Japan from any offensive role or capability to fight a future war. Let's hope Abe hasn't sold his soul to a conman and a bully to defend Japan and her long term security interests. 

Until the Very End: Heisei Emperor Visits Memorial for Civilian Sailors Lost During War

Seen here in this Mainichi.JP photo are the outgoing Imperial couple Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko paying their respects to a Memorial dedicated to the 60,000 civilian sailors who were pressed into service by the Imperial Japanese Army during WWII. The Heisei Emperor who Abdicates this April arrived to present prayers and white chrysanthemums to offer these lost sailors of which 30,000 of them were in their teens. With the Combined Fleet on the run after the Battle of Midway, there were few naval vessels to protect these civilian ships which were forced to carry supplies and personnel. This is the Imperial couple's eighth visit to the memorial since it was erected in 1971. Dutiful until the end, the Heisei Emperor has worked tirelessly to heal the wounds of the Showa Era and has never wavered. It is said that in a press conference in December 2015 he said this: "In those days, Japan lacked command of the air, and no battleships were available to escort the transport vessels. It gives me great pain to think of the feelings of those sailors who were forced to engage in such transport operations under those conditions." We at American Mishima will miss this kind gentile Emperor. We thank him and Empress Michiko for their lifetime efforts to promote peace.

Meteors for the Masses?

Seen here in this Kyodo photo is an Epsilon 4 rocket blasting off into space from the Uchinoura Space Center in Kimotsuki, Kagoshima Prefecture. According to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, the rocket carried seven small satellites from the Tokyo startup ALE Co LTD. These micro-satellites carry up to four hundred tiny balls set to be released at 500km above the Earth to create an artificial meteor shower. ALE Co LTD plans to demonstrate this over Hiroshima sometime in the Spring of 2020. If successful, you'll have meteor showers on demand. No word on how much this will cost or how commercially viable this venture could be. ALE claims these artificial meteor showers (provided the weather cooperates) will be visible by millions. Naturally, we could think of better ways to use this technology, but we shall see how this works out, or not.

A Dangerous New World

As 2018 looms closer to a close, the chaos of global threats to peace and security have multiplied in the wake of the failed leadership of the Trump Regime. Since the end of the Second World War, the world has looked to America to be the proponent of freedom and democracy around the world. That shining beacon on the hill as President Ronald Reagan once called it. But as it stands, this experiment with a reality TV host as president has destabilized the world order while Moscow and Beijing take full advantage of the situation. This week alone has seen such extraordinary unprecedented moves on the part of our foreign adversaries starting with the call by senior Chinese Navy officers calling for the ramming of American Navy ships in the South China Seas. If that wasn't bold enough, they also reminded the world they intend to take Taiwan back by brute force once they are confident that America will do nothing.

Meanwhile, as our foolish leader orders the withdrawal from Syria and Afganistan, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has called the American Presence in Japan an obstacle to signing a formal peace treaty that would finally end hostilities lingering from WWII. Why not? He somehow he got Trump to abandon the Middle East and our Kurdish allies to certain death gifting Moscow and Tehran dominance. With indecision and vacillation, our impulsive leader is emboldening such moves on the part of our adversaries. This is a disturbing development which further makes a case for PM Shinzo Abe to push for the record military budget he has asked for and the long overdue revision of their post-war American imposed Constitution. As a result, Japan will now get more F-35A and F-35B Stealth fighters and prepare to upgrade the existing Izumo Class carriers to launch them. Naturally, Beijing has already sounded protest and has in so many words warned of an escalation of tensions. If that weren't enough, North Korea has thrown an all or nothing denuclearization demands on this already weakened president who declared victory by meeting with their despotic leader. The solution will come for the American people have had enough of this chaos. We must right this ship of state or be sunk by it. Until that moment of truth comes, our military leadership, as well as our newly elected members of Congress must restore order before the world is plunged further into crisis. And while it is said it is always darkest before the dawn, the new reality is as my child's favorite movie says, we will have to sail through a whole ocean of bad to get there. Until then, pray for peace. 

A Solemn Remembrance

Today marks the 77th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. An attack on American Army and Naval bases by the Air and Naval forces of the Empire of Japan that formally brought the United States into World War II. While there's much that can be said about the events that led to the attack and the overall failures and consequences that followed, we chose to share the above rarely seen photo that captures the intensity of the attack that gives you a sense of what American Sailors and Marines who were there might have witnessed. A moment that 77 years later where Japan and the United States are now close allies, now seems like a bad dream. While in Japan, it is regarded as a tactical failure, for Americans, it is still known as FDR once coined "A Day that will live in Infamy." As the last survivors prepare to leave us, know that we shall never forget their sacrifices and bravery called upon such by such times. It is for this and many more reasons we shall always refer to them as The Greatest Generation. To them, we say Godspeed, Fair Winds, and Following Seas.