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!

Shinto Returns to Los Angeles

Seen here is Shinto Priestess Izumi Hasegawa of the Shusse Inari Shrine of America performing the Nagoshi-no-Harae - Mid-Year Purification in West Los Angeles. The event was attended by a small group of people who each participated in the ceremony. While it has not been possible to travel up to Washington State to the Grand Tsubaki Shrine of America, this mobile shrine enabled us to still participate in the Mid Year Purification in person. While there has not been an established Jinja in Los Angeles in years, We welcome Reverend Hasegawa's small mobile shrine to help our connection with nature and Kamisama going in this complex urban setting we live in. 

Reverend Hasegawa seen left with volunteers setting up the traditional wreath participants walk through in a figure eight pattern with a series of bows of reverence. 

 A small tent setup to greet participants and the mobile shrine is seen in the background.

A quick view of the altar. While Hasegawa Sensei was okay with taking photos, we opted to keep this to a bare minimum out of respect as well as to not become a distrationfrom the work at hand. While he have seen the Shusse Inari Shrine of America small mobile shrine at New Years, we hope to see more of them here in Los Angeles and wish them great success in their effort to bring Shinto back to the City of Angels. To learn more about the Shusse Inari Shrine of America please visit their website.

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!

New Book Release: CONTACT AT FIERY CROSS

In a direct challenge to the People’s Republic of China, the United States Navy has been sent to the South China Sea. They, along with their Japanese allies are there to conduct Freedom of Navigation operations in International Waters near the disputed Spratly Islands chain. But as escalating tensions mount, something extraordinary has taken place. Lurking high up in the clouds at 20,000 feet above sea level, an elusive object of unknown origin or intent has intruded upon contested airspace leaving little room for error. As the geopolitical balance of power inches closer toward armed conflict, it will be up to U.S. Naval Aviator, Lieutenant Commander Eileen Hunter, to push man and machine to avert a war and discover a forbidden truth.

In continuation of the intrigue in ROBOT PLANET, American Mishima author Louis Edward Rosas presents a new high-flying adventure that delves into the current geopolitical tensions taking place in the Far East. Contact at Fiery Cross will not only further question if we are alone in the universe, but if so, to what extent have they influenced our affairs.

This book is now available on Paperback and eBook editions. To order your copy, please click on the following link for: CONTACT AT FIERY CROSS. Thank you!

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.