Samurai Blue Falls Short to Mexico 1-3

Well it was a great run leading up to this historic Olympic Match for Japan's U-23 team that would have led to the first time in Olympic history that a nation would have had both a men's and women's team compete for the gold medal. But this was not to be. After dominating the ball for the first twenty minutes with one goal in by Yuki Otsu, the Mexican team did what they are known for, seizing opportunities to score on their opponents mistakes. It was clear particularly by the second half that Mexico had the momentum to take the match as Japan's team made more critical errors leading to a 3-1 defeat to Mexico. We would have liked to seen Japan win and move onto the gold medal round but all is not lost. Japan will face regional rival South Korea for the Bronze while Mexico will face Soccer Superpower Brazil in Saturday's final match. In one sense, it is better that Japan did face this showdown with Brazil just yet. While Nadeshiko shut down Brazil's women's team, the men would have had their work cut out for them. Japan's U-23's have nothing to be ashamed of. They made it up to the Semi-finals and are still in medal contention. So we say to Japan's U-23's Ganbare kudasai! There is still one medal to be had until the next Olympics!

なでしこ日本: Sportsmanship Nadeshiko Japan Style

The Age of the Samurai may be gone but not it's most endearing virtues of fighting with honor. This is most exemplified with the dignified play of Nadeshiko Japan during the London 2012 Olympics. Similar to what took place during the Women's World Cup of 2011(where players of Nadeshiko could not celebrate and bowed before members of our USWNT until our players told them it was OK, please enjoy your victory), Japan's players showed a level of class and respect to their defeated opponents you will not see from any other team. This is what true sportsmanship is all about. At the end of the day you have to go shake the other teams hands and walk out of there with your head held up high win or lose, a concept lost to many of this generation but hopefully not for the future generations that learn from Japan's example. We at American Mishima admire Nadeshiko Japan who we know will be gracious in victory or defeat come this Thursday in the fight for the Gold Medal in the Final Match of Women's Football (Soccer). As Americans we are obligated to support our home team, but know that this match will be between friends. It will be tough. But regardless of how it turns out, we'd like to share these images following the defeat of the French Team. You'll just never see such consolation and respect given to a defeated opponent as seen from these pictures. Enjoy!

なでしこ日本

なでしこ日本 VS USA : REMATCH

We love both of these teams but in the end:

THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE!

Ganbare 日本

GO USA!!!

広島記念, Last Surving Crew Member of the Enola Gay

In his own words, the last surviving member of the Enola Gay which dropped the first nuclear bomb over the city of Hiroshima August 6th, 1945.

広島記念, 67th Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Anniversary

 

Here stands Junji Sarashina, the director of the American Society of Hiroshima-Nagasaki A-Bomb Survivors. Mr. Sarashina himself is a survivor of these tragic wartime events that took place some 67 years ago. He along with Kaz Suyeshi (who was also in attendance) are among a dwindling population of Hibakusha still alive to attend one of these memorial services held every year on the Hiroshima anniversary at the Los Angeles Koyasan Buddhist Temple. 

This was our 4th year we have attended these memorials. And as before, we were thanked by those survivors and their families who together with us gathered to pray for those lost in that wartime tragedy of so long ago. We at American Mishima are grateful and most fortunate to meet such individuals in our lifetime and to hear their stories that bring the human side of what took place come to life. It is hoped that after the World War Two Generation passes on that there will never be another atomic bombing anywhere in the world and no new Hibakusha to bear the scars and tears of such nuclear terrors.

Seen here: Hiroshima Survivor Kaz Seyushi holds our baby Mia-Naoko as we light candles for the people who suffered from the twin atomic bombings 67 years ago.

Samurai Blue Dispatch Egypt 3-0

Japan's Men's Football Team the Samurai Blue defeated the Egyptian Team 3-0 at Old Trafford today in the Olympic quarter finals. The Samurai Blue have made it to the semi-finals for the first time in 44 years where they will face Mexico on Tuesday. We at American Mishima look forward to this match against our (USA) southern arch rival nemesis Mexico and say おめでとうございます! がんばれ 日本!

なでしこ日本 Nadeshiko Defeats Barzil 2-0!

Nadeshiko Japan did again with a 2-0 win over powerful Brazil in a win or go home quarter final. They will next take on France. おめでとうなでしこ日本!