Playing the Fool or Played by the Fool? PM Abe's Risk By Association With America's Unstable Leader

In a week of chaos made by America's Reality TV Show "President," PM Abe of Japan plays a risky game with Donald Trump at his private resort in Florida. We're not sure exactly what Mr. Abe is thinks he is doing there. On the surface, he's there to discuss the TPP agreement and other concessions. But is he trying to reason with the unreasoable? Or is he using his political savvy to out-con a notorious con-artist? They say there is guilt by association and for PM Abe, he is taking an awful risk that could cost him. With Abe's unpopularity at an all time high is it worth attempting to get close with a scandal ridden president facing possible impeachment who just threw his own Secretary of State under the bus while coddling up to Vladimir Putin? The risk for Abe is if he walks away empty handed, he becomes the fool. This would not look good for Japan nor for our alliance with Japan. By playing into Donald Trump's rule by chaos, PM Abe is seeking to follow Trump's toxic brand mirroring a metting with North Korea's leaders, a move that would give the rogue regime letgitimacy. That's something no American administration has done or should do for it weakens our levearge against the nuclear armed totalitarian regime as well as playing right into Pyongyang's hands. We would like to think based on PM Abe's early body language from his first meeting with Trump that he sees Donald Trump as the fool and not the other way around. But this may not be so. In becoming Trump's golfing buddy, this uncomfortable personal association exposes a weakness that will further hurt Abe politically at home and abroad not to mention his golf game which its well known that Donald often cheats. Many Americans here don't trust Donald Trump, and neither should Shinzo Abe. We sure hope PM Abe knows what he is doing. As we say here in America, the optics look bad. When you lie down with dogs, expect fleas. 

Hidden Gem: Japanese Tea House in Los Angeles

This past Sunday we attended a mini-Sakura Matsuri that was hosted by the Japan Foundation held at Brand Park in the Los Angeles Suburb of Glendale. To our suprise, Brand Park is home to the Shoseian (Whispering Pine) Japanese Tea House & Friendship Garden. According to the City of Glendale's website, this beautiful tea house was built in 1974 through the combined efforts of the sister cities of Glendale and Higashi-Osaka. The name Whispering Pine Tea House was given by the Fifteenth Grand Tea Master of the Urasenke School of Tea in Japan.

We can't emphasize how beautiful this place is but we can guarantee this will not be our only visit. We could only imagine how special it would be to attend an actual Tea Ceremony would be in such a setting. 

The Shoseian Tea House has been designated as a historical landmark and in our humble opinion a hidden gem of Japanese Culture nestled at the foot of the Verdugo Mountains to enjoy.

If you would like to learn more of this unique Japanese Tea House,  please visit their website at shoseianteahouse.com

Sign of the Times: Japan Activates First Marine Expeditionary Force Since WWII

In a move that will likely draw protests from Beijing, Pyongyang, and elsewhere, Japan's Ground Self Defense Forces announced the activation of Japan's first Marine Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade. With recent escalations in tensions in both the South China Seas and territorial incursions near the Senkaku Islands, the creation of such a Marine Expeditionary Unit has become necessary to protect Japan's outer islands. Tomohiro Yamamoto, Japan's vice Defense Minister is quoted as saying: “Given the increasingly difficult defense and security situation surrounding Japan, defense of our islands has become a critical mandate.” 

This adhoc MEU force is said to number around 2100 and will see the addition of amphibious assault ships, vehicles, and V-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft. The creation of this brigade which is the first of its kind since the end of WWII will enable Japan to project power beyond the home islands. This will of course be seen as a threat to China and North Korea but that's the ever increasingly dangerous world we live in. We at American Mishima hope they never have to see combat, but if they do, we wish them all a safe return under the peace these Marines will fight for.

Battle Flags Returned

Kyodo News ran a story this last week we thought we would share here. Two battle flags that were taken by American Troops in the Philippines and one battle flag captured by the British in India were returned to the familes of the men whose signitures were found on these flags. It was a custom among Japanese soldiers to write theirnames and messages to loved ones during the war. In many such cases, these flags serve as a reminder of the lives long lost to war. We at American Mishima thank the American and British families who have chosen to return these flags to the surviving relatives so that it may add closure to the Showa Era and provide a lasting peace. 

If you have a Japanese battleflag or capturered war relic that bears the names of Japanese soldiers that you wish to return to the families of the deceased, you can do so through an American non-profit group known as The Obon Society. They will be happy to assist you. To learn more, please visit their link here: Obon Society.

 

Shogun World Revealed!

Last season of HBO's Westworld, audiences were teased with the appearence of Samurai indicating the possibility of additional worlds to the fictional Delenos themepark. A park unlike any other where adults pay a steep price to live out their violent lustful fantasies and violent ends with the aid of android "hosts." In the original Westworld and Futureworld movies of the 1970's, there was Medieval World, Roman World, and Futureworld. Westworld was shut down after the hosts murdered all the guests. ast forward to the present. HBO ressurected this old franchise and elevated to new exciting levels. 

For Japanophiles and Samurai history enthusiasts, the addition of Shogun world has been a titalating prospect we look forward to with great anticipation. We hope Westworld will do Shogun World right.

American Mishima Web Series Episode II

Our American Mishima Author Web Series is back with another installment. Episode II defines our illustrated Children's book Ichiro Dreams in Color and what went into making it.

 Please enjoy!

一日の画像 Picture of the Day: Seijin Shiki

Seen here are two young women arriving at the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America in Granite Falls Washington for their Seijin Shiki (Coming of Age ceremony). This life cycle event commemorates reaching the age of 20. We at American Mishima wish these two young ladies a happy and successful life!