Washington, DC – WWII Memorial

Sensei — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:34:15 +0000

The Greatest Generation. This is what Americans call the generation that produced the soldiers of World War II and the women who supported them back home. Gods! The idea of a World War still seems impossible to me. Have we not grown weary of violence yet? I know this is a sensitive topic given Japan’s position during the war. Since I traveled beyond this time, there is not much i can say about this. Many lives were lost during this time and for that I cannot make any excuse. Brave Americans and soldiers from many countries died during that war. So did many innocents. So too did many innocent Japanese die in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These wounds run deep on both sides.

For a soldier, for any man who has seen the horrors of battle and war, there is a shared understanding. It changes you in ways that no one who has not been there will ever understand. I myself have had disturbing nightmares of past battles. Do not mistake this for weakness or cowardice, for only a fool does not respect the lessons of war. And only a fool takes a life without regard for the consequences. I honor these brave soldiers for their sacrifice, and I join them in their prayers for lasting peace.

Washington, DC – Capitol Building

Sensei — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:27:22 +0000

The seat of power of the mighty United States. We have had a tumultuous relationship, you Americans and we Japanese. I truly hope we have found lasting peace. This nation’s capital is awe-inspiring. It seems I will not be able to see all the wonders of this place during my brief stay, but I will do as much as I can. Visiting all of the monuments honoring past great Presidents is haunting, as their deeds and words press upon me. Especially this wise and grandfatherly Abraham Lincoln. Thankfully, slavery has never been a major practice in Japan and was unheard of by my time. To subjugate a man in this way is dishonorable and unthinkable. Even conquered enemies are allowed to lead their lives as free men after swearing fealty. I read a story that Oda Nobunaga, a powerful daimyo after my time was presented a black slave who he then promptly freed and made the samurai Yasuke.

So much wisdom, knowledge, and learning can be found in Washington DC. Starting with the Library of Congress, then the National Archives, and finally the Smithsonian Institute. So much information and knowledge! I could spend a lifetime here. Surely, this is where I am to learn the purpose of my journey. I speed through the stacks of books at the Library of Congress. So many books! I must advise the Emperor that he must setup a similar system in Kyoto. The librarians had to push me out of the door each night as I spent every waking moment possible reading there. I also visited the National Archives where the words of the American founding fathers were available for all to see. This is truly a great nation to allow all the common people to share in this cultural history.

Finally, I began my trip through the Smithsonian system. When I am too old to fight and serve the Emperor, I will ask for permission to retire here, to live the remainder of my life in the books, recordings, and videos. My student spirit calls to me strongly here. I can hardly contain myself discovering knowledge more wondrous than the previous. This Air & Space museum seems impossible. Even though I have been on airplanes–which still remain a miracle each time–surely humans traveling to space must be trickery. Rockets and missiles have to be a child’s fantasy! What is a simple warrior like me to do with such mind-boggling ideas?

The Samurai Guy » Washington DC

Washington, DC – WWII Memorial

Washington, DC – Capitol Building