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Léonie Gilmour

Léonie Gilmour

by | August 19, 2023 | Blog, Woman Power

Léonie Gilmour

Exploring nooks and crannies leads to the discovery of resilient historical figures, continually gratifying innate curiosity leading to a plethora of fascinating things and people to probe and explore.

Amazing women figures continue to appear here and there with incredible stories—this particular story comes from the dawn of the industrialisation of the Meiji era.

Portrait of Leonie Gilmour Uni Student - Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

The star of this particular intriguing tale from Meiji comes from the remarkable Léonie Gilmour, an educator, editor and journalist hailing from Manhattan New York—entry to earth’s atmosphere—June 17, 1873.

Exhibiting remarkable academic prowess from early in life, she was one of the few students to pass the Bryn Mawr Women’s College rigorous graduation requirements and was awarded the inaugural four-year college scholarship for her effort.

It was here she first encountered Tsuda Umeko—one of the first Japanese exchange students to American, her first exposure to a native Japanese citizen, a lifelong connection to Japan forever set in motion.

In 1901, she answered a classified advertisement placed by Yone Noguchi, who was a 25-year-old Japanese writer having recently arrived in New York. 

Yone Noguchi-Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Although Noguchi had spent seven years in California and had published two books of English poetry, his language skills were still insufficient to take him to a higher level. 

Léonie became his editor, successfully facilitating Noguchi to publish a fictional diary entitled—The American Diary of a Japanese Girl.

- Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

The relationship may have been a little too successful, as even in those prudish Victorian times, the carnal desires of human flesh could not be denied—Léonie also was Noguchi’s lover, and the mother of Yone Noguchi’s love-child—Isamu Noguchi, the renowned sculptor.

Just as their relationship was waning, Léonie discovered she had become pregnant during the receding days of the relationship, but rather than pressing Noguchi for a reconciliation, she chose to join her mother in Los Angeles, where she gave birth to Isamu.

Portrait of Isamu Noguchi - Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

The plot thickens as Noguchi the philandering poet was already engaged to another woman, Ethel Armes—where upon confirming the veracity of the story caused her to canceled her engagement to Noguchi.

Over the next several months, Noguchi induced Gilmour to come to Japan, but by the time she arrived in March 1907, the adulterous Noguchi had become involved with Takeda Matsuko.

Upon hearing the truth about the existence of Takeda Matsuko, Léonie separated from Noguchi in 1909.

Léonie gave birth to her second child, a daughter, Ailes Gilmour, to which this day the father’s identity remains a mystery.

Portrait of Ailes Gilmour - Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

In order to support herself and her two children Léonie worked at a Yokohama school, and privately tutored the children of Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo).

Léonie and Ailes continued to reside in Japan until 1920 when they returned to the United States ending up in New York.

Having preordained Isamu to be an artist, she then successfully dissuaded him from attending medical school, redirecting him to his true destiny as an important artist.

Isamu Noguchi- Driven to Create - Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

An outstanding individual by any measure, she also co-authored or authored some works attributed to Noguchi, such as The American Diary of a Japanese Girl.

In fact much of Noguchi’s best writing was accomplished with her editorial prowess, and it is questionable whether Noguchi would have achieved his level of success if it were not for her adroit literary and editing skills.

In 2009, filmmaker Matsui Hisako created a film based on Léonie’s life, an unforgettable human drama about fortitude and resilience of this powerful woman in Meiji Era Japan.

An incredible life embodying what it means to be remarkable—the indelible Léonie Gilmour exited earth’s atmosphere—December 31, 1933—goodbye for now dear Léonie, and thank you so very much for your deeply inspirational story.

Leonie Gilmour with Japanese friends and Isamu Noguchi - Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Bungaku Mama

Bungaku Mama

by | June 17, 2023 | Blog, Inspiration, Woman Power

Bungaku Mama

One can not help but to reflect deeply upon the extraordinary durability of an innocent girl—Yasuda Eiko, this author’s beloved Mother-in-law—entry into Earth’s atmosphere—September 18, 1939.

文学ママ幼稚 - Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

A truly merciless beginning to say the least, during Ms. Yasuda’s toddlerhood, her city was incinerated by the American war machine, using a brand new instrument of subjugation and death; napalm—developed in a secret laboratory at Harvard University in 1942.

Over 40,000 tons of napalm incendiary devices were rained upon all major Japanese cities, and this particular instrument of death and destruction was specifically designed to destroy Japanese civilian houses in the failed attempt to annihilate the entire Japanese civilised foundation.

Greatest man-made disaster in history - Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

The Pacific Crusades are reflected in the immortal words of the All American Death Merchant Curtis LeMay.

—“Killing Japanese never bothered me”—

—“If we’d lost the war, we’d all have been prosecuted as war criminals”—

These statement continue to reflect the true nature of the Western Industrial Military Complex—their maniacal philosophy of destruction and carnage of other ways of life and civilization continues unabated as the depraved warmongers stated objective—now officially declared—FreeDumb & Demagoguery.

War Criminals George W Bush - Donald Rumsfeld - Dickwad Cheney - Land Of The Rising Son

Ms. Yasuda was just 5 years-old when Mother Earth experienced the world’s first nuclear holocaust perpetrated by the GHQ upon Japanese civilians, thereby eventually subduing the frisky transitional Japanese nation in that particular epoch of Hardcore History.

Ms. Yasuda was so very fortunate to see her father once again upon his return from the Pacific Crusade—having dodged the proverbial bullet—the gentle soul of Yasuda Eiji—also a victim of circumstance of that day.

安田榮治 - Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Fortunately for the young Ms. Yasuda, the resilience of her family shone brightly, their family rebuilding to such a degree they were able to send their only daughter to matriculate at the Showa Women’s University, a rare event in light of the situation of that day.

Graduating in 1962—a year before the author of this article entered Earth’s atmosphere in ’63—she obtain a degree in Japanese literature—thus dignifying the apt moniker—Bungaku Mama.

Bungaku Mama YearBook - Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersenseiA highly literate woman full of warmth and knowledge, she received lectures from some of the literary luminaries of the time.

Receiving inspirational guidance from such towering Japanese literary figures such as Ishimori Nobuo, renowned for Kotan no Kuchibue, and the likes of Kusano Shinpei, a seminal poet who was also recognized for distinguished service to the culture of Japan.

草野心平 - Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Not only is her comprehension of Japanese language extensive, she is also a highly skilled mahjong player—meeting weekly with her girlfriends who are also soul-mates—living a full vibrant life in the suburbs of Yokohama—83 years-young, spirited, and spry.

One has always been a huge fan of pithy drivel and banal platitudes—thus, the following age-old adage rings daily so ever true:

—when the student is ready the teacher appears—

This wayward boy is so highly honoured to have been chosen for this unprecedented opportunity to receive Enlightenment Events at the knee of the congenial, and oh so powerful Bungaku Mama—internalizing her nuggets of wisdom—while receiving personal lectures from some of the greatest Japanese literary figures—via Bungaku Mama tutelage—in a second generational kind of way.

Bungaku Mama With Masatoshi Kodama - Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Enlightenment Event:
The following recording contains the firsthand account of Bungaku Mama’s father’s return from war, the food situation during the war, and her personal encounter with Crown Princess Michiko.

 

 

Bacon Sensei

Bacon Sensei

by | June 10, 2023 | Blog, Education, Inspiration, Woman Power

Bacon Sensei

Alice Mabel Bacon—entry into Earth’s atmosphere—February 26, 1858—American East-Coastian daughter of a Victoria era college professor—Alice Bacon was called to Material Sludge duty during Meiji Restoration.

At the end of Sakoku 1.0—Bakufu Matsu period—Japanese civilization was encouraged to initiate industrialization—the dominant spawn egged on from the Age of Reason—from where the irreproachable Alice Mabel Bacon came.

Galileo Galilei - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Ms. Bacon is truly a remarkable figure in the spectrum of Enlightened Education—reflecting her altruistic pedagogical notion—enlightened Emerita Professor, in alliance with Tsuda Umeko having created a powerhouse civilized union.

Two foundational women responsible for wedding the Age of Reason to the sacred  Japanese Way—two pure hearts beating as the ΩNE catalyst—stoking evolution of human edification—embodying the notion of kaizen—incrementally enhancing life in all—ban butsu.

If ever in doubt where to start a story, or anything for that matter, start from the Beginning Again.

In 1872 Mori Arinori, an influential figure on the Iwakura Mission, selected Alice‘s family as one of the earliest examples of an overseas homestay.

Arinori Mori - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

In this particular instance, a twelve-year-old Japanese student of the Meiji Restoration, (Yamakawa Sutematsu) was united with her puritanical sisterly brethren, Alice Mabel Bacon representative of the burgeoning North American Union.

Keep in mind, this was the Genesis of Civilization 3.0—when the Meiji government sent five girls for an overseas excursion + edification as part of the Legendary Iwakura Mission.

Iwakura Mission - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

ΩNE can only surmise as to the wonders these girls felt for each other—marvelling at their distinctively bifurcated cultures—revealed via the love of edification and learning—illuminated over the fleeting notion of a single decade—in essence merely an ephemeral rhyme.

Undoubtedly, this exclusive insider knowledge into the mind of a Japanese Meiji era teenager prepared Alice Bacon for the coming superlative experiences—forging Alice Bacon’s legacy as the Occxie counterpart to Tsuda Umeko—visionaries of Feminine Erudition—revealed through pathways inside the spectrum of the exalted and sublime.

In 1888, Bacon Sensei manifested Grace in the form of an invitation to Japan, originating from her homestay bosom-buddy, Princess Oyama Sutematsu, with a CC to her Spirit-Sister Tsuda Umeko, and when ask to come, Alice stated unequivocally “Yes, I can.”

Sutematsu Alice Ukeko Shigeko - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Her initial excursion was as a language instructor at Gakushuin Women’s School, where for the first time she saw with her own two eyes—in what has been described by another Meiji luminary by the name of Patrick Hearn: Fairyland.

Did Bacon Sensei have one iota of an inkling, she and her spiritual sister Aunty Umeko would resolve into ΩNE unified prodigious Women Educator shining beams of light into the darkness of ignorance and mental poverty—extension of knowledge—edification into ban butsu—with humility, dignity, and boundless civilized reach.

Unequivocally, her inaugural experience of Japan was a profoundly formative ΩNE—observing the idiosyncratic nature of Japanese society—the manifestation of most curiously profound communal notions—in actuality, standard protocol of the Japanese.

Japanese Meiji Era Women - Land Of The Rising Son

What did Japanese society look like in the year of Meiji 21—through the baby-blue eyes of this Occxie Puritanical Girl—the anointed ΩNE.

The Way of the Japanese seemed quite shocking at first, for dear Alice Bacon was raised as a nondenominational puritanical Christian.

For certain there were times when Alice undoubtably felt a little bewildered on the initial trip—for this exquisite fairyland is certainly reminiscent of a novel by Lewis Carrol—whose main character, as a matter of fact, and just like beloved Alice Bacon, also had a marvellous trip inside a metaphysical surreal wonderland.

Alice in Wonderland - Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Truth be known—through understanding the consequence of Alice Bacon’s lifework—ΩNE has come to appreciate her having successfully transcended the withering notion of monotheism.

Through the serendipity of having been spiritually enriched much more deeply she thought possible, if not for her visceral  experiences in this series of islands that is called Japan.

The fundamental innate notion of the Japanese embodies Infinite Truth—the notion of ban butsu—life in all.

The Japanese archipelago is favored with a plethora of hot springs due to the volatile volcanic nature of her geography.

Japanese Volcano - Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Since the beginning of time, communal bathing is standard operating procedure inside the community of Japan.

Imagine the East Coastian American girl, stripped of her wear naked and vulnerable—her spirit and soul laid bare, in the women’s bath—where she was to share Japanese style cleanliness, with her Japanese compatriots in the mysterious hinyari chilly night air.

Perhaps this is where the feminine Alice discovered and embraced her authentic corporeal tendency, while soaking up the uncanny Japanese notion—the genuine Meaning of Love.

Filial piety - Land Ωf The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Several years later, in April 1900, Bacon Sensei was invited back to Japan to help establish the Joshi Eigaku Juku, the forerunner of Tsuda University, then, finally returning to her ancestral home of Connecticut in the spring of 1902—exiting Earth’s atmosphere—May 1, 1918.

Bacon Sensei’s divine mission-accomplished was the successful merging of her puritanical soul and the spirit of Aunty Umeko fruiting into modern Japan—the creator of Civilization Three.

Modern and ancient Japan all together now - Land Of The Rising Son

Maggie May Way

Maggie May Way

by | June 3, 2023 | Blog, Education, Inspiration, Woman Power

Maggie May Way

It is a rare mammal fortunate enough to have been assigned to such an extraordinary mother, whose name is Maggie May—time of entry into Earth’s atmosphere—August 24, 1940.

Marg on cloud - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Growing through childhood, ΩNE saw Maggie May as somewhat of a normal kind of Occidental mother.

Margaret Circa 1958 - - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Raised by the dainty and sweet-meek Christina Primrose Addison, and her deeply self-matriculated spouse Alistair Kean Richardson in a large city, and then in a pristine area of Northern British Columbia.

Al and Chrissy with Marg as toddler - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

The summers were divine, like fine delicious Shuswap Wine, but the penalty for these snippets of paradise was extremely harsh winters.

Frozen face of a beautiful girl - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Undoubtably, several months in a row of Arctic-like temperature with the numbers far far below the Celsius freezing point, which in case ya’ll didn’t know, is set to ZERO.

Deep within her was an eloquent survival mechanism—forge in a small cottage, with a wooden stove, and an outhouse for relief—what’s for breakfast today Chrissy—oh, same old porridge, again and again.

Red River serial - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Maggie May had droves of trials and tribulations to scrutinize her fortitude and resolve, along with the subconscious desire to forge a new destiny for her Clan, thus Maggie May is among the greatest leaders of any Awesome Fam.

Always introspective and judicious in her motherly duties, she was so very comforting when a downtrodden elementary 3rd grade student came crying home from school.

A drooling government employee was having a bad hair and foul breath day, taking it out on a random victim in an abominable way.

Catholic Nun Corporal Punishment - Land Of The Rising Son

Hint٩(♡ε♡ )۶Mint 

This is know as yatsu atari.

If ΩNE is looking to advance in any meaningful way, always best to avoided yatsu atari like the plague—for if not doing so—consider yourself like the plague, but worse—to be dealt with accordingly—smothered in warm-sticky-gooey—fuzzy-tree-hugging—deep-seated-judicious—notion of exacting unconditional Love.

I DON’T LOVE YOU, I LIKE YOU A LOT - - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Whether divine intervention or pure coincidence, the powerful Way of Maggie May came into full play—in this momentous instance, Maggie May also happened to be Chairperson of the local school-board for several years, including on that particular day.

At the end of the Mal Matriculation school year—this han-men-kyō-shi (poor-example-do-not-follow) was sent along into another dead-end hallway—good riddance to parasites was the marching order of that day.

Nepotism - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Was this due to Maggie May’s clout pulling strings behind the scenes when she was out and about—one thing to make absolutely clear—for all those who need to hear—this scenario is highly unlikely, as nepotistic usage of power is simply not the Maggie May Way.

Maggie May was always of the mind to talk things through—just between me and you—she always made sense on cue—verbally in a charming way—when her immature children went astray.

That was until the water-balloon play day ʅ（◞‿◟）ʃ

water-balloons - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersenseiAt 10¢ a pop, there’s nothing quite like a two-story drop—launch pad being little sisters innocent double bed alongside the windowsill—harbinger of a ghastly inevitable mega flop, in other words—slooshy slop.

After observing Maggie May diligently cleaning and scrubbing the house, in anticipation of city relatives arriving that day—the rebellious mega water balloon acted like an out of control buffoon—deciding to bequeath its watery treasure to little sisters now soggy soaked mattress, that fateful, and meaningful day.

This one off occasion is where she decided to remind her fine son, via a hand carved maple wooden spoon, containing tart stings, to emphasize and internalize the folly of this clandestine mischievous behaviour of water-balloon fun.

Maple wooden spoon - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Each of the seven sharp reminders was iterated poignantly by the sting of the spoon—she made it crystal clear—valid reasons for ΩNE’s well deserved tears, and what exactly she thought, of the tragic tale of the wayward water-balloon, and its accomplice—a 10-year-old mini-buffoon.

1—please

2—do

3—not

4—do

5—that

6—ever

7—again

Then, ΩNE was sent away for a deeper ponder and wilderness wander, therefore, thank you kindly Maggie May—sometimes tough love facilitates edification, thus growth into a more rounded humanistic way.

What about Chip On Shoulder ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The notion of Chip On Shoulder is something Maggie May rejects outright—urging all Other to quickly do the same.

Incessant churring of unpleasant murky past narration, remains the antithesis of the benevolent heart and rock solid constitution—the unshakable foundation of the Maggie May Way.

Bleeding Hearts - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

The past cannot be changed, yet there is freedom to think about life in a different style, sharper angle, a different perspective—how about starting to love ONESELF—a unique Infinite journey—start now today. 

For it was her beloved husband, and the situation from whence he came—he soothed his weary and restless soul using the common protocol of medicating emotional suffering with large amounts of alcohol.

In order to properly mitigate this niggling issue, and as the family glue, she took it upon herself to study alcoholism from a practical self-matriculated point of view.

Over the next 10 years, starting with correspondence and night classes at Okanagan college, she then graduated from a prestigious university, a phycologist with the authoritative power and fortitude to understand those who are suffering, and bring the past to heal. 

University of Victoria diploma - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei
Not all mammals are honoured to have such an exemplary example—seeing ΩNE’s mother retreat upstairs after long days—more countless hours at her simple desk—deep inside the nooks of books—whisking her to Infinity Space—vision for the human race—the Muse dictating the pathways of faith.

Not to say the word proud out loud, as pride always comes before the fall from vainglory.

Marg grad picture with Meiji and Katsuo - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

However, in this miraculous instance, the truth must be told, this boy wandering in the Land Of The Rising Son, could not be more honoured to have originated from her sublime DNA—her divine notion of self-matriculation intrinsic motion— inculcated at the benevolent knee of sweet Maggie May.

Master Disciple - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Bonus(*≧∀≦*)Balls

Talk to a stranger *\(^o^)/*

One of the most important lessons at the knee of Maggie May, was the Emotion Notion to engage with strangers, establishing channels while modulating the Universal Love Frequency—the ΩNE truth of humanity.

Maggie May Education Story 01 - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Maggie May Education Story 02 - Land ΩF The Rising SΩN - cybersensei

Who Is Tokyo Rose?

Who Is Tokyo Rose?

by | September 10, 2022 | Blog, Inspiration, Woman Power

Who Is Tokyo Rose?

Who Is Tokyo Rose?

Often—life is about—time—place—opportunity.

Circumstances of the times.

Tokyo Rose was an American-born, Japanese woman who hosted a Japanese propaganda radio program for U$A GIs during World War II.

Tokyo Rose Iva Toguri - Land Of The Rising Son

After graduating with a doctorate of medicine from UCLA in 1941, life dramatically changed through a twist of fate.

As a graduation gift, Tokyo Rose was sent back to Japan to visit her sick aunt.

Shortly after arriving, the tension between Japan and the U$A escalated quickly—making it impossible for her to return home—as the last ship for America—left without her— so here she was stranded—in the Land Of The Rising Son.

Stay In Japan Ms Tokyo Rose - Land Of The RIsing Son

Anything can happen during times of conflict, and sure enough, the knock came on the door from the Japanese secret police while Tokyo Rose was staying at her beloved aunty’s house.

They came to demand she renounce her U.S. citizenship and pledge loyalty to the Japanese emperor.

She refused, thus becoming an enemy alien who was then denied a food ration card.

In 1942 Tokyo Rose’s family property was appropriated by the Democrat American government.

Her entire family was relocated to the notorious Japanese interment camps—her family’s new home—the parched desert of Arizona.

Japanese Interment Camps - Land Of The Rising Son

The letters between her and her parents stopped, and she was suddenly isolated without information about their lives.

Perhaps it was the innate Japanese DNA inside her spirit whispering:

When life gives one lemons, make lemonade.

wazuwai tenjite fuku to nasu
災いを転じて福となす

American Occupation of Japan - Land Of The Rising Son

So she started work at an English-newspaper listening to short-wave-radio newscasts and transcribing them into Japanese.

Her next job was with Radio Tokyo, typing scripts for programs to be broadcast to the isolated American foot soldiers in Southeast Asia.

She was then unexpectedly asked to host a show called the “Zero Hour” an entertainment program directed at the American soldiers.

American Soldiers Commiting War Crimes - Land Of The Rising Son

Part of the mystery of Tokyo Rose is the affection the U.S. soldiers felt when they heard her feminine Japanese voice.

For certain they were delighted to listen to her, all the while imaging an exotic geisha, as reflected in the propaganda films shown to the Americans before departing Happy-land to fight the resilient Japanese in the Pacific theatre.

Xenophobia in the United States

Her real name was Iva Toguri, and she never referred to herself as Tokyo Rose, but called herself Orphan Annie when on air.

Tokyo Rose was actually a term coined by the lonely forlorn American GIs in the South Pacific when listening to her soothing voice and music from home which made them melancholy and despondent.

After the end of World War II in 1945, the American Army began to investigate her as a traitor, accusing her of treason for broadcasting Japanese propaganda while detaining her for a full year before release due to lack of evidence.

Tokyo Rose Mug Shot Sugamo Prison - Land Of The Rising SonWoefully, the misery was not over for this unfortunate prisoner of fickle fate.

Tokoyo Rose In Sugamo Prison - Land Of The Rising Son

Her painful ordeal did not end with the two atomic holocaust events perpetrated by the American military upon Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the Japanese people, nor her year-long detention at Sugamo prison.

Her story was made national news in America by a sour, long forgotten old man by the blasé name Walter Winchell.

A despicable Occxie who hated people of colour, especially strong women of colour, such as Tokyo Rose.

He was backed up the notorious William Randolph Hearst, and these parasites of humanity could be accredited with the start of smutty slander journalism, which is now on full display across the rags and boob tube channels permeating the American media infesting the citizens minds with the ugly virus of exceptionalism.

Tokyo Rose Arrested in USA - Land Of The Rising SonTokyo Rose Arrested in USA - Land Of The Rising Son

He called for her to be returned to the U.S. so she could be tried, so in 1948, President Truman acted and she was eventually charged with treason.

Tokyo Rose became only the seventh person in U.S. history to be convicted of treason.

In her 1949 trial she was conviction on one of eight counts of treason, she was paroled from prison in 1956.

Tokyo Rose - Iva Toguri Prison Parol 1956 - Land Of The Rising Son

This is what is know as scapegoating and the American Empire have this nefarious protocol down to an evil science.

Perhaps the also servers to take the attention away from the war crimes that American military perpetrated upon Japan, not only by torching their cities with napalm, but the nuclear holocaust events perpetrated upon innocent Japanese civilians.

東京大空襲 - Land Of The Rising Son

True to the nefarious nature of the American Empire, in 1974, investigative journalists discovered important witnesses had asserted that they were forced to lie during testimony.

They stated that F.B.I. and U.S. occupation police had coached them for months about what they should say on the stand, and they had been threatened with treason trials themselves if they did not cooperate.

Corruption in the FBI - Say it isn't so - Land Of The Rising Son

U.S. President Ford pardoned Tokyo Rose in 1977 based on these revelations and earlier issues with the original indictment.

Tokyo Rose—an accidental historical figure—a life destroyed by vindictive victor’s justice—by the morally bankrupt American empire—which continues to perpetrate heinous acts of violent aggression upon Oneness—up until this very day.

Tokyo Rose - Iva Toguri Movie Poster - Land Of The Rising Son

​

Royal Tutor – Elizabeth Vining

Royal Tutor – Elizabeth Vining

by | August 13, 2022 | Blog, Inspiration, Woman Power

Royal Tutor – Elizabeth Vining

Royal Tutor – Elizabeth Vining

The profound influence upon Japan of Ms. Vining, a Quaker English instructor can not be disregarded.

Quakers beliefs include the idea that the presence of God exists in every person―just like the Japanese―rejecting elaborate religious ceremonies and believed in spiritual equality of all

The Quakers also practice pacifism and played a key role in both the abolitionist and women’s rights movements.

Elizabeth Vining was personally selected by Emperor Hirohito to become the private tutor to then Crown Prince Akihito from 1946 to 1950.

Elizabeth Grey Vining Portrait- Land Of The Rising Son

Emperor Hirohito had two requirements.

He wanted a woman tutor, as he didn’t think the Crown Prince had enough feminine influence in his life.

Keep in mind, as was protocol in the Japanese royal family, Akihito was separated from his parents at the age of 3 to be raised by other adults in the imperial household.

He saw his parents only once a week.

裕仁と皇后 - Land Of The Rising Son

The other requirement was that the tutor be a Christian, but not a fanatic.

This meant Emperor Hirohito had no desire to see his son converted to Christianity, which as the head of Shintoism was an unfounded concern anyway.

Indeed unlike most other sects and faction of Christians, the Quaker do not actively try to convert others to the dogma of Christianity.

Even so, the influence of an American pacifist on the young prince was regarded with resentment by right-wing intellectuals who complained that Akihito had contracted a spiritual and intellectual ‘fungus’ from his tutor.

Mushrooms - Land Of The Rising Son

However, Ms. Vining carried out her mandate brilliantly opening a window to the world along with the desire to set him intellectually free.

She also expanded Crown Prince Akihito cloistered palace world by inviting Akihito and his classmates to her Western-style home one afternoon a week.

Elizabeth Gray Vining with Akihito and Friend- Land Of The Rising Son

As is often the case with foreigners who come to Japan unaware of the rigid hierarchy of structure of Japan, she gave each of her pupils an English name to break down formality and encourage more democratic interactions.

Even today in modern Japan today, the strict hierarchy structure of Japan does not facilitate any sort of “democratic interaction” among the rigid social system of Japanese society.

The nicknames “Jimmy” given to the Crown Prince Akihito was not embraced for when she first called him “Jimmy,” he replied:

“I am not ‘Jimmy,’ I am the Crown Prince.”

Culture point: The Japanese are very rarely on the first name basis with anyone―except the immediately family―and more often than not―not even then.

Elizabeth Gray Vining Shaking Akihito's Hand - Land Of The Rising SonSome of the important concepts instilled during Ms. Vining’s tenure came from reading a biography of Abraham Lincoln, discussing Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence, and shared hopes for world peace.

One could say the teaching of these universal principles planted seeds and lead to them rising from the ashes of the war―thus creating the Third Pillar of Civilization―Japan.

Indeed the merging of East and West civilizations started in earnest with overseas missions during the Meiji restoration― in particular, the Iwakura Mission.

Iwakura Mission - Land Of The Rising Son

The Iwakura Mission truly marks the beginning of the industrialization miracle of the Meiji Restoration, culminating Mr. Vining’s serendipitous trip to Japan where she blew her fairy dust on the Crown Prince, changing the course of the Japanese forever.

Interestingly enough, she also lectured at Tsuda College, which was established by the author of this article wife’s Great Aunty―Umeko Tsuda, who also became a Quaker during her time in the United States, starting from 1871.

One could say Tsuda Umeko is the tutelar deity of Oneness―just as Ms. Vining― their philosophy aligned that education should focus on developing individual intelligence and personality, creating harmony inside oneself, and by extension the world.

Tsuda Umeko on the new-five-thousand-yen-bill-Banner

One could say having this elegant female Quaker instilling the Crown Prince with the universal values innate in all those connecting to Oneness is herself a tutelar deity surely worthy of recognition.

Indeed, this mostly forgotten historical figure played a significant role in pointing the way of the future to 125th Emperor of Japan, and one can feel her influence permeating the “air” of Japan, even until this very day.

Elizabeth Gray Vining also wrote the book: “Windows for a Crown Prince” in 1952, and referred to her tutelage of Akihito “a fairy story.”

Elizabeth Gray Vining wrote the book- “Windows for a Crown Prince” in 1952 - Land Of The Rising Son

“It’s a fairy story, in that a quite Philadelphia Quaker was picked up and transported halfway across the world and dropped into the heart of the oldest and most mysterious royal court in the world.”

For this serendipitous miracle―an important catalyst for the merging of the Western and Japanese mind―she was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure shortly before her return to the United States in 1950.

Order of the Sacred Treasure - Land Of The Rising Son

Japan is continuing the natural progression of its ancient civilization as the Japanese continue to blend Eastern and Western values creating a common moral foundation to build our societies upon while seeing new world paradigms, tomorrow and today.

Emperor Akihito With Empress Michiko - Land Of The Rising Son

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