– Amrit Ratna Tuladhar
Did you ever know that Japan of the Far East is called the “Great Land of the Rising Sun”? Incidentally, the Second World War broke out in 1939 and ended up in 1945 with Japan as the last axis power to surrender after all. Thus it lasted for some seven consecutive years in all. Needless to remark, the Axis Power included but three bully countries like Germany, Italy and Japan whilst the Allies Power included the rest of the globe that you can think or imagine of, you see. In the very beginning, the multi-lateral battle was but confined within the European soils. Later the Japanese declared war on the British and the Americans under the inevitable decree set forth by Emperor Hirohito himself. They quickly captured British colonies like Singapore, Malaya and Burma. They tortured heavily the other nations like China, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, etc. A nominal example on how the obnoxious Japanese gave the Britons and the Americans big troubles would sum up as the real story of, against any fiction that is, The Bridge on the River Kwai. I bet no one could endure the rough behaviors of the merciless Japanese if you do by the way attend the world famous “Academy Award Winner” motion-picture during your leisure period. The cruelty rested on the Allies Party stood heavily sinful. It was based on the true incidents that took place in South-East Asia as penned by Pierre Boulle in French and soon after got translated into English by Xan Fielding. Later the marvelous title was put in celluloid as well and was enjoyed by millions. The others who suffered so by turning out to be the living slaves included the Australians (Aussies), Siamese and Indians. Here however I wish to focus on the particular combat fought between the stocky Yankees and the tough Japanese in the Pacific — the largest ocean existing on this planet of ours. And mind you very well, Asia is the “Cradle of Civilization” as well.
On the 7th of December 1941, the Japanese Air Force launched a sinister attack on Pearl Harbor — the capital of Hawaii amongst the fifty states incurred within the United States of America. This in event angered Washington D.C. just to trigger the Pacific Battle which also terminated with the atomic bombing on Hiroshima and Nagasaki within the Empire of Japan on the 6th of August 1945 and the 9th of August 1945 respectively. Now that we can clearly view how the Pacific Battle commenced and how it saw an end to the mutual benefits of both the Americans and the Asians. Hiroshima and Nagasaki were believed to be the two chief army bases of the Japanese. Hence, the United States of America decided to drop the first two atomic bombs on these bases with a fixed target by all means in order to end the Second World War in an entire manner. The First Atom Bomb was called the “Little Boy” whilst the Second Atom Bomb was called the “Fat Man.” Competitive motion pictures, either feature or documentary, numerous in number, have been produced technically regarding the Pacific Battle, quite unforgettable in nature. Finally, Japan was put under compulsion to surrender conditionally and unconditionally on the 2nd of September 1945. They had to sign an armistice to the effective benefit of both the sides. A chance of an elusive escape never arose at all. Hence I do feel that the treaty has been formally respected ever after. The Allies Party of the United States of America was virtually led by General Douglas Mac Author who later was also honored with the substantial title of the “Caesar of the Pacific.” This was a prestigious decoration conferred on the famous general who also by the way stood very victorious in the Second Great War at the end. Germany, Italy and Japan got totally insulted. Any way, it was the stupid villains who started waging a colossal war unnecessarily over the seven seas of course. Victory for the Allies after all. According to a hearsay reumor, it is also believed that Tokyo was forced to sign a special notion under the armistice held thus that the Japanese were probihited or not authorized to manufacture any lethal weapon in the foreseeable future without the proper consent of Washington D.C. by all means.
The utter defeat the Japanese witnessed reluctantly stood as a colossal loss of the Imperial Government of Japan. It was an enormous loss of time, money, energy and man-power. The Land Force, the Air Force and the Navy Force all the three of them faced many hazardous difficulties. Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in particular, suffered so terribly than elsewhere, you see. They could not deal with the atomic energy of the Yankees. However after repenting seriously, Japan took radical steps very fast in rebuilding the island empire sandwiched by the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean lying on either sides on the northern hemisphere very obviously. It was transformed into a highly developed nation. Industrialization was the major aspect on the long run. Thus soon after, Japan was conferred on the honorary title of the “Britain of the East.” Have you ever observed such a spontaneous rise or ever heard of such a gigantic leap elsewhere! Praise be Tokyo who saw the swift management of rapid progress and development towards a more meaningful direction. In other words, she was counted as an advanced developed country once more against any other developing country existing on earth. She was again able to lead the other nations very competitively. They bore the fortunate opportunity of becoming the industrial leaders in the international arena. Yes, affirmatively the challenge got paid in due course. Life is struggle-some and we require to pay a grand attention to our efforts and endeavors on our dutiful ventures. Nevertheless, the Japanese possess enough of moderate courage. The first woman on earth to scale to the summit of Mt. Everest most triumphantly is none other than Junko Tabei of Japan. Why climb Mt. Everest? Because it is there! What an ambitious decision she held at hand. Alas, she has passed away. May her soul rest in eternal peace and sublime happiness. May she attain cosmic Nirvan. We also pray to Lord Buddha may he grant the Japanese society the required strength in enduring the irreparable loss. Thanks heaven Madam Junko Tabei was granted the official permission by the Government of Nepal to conquer Mt. Everest with top success. Praise be her joyous victory. She became a celebrated heroine of Japan with all zeal and enthusiasm. She is a favorite daughter of the “Land of the Rising Sun” indeed The Government of Nepal is further obliged much to publish a postage stamp dedicated to Junko Tabei in honor of the dreadful risk she has boldly taken to build any international history. Hope her name is already registered in the Genius Book. We desire much to fetch a glimpse of the glamorous page some day. Any how, Junko Tabei deserves a paramount applause for her heroic deed.
In the beginning, when the “Second Great War” just started, Washington D.C. never thought of entering the global conflict at all. Instead, she firmly resolved to develop her own sub-continent sandwiched by the Atlantic to the east and by the Pacific to the west. She bears her own problems to retain the safety of her own big country. Needless to remark, the Pacific appears to be the largest ocean in the world whilst the Atlantic to remain as the second largest serially. Or more accurately, she decided to stay completely neutral. She would neither proceed going in favor of the Allies Party nor of the Axis Party. But the formidable sky attack launched by the Japanese Army without any mercy in the Pacific compelled her or forced her to take the mandatory steps to deal with their bitter Asian foes. In other words, they could not avoid participating in the II Great War. Just to remind you plainly for a while, Germany showed up as the most powerful party in the Continent of Europe whilst Japan showed up as the most powerful party in the Continent of Asia between 1939 and 1945 a period set historically indeed. Incidentally, they both had to give up in 1945 which marked the total end of the Second Global Conflict. The military stamina’s of the Axis Party was destroyed which witnessed a complete collapse on their side. They bid farewell to the fatal arms. Therefore we must be able to presume to exterminate war and manage to restore peace ever after. The Japanese are too blessed with the Martial Arts. They virtually include two in number like Judo and Karate the techniques of which are obliged to function but at a time of sheer need. Practice the unarmed combat of Judo and Karate for any self-defense only, never to play the role of any offense at all. We are also not allowed to possess any lethal weapon in person. Remember that the Martial Arts does form a part of Buddhism. It is a merry pride of the Asian continent where it started and later got spread out to all corners nestled within the two hemispheres. As such, my interesting narration conjures up as a sudden sign of war and peace sharing similarity with Count Leo Tolstoy’s War & Peace. Tolstoy was a remarkable novelist of Russia — also a nation that joined the Allies Party during the Second Great War.
Great men have lived and perished in Japan. Rev. Ekai Kawaguchi was a High Lama of Japan who decently advised the nation to concentrate on patriotism and education — the two factors which strictly proved to be the much essential elements for any radical development plus progress. Chronological history indicates that Ven. Kawaguchi had visited Nepal before venturing to Lhasa of Tibet. In other words, he stopped by Kathmandu Valley on his decent route to Lhasa Valley located in the tallest tableland on earth or the highest plateau in the world magnetic north. Rev. Nichidatsu Fuji was another High Lama of Japan who sought deep peace in mind in every corner on earth. Ven. Fuji was born on the 6th of August 1885 and also entered life eternal on the 6th of August 1995. What a superb coincidence in the cosmic incarnation dealing with a span of a century exactly. Nobody ever knew that Hiroshima would ultimately fall as a yielding victim to the Yankees on the 6th of August 1945, you see. The 6th of August would sound as an auspicious day for the other Japanese while it would sound a doomsday to Hiroshima where the innocent Japanese citizens eventually got killed in thousands in the long island. Three days later, Nagasaki was destroyed on the 9th of August 1945. This summed up as one of the worst disasters the Japanese have ever experienced during their life period. Let the Third Great War never take place at all. We ought to designate a stringent warning to the Veto Powers immediately. As such, let us all pray to Lord Buddha very sincerely for any safety and security in advance. We permanently lack liberty, freedom, democracy, human rights, civil rights, fundamental rights, non-alignment, secularism, independency, sovereignty, federalism. A World Peace Park has been established duly in Hiroshima in tragic memory of the melancholy event of 6th of August 1945. All are given a fervent welcome to view the enchanting monument. All are also obliged much to pay modest tribute to the heroes and other innocent mild civilians in general who fell in the Great War. Hence two renowned Venerable Monks from the Japanese isles have stepped into the Himalayan Republic of Nepal in hope of promoting love and fraternity all around.
Aftermath the Second Great War indeed, the Government of Japan decided to keep their empire a Zone of Peace. They would not ever participate in any aggression staged by any other country later at all. Tokyo Administration has also officially declared Nepal a “Zone of Peace.” W are immensely grateful to the Government of Japan by all means. Grand Master Fuji then solemnly resolved to erect 108 World Peace Pagodas around the world to spread the sentimental tenets as taught by Shakya-Muni Buddha — the Enlightened One around the two hemispheres. This also forms a sacred figure set up according to the number of beads contained in a handy rosary applicable in Buddhism. Two World Peace Pagodas were established in Nepal, in Pokhara and in Lumbini respectively. One was erected in Darjeeling — the Queen of Green Hills in Gorkhaland blessed by Mount Kanchenjunga also to propagate the intimate doctrines of the Buddha all around. It is trusted that the Buddhist temple built in Lumbini ranks as the biggest temple amongst the others. Please be informed well that Kanchenjunga with an altitude of 8,586 meters above the sea-level stands not only as the third highest snow-capped peak on earth but also the Queen of the Great Himalayan Ranges — the Abode of the Eternal Snows and the Abode of the Yeti, the Abominable Snow Man indeed. This is a universal understanding of course. And Kanchenjunga itself as a compound term according to any ancient oriental classical vernacular of Sanskrit signifies Pure Snow. Japanese trees were too transplanted in Darjeeling by the active ecologists a long period ago. Hence I would name or address it also a serene Shangri-La without any failure. Let us remain ecology conscious by conserving the chlorophyll forestations all around seen abundantly. Reforestation ought to be encouraged whilst deforestation to be discouraged totally, you see. Never just to forget, apply a reliable emphasis on afforestation rather. Felling trees would be pretty sinful and against the law as well. We have never forgotten that the world famous architect Kenjo Tange, also of Japan, prepared a Master Plan towards the imminent reformation of “Lumbini Village Peace Grove” — a World Heritage Site plus a Preserved Monumental Region. That the Government of Japan has helped the Government of Nepal on transforming Lumbini Domestic Airport into Lumbini International Airport is still in our humble minds.
The national religion of Japan is none other than Buddhism though it may possess ritual branches numerous in number. Some allege they pray to Lord Buddha as well as worship their ancestors and the existing nature together. Shakya-Sama happens to be their super natural power of course. Japan has come up to the sheer canker of war and has decided never to think of any battle in the foreseeable future at all. This turned out to be her firm determination. She has fully realized the wrath of any aggression and looks upon befriending all states incurred on earth. As such, Mount Fujiyama of Japan (holding an altitude of 3,776 meters above the sea-level) befriends Mount Sagarmatha of Nepal (holding an altitude of 8,848 meters above the sea-level), you see. Or more accurately, Mount Fujiyama happens to be the tallest mountain of the Japanese Empire whilst Sagarmatha to be the tallest mountain not only of Nepal but also of South Asia, of Asia, of Eurasia and of the world. The brave and the much talked Samurais of Japan of the Far East have sure embraced the brave and the much talked Gorkhalis of Nepal of South Asia as bosom companions forever. Bravo! This is called universal brotherhood by the way. Before than this, the Japanese militia had fought the Nepalese militia in Asia very severely — attacks followed by counter attacks in number numerous which we are all supposed to forget by now. Past is past. Gone are the days. Instead, let us all look forward to any revised reconciliation. Much to our surprise, the British Gorkhas of Darjeeling (today Gorkhaland) also fought the mighty military of the Japanese within the same Asian soils. A Gorkha soldier usually owns a personal nomenclature of Bahadur the title of which meaning brave and loyal, and have commonly been utilized by many. Thus the Nepalese Army comprises of the Gorkhas chosen or selected for their unanimous bravery and most of them belong to the Mongol race. Also bear in mind constantly that Japan and Nepal both happen to be Buddhist nations. They resemble to be congruent countries in the name of the Buddha Dharma. The trans-diplomatic relation occurs to be stable as well.
Rev. Onisaburo Deguchi also propounded the profound religion of Omoto which yet shows up as a pious part of authentic Buddhism. He introduced an international organization entitled ZIN RUI AIZEN KAI. The relative translation in due course goes: “Universal Love & Brotherhood Association.” A relevant branch chapter or office is registered in the capital city of Kathmandu. It teaches us to conduct meditation and retreat perpetually, the two required traditions every day or every week or every fortnight or every month leisure appearing in solid favor of us. We were also utterly shocked to hear of the brutal murder of Rev. Yugata Nawatame — the friendly jolly Japanese monk within the holy premises of Lumbini itself. He was shot dead by a non-Buddhist fundamentalist for sure. May the devilish outlaw killer go to hell straight. Thus do learn to understand out of the cold blooded murder that many on earth do envy Japan and Nepal at the moment. Thus let us both together approach very carefully on our remaining part of the journey till death do us apart. The reverend Bhante hailed all the way from Japan overseas in full support of Lumbini Village Peace Grove. His dream eventually failed and unwillingly had to face a wrong “karma” in Nepal of South Asia. Look at the type of treatment offered to a holy mankind who has decently showed up from the “Great Land of the Rising Sun.” Otherwise, he wanted to promote the overwhelming theory of “Buddhism from Lumbini to the World.” The sad demise of the respected Buddhist Bhikkhu or the monk or the novice or the caper or the hermit or the saint or the sage or the mendicant or the friar or the priest or the ascetic or the seer or the recluse put Lumbini Development Trust in tears tremendously. Everybody was shocked to hear of the untimely demise of Nawatame. As a matter of fact, the whole world stood indignant against the fanatics, to fear of the predators. Many did weep bitterly. The national project stood utterly perplexed to notice the incredible disaster that crept amongst any universal history. The philosophical prayers he verbally recited in Lumbini along with beating the handy drum still keep ringing in our ears in a mental mood. He shall too always remain in Nepal in our fond memory despite the massive isolation lying between Tokyo and Kathmandu. The heart of the Shangri-La kept on bleeding. (Lifelong Member ANANDA-KUTI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, E-mail: losthorizon@mail.com.np)
