I'm an advocate for peace. However, I believe Japan needs to maintain a strong military. Japan's location is very volatile region at this time. The US needs a strong ally there. Times are different now. All of what Mr. Harada says is true for his time. At this time, a strong military is the only option for Japan. We all know the main threat In the are is China.
8
Lt. Harada was probably aware that he would be heard by those countrymen who tried to publish in thier school textbooks thate the attack on the US Navy base at Pearl Harbor was done out of revenge for the United States dropping Atomic weapons on the mainland of Japan.
1
I taught college in Japan from 1988 to 1992. Prior to that, as a college official in the United States, I had met other young Japanese. It may surprise most of the other contributors to this forum, but what I observed was a postwar Bushido spirit in which most Japanese still believed they were racially and culturally superior to everyone else, and that the war in the Pacific was started by evil American racists who wanted to commit genocide against the Japanese.This attitude still exists, I think (well, just look at their whitewashed textbooks; just read again the comment by the 50+-year-old who said he'd had no idea what happened in World War II). I tend to throw down on the side of the Chinese, who were themselves the victims of Japan's egregious cultural and racial arrogance.
6
To bad the US has never learned anything as I am not 48 years old and I haven't known a day in my life the US hasn't been either in some kind of conflict in one form or another either covertly or blatantly. One heck of a legacy we have and one heck of an example we are when using words like freedom and democracy. What is the point of these words if it means no real peace and if prosperity comes at the cost of peoples lives into perpetuity. The wonderful military industrial complex.
3
Mr. Harada wisely raises many important points, all the more so in having seen it from so close. "They were fathers and sons, too. I didn't hate them or even know them. That is how war robs you of your humanity, by putting you in a situation where you must either kill perfect strangers or be killed by them." It's hard to imagine being more to the point than that.
Yet Mr. Harada fought for a power that brazenly attacked others, including China, Korea, the US and others, essentially forcing them to defend themselves. Today, other countries or swaths of territory are led by people who believe that war and territorial expansion are implements of policy--the path to political success or implementation of the will of God. As Mr. Harada knows, the war they espouse will in the end bring only suffering, death, and economic and political disaster.
Yet Mr. Harada fought for a power that brazenly attacked others, including China, Korea, the US and others, essentially forcing them to defend themselves. Today, other countries or swaths of territory are led by people who believe that war and territorial expansion are implements of policy--the path to political success or implementation of the will of God. As Mr. Harada knows, the war they espouse will in the end bring only suffering, death, and economic and political disaster.
3
Mr Harada tells an important story. Two things came to my mind after I read it. One reminded me of my correspondence with a Japanese woman who would be around 50 years old now. She was from rich parents and schooled in Britain. Her generation believed that the USA was wrong to drop the nuclear bombs on them. And they believe that Japan did not instigate our aggression IE the bombing of Pearl Harbour was not reason enough reason for us to nuke them. Such a mindset, I believe, is dangerous and we must never let down our guard. The second point he reminded me of is how the world looks at use. Japanese kids of todays generation saw the bombings during the Persian Gulf war. To them it was a harmless video game. Their view of it makes clear our military might is known throughout the world. The kids are in awe and respect us (and with a little bit of fear to feed the respect). Those people are our allies and we are obligated to protect them. It is egomaniacal greedy guys who control pieces of land and use its resources and citizens to purchase offensive military toys and scheme to attack the big USA military, that we need to keep at bay. Iran is one that comes to mind. We must always have the latest and greatest military. It is what works to maintain peace and order on this planet.
2
What is truly sad is that not only does the younger generation not have any experience in the horrors of war, but that the history of the war is not even taught in schools.
Maybe the horror of war was so great, the aftermath of Hiroshima and Nagasaki so difficult, that those in power thought it better to not even teach its history, rather than continually relive the pain.
It's a mistake. No matter how painful history is, it must be taught the way it happened, or future generations will live it again.
Maybe the horror of war was so great, the aftermath of Hiroshima and Nagasaki so difficult, that those in power thought it better to not even teach its history, rather than continually relive the pain.
It's a mistake. No matter how painful history is, it must be taught the way it happened, or future generations will live it again.
1
We must learn from the past to avoid making the same mistakes but there isn't much more that a nation or individual can do when faced with destruction but fight back.
2
If only the whole world could hear and embrace this message. I wish someone who give this man a broader audience base - perhaps a thoughtful filmmaker could capture Mr. Harada and his message and share it with everyone. We need this message so badly now.
11
Bless Mr. Harada for stepping forward to share the horrors of war. My Father was a WWII veteran. He refused to talk about the war saying only that the things he had witnessed were unspeakable.
Movies and video games celebrate killing and remove humanity from both the perpetrator and victim. They sanitize murder - whether criminal or political. I pray for the day when war is outlawed.
Movies and video games celebrate killing and remove humanity from both the perpetrator and victim. They sanitize murder - whether criminal or political. I pray for the day when war is outlawed.
16
I wish Mr. Harada could speak to our Congress and all of those who think a rush to war will restore the U.S. to greatness. It will, in fact, only diminish us in material wealth and in our humanity.
18
It is unfortunate that American war-mongers, like Dick Cheney and his under-study Ted Cruz, did not have a wise example like Mr. Harada to contribute to their deficient educations. Both America and Iraq would have been better for it.
23
The dangerous human desire to dominate and destroy others can never be underestimated. The world enjoyed 100 years of relative peace before World War I started. People can easily forget the horror of war. These days I see a lot of comments that treat war like video games. Not a good sign.
7
I believe the cat is out of the bag. I hope the gentleman can keep his country from taking up arms again, but this has now become the sporting event of the 21st century. No, I am not making light of this mess, I am reminding myself of an adage ---"Those that will not learn from History will be condemned to repeat it."
9
One day, after fishing with his beloved brothers as he had every Monday for 20 years, my uncle was missing when Lou and Joseph turned to go. They found him staring at a creek. After a moment he spoke, "I once stood by a creek just like this one, but it was red with Japanese blood from shore to shore." He was not exultant, he was heartbroken after slipping back to his youth in the Pacific island war. It took 5 decades for that sentence to emerge. Soon he told me all. Jack was once my boyhood's WWII hero, now he is my hero of peace and love.
26
The carrier has turned into the wind. Above the roar of the engine, the pilot releases his brakes, and heads down the flight deck. He has just enough fuel to reach his target, and the pilot knows it is his final mission. To find and sink a battleship none of us could see. With tears in our eyes, we wave him off. Good luck, Mr Harada, for our sake you must succeed.
12
The use of Zero fighter planes by Japan drew the US into World War II.
Indeed, time heels wounds and memories fade in its course.
Today Kaname Harada complains about young Japanese seeing war as a "harmless video game" and Crown Prince Naruhito is wary of "generations who have no direct knowledge of the war".
In the US, anti-Japanese sentiments are history, 70 years after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbour!
Indeed, time heels wounds and memories fade in its course.
Today Kaname Harada complains about young Japanese seeing war as a "harmless video game" and Crown Prince Naruhito is wary of "generations who have no direct knowledge of the war".
In the US, anti-Japanese sentiments are history, 70 years after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbour!
2
Thanks to Mr. Harada for speaking out for peace. Most veterans are strongly opposed to war because, as he says, it kills their humanity and it is often impossible to forget the killing and maiming they participated in for "patriotism and honor - MONEY". This is the problem, "“I am 54, and I have never heard what happened in the war,” said Takashi Katsuyama". The WWII generation underwent great hardship with the worldwide depression and wars but they were stoic and didn't say much about the horrors they endured and witnessed. Today military who oppose war speak up more often and work for peace. Good People of Japan - and Good People around the world - just look at the destruction caused by the recent tsunamis in Japan and the Philippines or the civil and physical destruction being caused in Syria, Africa, Ukraine and other places around the world where war is being waged. WE must all speak up, march and elect new leaders who want peace - not war. It's up to US.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_T%C5%8Dhoku_earthquake_and_tsunami
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_T%C5%8Dhoku_earthquake_and_tsunami
6
So true, so true. I wish more Americans could hear this and believe it. We have become a militarized society that puts its faith in dependence upon brute power and war. How particularly sad at this time when many are commemorating the power of love and redemption. How many are just putting out their Easter baskets with chocolate bunnies?
6
War for conquest or for acquisition of land is what Mr. Harada was warning his fellow countrymen to be wary of, Politicians and silver spoon arm chair General's are what Mr Harada was warning us to be cautious about.
War is ugly, destructive and can be downright evil. Unfortunately, there is evil in the world that must always be confronted by brave men and women of great moral principles.
Mr. Harada was a tool of the former and rightfully speaks out against the dangers of forgetting. The latter is an inconvenient truth about humanity.
War is ugly, destructive and can be downright evil. Unfortunately, there is evil in the world that must always be confronted by brave men and women of great moral principles.
Mr. Harada was a tool of the former and rightfully speaks out against the dangers of forgetting. The latter is an inconvenient truth about humanity.
3
I sincerely hope he is successful. It's a great pity that all old soldiers don't come out and warn young people about the horrors and stupidity of war. Politicians create wars and use the young who are still idealistic and patriotic. They can be told lies over and over again.
8
Thank you for this moving piece. Mr. Harada's story is not only relevant to Japan, but to the entire world. The alienation from the horrors of war in many (especially Western) countries is incredibly dangerous and frightening. I can only imagine how appalling the trivialization of war must sound to somebody who has actually experienced its horrors. In Germany there has been a great effort over the last decades to maintain memory and awareness. Yet, even here, I am often surprised by how many young people seem to consider it to be a nuisance to think and talk about war. I think a good indicator of how alienated we have become from the realities of war (even in war torn Europe) is the way many people show a complete lack of understanding for the experience of war refugees arriving in Europe every day. Mr. Harada's generation might be slowly fading away, but there is millions and millions of people around the world who will tell us about their experience of the horrors of war, we better start listening!
10
"...war robs you of your humanity"
But it was humanity which conceived and implements the "resolution" method of organized killing. People go to school to study the most effective methods of warfare. Laws support it. Maybe humanity needs another definition.
But it was humanity which conceived and implements the "resolution" method of organized killing. People go to school to study the most effective methods of warfare. Laws support it. Maybe humanity needs another definition.
6
But will they listen? pray that they will listen..my Father was killed on the USS Franklin and my step dad flew P47s out of England and I fought in Vietnam and my sons in Irag..like a popular song says "When will we ever learn..the answer is blowin' in the wind..may God help us all.Peace
5
I am of both Japanese and American/European descent but I was raised and educated mostly in the US. In many respects, the Japanese education system is certainly the envy of the world. However, when it comes to teaching about WW2, Japan is shamefully inadequate. I can only imagine the apathy I might have had towards the war and towards the grievances expressed by our Asian neighbors. I wouldn't have even heard of rape of Nanking, but I would certainly "know" how Japan was the unfortunate victim of two A-bombs. I applaud Mr. Harada's efforts to share his wartime experiences and spread awareness of Japan's dark past.
5
Because "rape of Nanking" is actually fiction to some extent. There is no evidence. In the US, can people be accused despite a lack of physical evidence? And even the US schools never teach about war crimes US did.
There are so many politicians talking tough against the enemy countries of their imagination. These politicians are worst kind that send many young solders in the name of the country. What do they do after the solders die or are injured? They quickly forget about soldiers and their families, and they cut medical or welfare budgets for the solders and their families. I don't like those politicians who deceive the general public and lead the country to wrong wars.
1
We need this same philosophy in america. We need soldiers to tell the real story of war.
3
indeed, in Japan or the USA, the biggest drumbeaters of war are often those who have never served. Abe in Japan. Cheney in USA.
6
It's good to see that despite his old age Mr. Harada finds his calling. I wish there would be men send to american High Schools to talk about the realities in war. Unfortunately the army is allowed to send recruters.
5
The risks of Japan repeating the mistakes its militant past during WW2 are very real. I've been living in Japan for over a decade and unfortunately most of my fellow Americans don't realize a few things about this country.
First, Japan is not a true democracy, in the sense most Americans think about democracy. This is evidenced by the fact that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has been in power almost uninterrupted since the end of WW2. Most of the leaders of the LDP are descendents of the same elite which was in power during its militarism in WW2 (including Abe, who's grandfather was a convicted Class A war criminal).
Second, I have seen a marked increase in nationalism (of the wrong kind) in Japan in the decade I've been living here. This is true for both the leadership and Japanese public. Many Japanese have long subscribed to the ideas of "Nihonjinron", or the belief in Japanese superiority and uniqueness. This led to Japan's militarism in the past and it is on the rise again. This is evidenced by the increasing insularity, xenophobia, racism and racial discrimination, which foreign residents of Japan like myself routinely face here (both, on an individual level, as well as, institutionalized forms of these).
Lastly, these problems are compounded in Japan by the lack of diversity. Japan is extremely homogenous, with immigrants and minorities making up less than 2 percent of the population. Countries this homogenous are at increased risk of taking extreme positions.
First, Japan is not a true democracy, in the sense most Americans think about democracy. This is evidenced by the fact that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has been in power almost uninterrupted since the end of WW2. Most of the leaders of the LDP are descendents of the same elite which was in power during its militarism in WW2 (including Abe, who's grandfather was a convicted Class A war criminal).
Second, I have seen a marked increase in nationalism (of the wrong kind) in Japan in the decade I've been living here. This is true for both the leadership and Japanese public. Many Japanese have long subscribed to the ideas of "Nihonjinron", or the belief in Japanese superiority and uniqueness. This led to Japan's militarism in the past and it is on the rise again. This is evidenced by the increasing insularity, xenophobia, racism and racial discrimination, which foreign residents of Japan like myself routinely face here (both, on an individual level, as well as, institutionalized forms of these).
Lastly, these problems are compounded in Japan by the lack of diversity. Japan is extremely homogenous, with immigrants and minorities making up less than 2 percent of the population. Countries this homogenous are at increased risk of taking extreme positions.
6
I think they are trying to show that Japan is no longer US's servant and win independence in the true sence. It's very natural for Japan to replace their constitution which was enforced from GHQ. US is NOT Japan's parent and this kind of attitude makes other countries really disgusting.
A courageous man in every way.
When your honor increases you are living properly.
When your honor increases you are living properly.
3
What a moving story by Mr. Harada. I hope there are more Japanese persons like Mr. Harada coming out to tell us the horror of wars. I don't think any of our current world leaders has any personal experience about the horror of war and the killings of human beings. Since President George H.W. Bush, I don't think any of our presidents have served in the U.S. Army. It is easy for them to make decision to go to war and lack of understanding the tragedy of wars.
2
I've been a journalist, of varying types, since 1993. My favorite interviews have always been the "once" warrior - especially the veterans of World War II from both sides of the conflict.
I've had the honor of sitting down with the likes of Colonel Paul Tibbets, officers and enlisted men from the U.S.S. Indianapolis, a belly gunner from a B-17 (over several days, I might add) who flew 25 missions and then went and flew 25 more "just for fun." There is nothing like listening to the stories of these men and women. Enthralling is a relatively weak word for what they can tell us. If you ever get the chance to meet a veteran, of any war, please buy them a cup of coffee, get your recording device out (or pen and paper) and gently ask them to tell you their story. You will never look at war the same. It is mankind at it's most ugly... and most heroic. I admire these people to the point of ridiculousness. I value their thoughts above everyone else - their politics, their stance on God, their stance on economics - it's filled with great wisdom because they've been to hell and back and truly understand what really matters today. Blessings!
I've had the honor of sitting down with the likes of Colonel Paul Tibbets, officers and enlisted men from the U.S.S. Indianapolis, a belly gunner from a B-17 (over several days, I might add) who flew 25 missions and then went and flew 25 more "just for fun." There is nothing like listening to the stories of these men and women. Enthralling is a relatively weak word for what they can tell us. If you ever get the chance to meet a veteran, of any war, please buy them a cup of coffee, get your recording device out (or pen and paper) and gently ask them to tell you their story. You will never look at war the same. It is mankind at it's most ugly... and most heroic. I admire these people to the point of ridiculousness. I value their thoughts above everyone else - their politics, their stance on God, their stance on economics - it's filled with great wisdom because they've been to hell and back and truly understand what really matters today. Blessings!
9
Amen, to the courage this man shows, reminding the young of the horrors of war.
2
Regardless of how the world has changed, the value of lives never changes. Mr. Harada is a precious piece of the past that we have with us now. If only he can be more loudly heard by all around the world. Thank you Mr. Harada.
69
"war robs you of your humanity ... by putting you in a situation where you must either kill perfect strangers or be killed by them"
well said - at a worrying time when a younger generation raised on 'fun' shoot'em up video games is transferring to the controls of remote computer drone strikes - remember your humanity - before you press that button - someone's child - it could be yours ...
well said - at a worrying time when a younger generation raised on 'fun' shoot'em up video games is transferring to the controls of remote computer drone strikes - remember your humanity - before you press that button - someone's child - it could be yours ...
9
Mr. Harada is right. No one should get into any war.
My cousin's best friend, sitting in a steel-encased radar shack on a huge aircraft carrier got taken out by a kamikaze. My cousin was sitting right next to him, but survived it after a fashion. That is a whole other sad story / not for here. My cousin brought home for me from Japan a doll, named Suji. About ten years after that, I was old enough to get into real trouble in the library. woo-hoo. I found Donald Keene's anthology of Japanese literature. Simply, it changed my life forever.
And a couple of years after that, some dear family friend pointed me toward Samuel Elliot Morrison's History of the Naval Battles of the US in the Pacific during World War II. This multi-volume work had been commissioned by the United States Navy and was definitive. I was writing a large school paper on the battles of Coral Sea Midway and Guadalcanal. My Japanese doll Suji sat on her shelf overlooking my efforts. I gagged at what "Big Bill Halsey" shouted. Mr. Harada is right. No one should get into any war.
These days I notice a number of Buddhist centers in communities near me. Their increase is gradual, subtle, and somewhat encouraging. I believe that gentle Buddha will prevail before Mohammed and Christ. I surely hope so.
This beautiful article tears my heart into two or three pieces ... and somewhat like Poe's tell-tale heart, those heart fragments just keep beating. Mr. Harada is right. No one should get into any war.
My cousin's best friend, sitting in a steel-encased radar shack on a huge aircraft carrier got taken out by a kamikaze. My cousin was sitting right next to him, but survived it after a fashion. That is a whole other sad story / not for here. My cousin brought home for me from Japan a doll, named Suji. About ten years after that, I was old enough to get into real trouble in the library. woo-hoo. I found Donald Keene's anthology of Japanese literature. Simply, it changed my life forever.
And a couple of years after that, some dear family friend pointed me toward Samuel Elliot Morrison's History of the Naval Battles of the US in the Pacific during World War II. This multi-volume work had been commissioned by the United States Navy and was definitive. I was writing a large school paper on the battles of Coral Sea Midway and Guadalcanal. My Japanese doll Suji sat on her shelf overlooking my efforts. I gagged at what "Big Bill Halsey" shouted. Mr. Harada is right. No one should get into any war.
These days I notice a number of Buddhist centers in communities near me. Their increase is gradual, subtle, and somewhat encouraging. I believe that gentle Buddha will prevail before Mohammed and Christ. I surely hope so.
This beautiful article tears my heart into two or three pieces ... and somewhat like Poe's tell-tale heart, those heart fragments just keep beating. Mr. Harada is right. No one should get into any war.
44
I'm not sure which statement by Halsey you mean but if it's "When we get through with them, the Japanese language will spoken only in hell" it's important to remember that he said it when he was sailing into Pearl Harbor right after it was bombed.
2
“'I am 54, and I have never heard what happened in the war,' said Takashi Katsuyama, a hair salon owner, who like many in the audience said he was not taught about the war in school."
-- This is the most troubling part... that Japan's leaders are urging it away from pacifism when the country never truly reckoned with its full complicity as an Axis power and aggressor. Unlike Germany, Japan has instead systematically papered over this dark part of its history, and even outright revised historical narratives in school textbooks, focusing only on its victimhood post-atomic bombs. As a result, its postwar generations have a drastically filtered, incomplete view of what really happened during WWII.
-- This is the most troubling part... that Japan's leaders are urging it away from pacifism when the country never truly reckoned with its full complicity as an Axis power and aggressor. Unlike Germany, Japan has instead systematically papered over this dark part of its history, and even outright revised historical narratives in school textbooks, focusing only on its victimhood post-atomic bombs. As a result, its postwar generations have a drastically filtered, incomplete view of what really happened during WWII.
9
Yes, a very moving story, even more so because Mr. Harada (and every soldier) is forced to bury his or her humanity in a concrete box. And then there's the horror of the atrocities committed against civilians by civilians, as war rages around them (think The Painted Bird)). There is no just war. We simply haven't figured out yet how to forego armed conflicts. I would love to see many former opponents collectively copy Mr. Harada's example. Think of the impact of two old soldiers, once two young men, who hated each other without knowing each other, appear together to say, "Never again."
2
My war was Vietnam. The resulting aftermath was the same to those that survived to come home as this pilot experienced. We would say if only the President, senators and congressmen who voted for this war had to be here to fight with the enemies leaders the war we be over in 5 minutes or would never be fought. All the "right reasons" in the world for war evaporate when those that call for war are the ones that will actually be required to do battle.
11
The American Civil War would be the exception... Senators and Congressmen from both sides participated in combat actions during most of the major Battles like Gettysburg ...Chancellorsville and Sharpsburg.
Poignant piece. Mr. Harada is dignified, courageous and wise. War is horrific and we must avoid it at all cost. Would that our leaders heed his advice.
3
Harada San is exactly right and a very honorable man.
A trip to the Ground Zero Peace Parks in Hiroshima and Nagasaki is all it took for me to fully comprehend the absolute horror of war.
A trip to the Ground Zero Peace Parks in Hiroshima and Nagasaki is all it took for me to fully comprehend the absolute horror of war.
7
And yet the US today, even after Iraq and Afghanistan, still constantly glorifies war as some fantastic pursuit.
7
I hope that the hawkish members of Congress, those neo-con ideologues as well as some chauvinistic media commentators would take time to read and internalize the message in this article. With so much violence, chaos in the world, the US, the lone super power should play the role as best a mediator or at least an observer rather than an abetter or provocateur. The devastation in Ukraine and Syria seems to me so unnecessary, in the former, Russia's fear of NATO at its door is understandable, it is not as if we had not been prompted to do the same, e.g. the Cuba missile crisis, and Reagan's invasion of Grenada, and so far as Syria is concerned, why should we or any third party be involved in the regional rivalry? Some of our alleged adversaries (Iran for one) are the consequences of our past arrogance and misguided foreign policies. We should learn from our past. Alas, our backing of Abe's decision to change the peace constitution stemming from the fear of China as a potential rival is unwise: how often do we hear or read about prognoses of China's imminent burst of bubble by some prominent economists and international observers? On the other hand, if they are wrong and China truly becomes a rival power, is war or military action worth the price to pay simply to sustain our lone power status?
Admirable.
Less so is the Japanese government, and educational system, who for many years have not owned up to what happened, or taught students their country's history... especially from the late '20's, thru their defeat in '45. Most of Japan's history is FAR from pacifist, going back to many years prior to the end of WWII.
I lived in Japan for 3 years in the late 80's, and can tell you that the Chinese, Koreans, and S.E. Asians have not forgotten what Japan did to them in the war...
Less so is the Japanese government, and educational system, who for many years have not owned up to what happened, or taught students their country's history... especially from the late '20's, thru their defeat in '45. Most of Japan's history is FAR from pacifist, going back to many years prior to the end of WWII.
I lived in Japan for 3 years in the late 80's, and can tell you that the Chinese, Koreans, and S.E. Asians have not forgotten what Japan did to them in the war...
4
This man should speak for Japan but does not. Japan war atrocities are well documented. They include mass killings estimated at upwards of 10M Chinese, Koreans, Filipinos, & Indonesians, human experimentation and biological warfare, torture and killing of prisoners of war resulting in multiples of Americans dying in Japanese prison camps vs Germans, & mass rape (comfort women).
These war crimes have been exacerbated by a refusal of the Japanese government acknowledge their role in the war by the willful refusal to include this information in Japanese text books. The result are generations of Japanese who do not understand their war in the role and see Japan as a victim in WWII. Kaname Harada is a hero of conscience and his words and personal actions should be acknowledged as such.
These war crimes have been exacerbated by a refusal of the Japanese government acknowledge their role in the war by the willful refusal to include this information in Japanese text books. The result are generations of Japanese who do not understand their war in the role and see Japan as a victim in WWII. Kaname Harada is a hero of conscience and his words and personal actions should be acknowledged as such.
6
Good article. Why I like the NYTimes. The issue of war is that when it starts, both combatants always think they are going to be the one who wins. Over time, one side figures out they are going to lose. Depending on how bad they are beaten, they create their own anti war beliefs. WWII killed ~400,000 US soldiers but we did not sustain any real damage to our homeland or citizens. In the Civil War we did. But the Civil War was a long time ago. So we are always itching for a new fight. War is sometimes necessary to protect yourself. But the farther the need gets for war from our own land and families, the dicier the reason. I am not a fan of the President but I like his lack of aggression for war. Even for the victor, war is costly. Re-watch the movie, The Best Years of Our Lives.
5
None of the combat veterans I have had the privilege to have known wanted anyone to experience the horrors of war. People say these veterans never talked about their experiences, I beg to differ, many did but we did not listen.
It brings tears to my eyes and leaves me with a heavy heart thinking about what I have been told over the years. The burden they carry is hard to comprehend, but worth sharing. Had things been different so many of those who fought and killed on the fields of battle most likely would have found friendship as neighbors. Beware of those who amplify our differences to the point of violence...
It brings tears to my eyes and leaves me with a heavy heart thinking about what I have been told over the years. The burden they carry is hard to comprehend, but worth sharing. Had things been different so many of those who fought and killed on the fields of battle most likely would have found friendship as neighbors. Beware of those who amplify our differences to the point of violence...
6
Japan needs to hear voices like these. As do the rest of us.
6
Very moving story. It comes down to the old saying, those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. More relevant than ever. Domo Arigoto to the eloquent Harada-san.
3
I lived in Japan from 1955-60 as a newspaper reporter. Memories of the war's horrors were still fresh with the older generation, but beginning to fade for others. They were still powerful enough to provoke outrage at the possibility of treaties that would require Japan to create an armed forces for its defense, but eventually even that faded. Today, as the article suggests, Japan's government is seeking to rearm the country and put it on a permanent wartime footing, and the U.S. apparently is allied with this effort. How tragic that the horrors of war can be downplayed mere years after they've been experienced, and are even now being replayed in other parts of the globe. Would that the Mr. Haradas of this world could be immortalized on film so that when humankind begins to slip into its all-to-reflexive posture of using violence to solve problems, their faces and words could energize leaders to do the right, courageous thing, no matter what the cost to their "pride" and "reputation" and "national honor." Those faces that haunt Mr. Harada should haunt all of us, as should his face and voice, and those of our "enemies" that we've killed as well.
6
Japan's problem is not that it could go to war but that it is still so totally insulated from the outside world and self-centered. The decisions about war would not be made from a broad-based sense of national interest. Rather, the decisions would be made by handful of government officials.
Sort of like the Cheney/Bush years.
3
I've read several comments here taking Mr Harada to task for his presumable embrace of Japan's zeal for war with the Allies in his youth. Mr Harada undoubtedly knows his survival was miraculous.
In the last year of the war, superior American planes piloted by men with vastly superor experience, wiped the Japanese airforce from the sky. That any pilots - barely children by that point - survived the further drafting of "volunteers into the Kamakazi Corps underscores that miracle even further. The atom bombs were really footnotes; Japan's military facing America in the Pacific was obliterated in combat. I'm sure that reality ihas informed his present sentiment and it is no less poignant for it.
In the last year of the war, superior American planes piloted by men with vastly superor experience, wiped the Japanese airforce from the sky. That any pilots - barely children by that point - survived the further drafting of "volunteers into the Kamakazi Corps underscores that miracle even further. The atom bombs were really footnotes; Japan's military facing America in the Pacific was obliterated in combat. I'm sure that reality ihas informed his present sentiment and it is no less poignant for it.
as someone said: "Want to live in peace, prepare for war". Unfortunately, not everybody out there shares the wisdom of that old hero. We as the nation should be the best at fighting wars to avoid one.
1
Bravo to Mr. Harada. Japan's refusal to acknowledge its atrocities to its enemies and to its own people in the war has been disgraceful. Sobering to think, though, that Japan's seventy years of peace and prosperity are the product of American military capacity. It's a scary world.
7
I wonder whether Japan had won the war, ageing survivor fighters like Mr. Kaname Harada would be given a chance to speak out publicly about peace and against wars.
I do not recall survivors of WWII GIs or pilots speaking out against war. On the contrary, Colonel Paul Tibbets - Enola Gay's pilot - was proud of his accomplishment of dropping an atomic bomb in Hiroshima until his death. No regrets whatsoever.
Here is the difference between US/Japan ex post WWII. America won the war and became a sole military power, dominating the world. Japan lost the war and became a prosperous industrial power. Japan has been at peace and America always at war.
I do not recall survivors of WWII GIs or pilots speaking out against war. On the contrary, Colonel Paul Tibbets - Enola Gay's pilot - was proud of his accomplishment of dropping an atomic bomb in Hiroshima until his death. No regrets whatsoever.
Here is the difference between US/Japan ex post WWII. America won the war and became a sole military power, dominating the world. Japan lost the war and became a prosperous industrial power. Japan has been at peace and America always at war.
7
Well, we fought the Korean war to a standstill, and we lost the Vietnam war. We won the Desert Storm war, but I am afraid we have to count the Iraqi and Afghanistan wars as loses also even though no country is close to us in military power.
I wish he would come here to give his war warning speech. We could certainly use the instruction.
7
If you were to get a random group of people together the vast majority of those that have been in war, have had to kill a stranger before the stranger killed them are the very ones that would not want someone else's child to have to be, for ever, scared and broken by having to go through that. Conversely, the ones beating the drums the loudest are, by far, the ones that never went, never had a brother or sister come bad mentally and/or physically broken, never come back so pained they see suicide the only viable way to end the pain.
I applaud not only this article but the brave Mr Harada speaking out so forcefully on the supreme folly of it.
I have to believe, ironically, that the only reason we don't have a draft in this country is, if we had one, we'd virtually never again go to war. Since the draft was ended how many times have we sent young men and women off to war.
Yes there are hardliners in Iran, to be sure there are hardliners right here. There are people who want war. I say, should we go there again, we specifically start with them and their children. It's one thing to make that decision for someone else to die, it is quite another to make it knowing you or your son or daughter will be the ones to kill or be killed...or worse.
I applaud not only this article but the brave Mr Harada speaking out so forcefully on the supreme folly of it.
I have to believe, ironically, that the only reason we don't have a draft in this country is, if we had one, we'd virtually never again go to war. Since the draft was ended how many times have we sent young men and women off to war.
Yes there are hardliners in Iran, to be sure there are hardliners right here. There are people who want war. I say, should we go there again, we specifically start with them and their children. It's one thing to make that decision for someone else to die, it is quite another to make it knowing you or your son or daughter will be the ones to kill or be killed...or worse.
21
He needs to come to the US to give some politicians a lesson in what it is really like, for they seem way too eager to keep our endless wars going and are completely clueless, or worse immune, as to the suffering taking place.
18
It is indeed good and necessary that Mr. Harada and others in Japan share their experiences to caution the country from ever returning to war.
Really, though, it is China that should be paying attention. While some in Japan, including Prime Minister Abe, have expressed a desire to revise Japan's pacifist Constitution, restructuring the SDF to a traditional military is not in public demand and almost incomprehensible. China, on the other hand, is discovering new economic and military weight, and throwing it around the region in an aggressive, confrontational, and dangerous way.
For decades now, China has long sought its return to regional hegemony, which it surrendered during a "Century of Humiliation" (Bǎinián Guóchǐ). That overwhelming desire for power and recognition, and China's zealous path to fulfill it, represents the greatest threat of war to Asia-Pacific.
China's newfound ambitions are understandable; big powers have big appetites, and there is a natural eagerness to reclaim what was, at least in their minds, wrongfully lost. But perhaps China's leaders and PLA members--most of whom have no real combat experience--should stop a minute and listen to the laments of a neighbor still grieving the consequences of a similar conquest.
Really, though, it is China that should be paying attention. While some in Japan, including Prime Minister Abe, have expressed a desire to revise Japan's pacifist Constitution, restructuring the SDF to a traditional military is not in public demand and almost incomprehensible. China, on the other hand, is discovering new economic and military weight, and throwing it around the region in an aggressive, confrontational, and dangerous way.
For decades now, China has long sought its return to regional hegemony, which it surrendered during a "Century of Humiliation" (Bǎinián Guóchǐ). That overwhelming desire for power and recognition, and China's zealous path to fulfill it, represents the greatest threat of war to Asia-Pacific.
China's newfound ambitions are understandable; big powers have big appetites, and there is a natural eagerness to reclaim what was, at least in their minds, wrongfully lost. But perhaps China's leaders and PLA members--most of whom have no real combat experience--should stop a minute and listen to the laments of a neighbor still grieving the consequences of a similar conquest.
6
Nice, but tell it to China and North Korea. Japan is reacting, it is China and North Korea as the aggressive players in this drama.
10
Japan's latest reaction:
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/03/25/national/msdf-commissions-bi...
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/03/25/national/msdf-commissions-bi...
My father in law returned from France a wounded war hero. He struggled with demons, but only opened up to tell what he had been through a few hours before he died. Sadly he carried the anguish of what he had seen and done in his heart for five decades and could only seek forgiveness when he had no place else to go. War is a terrible business, justified or not, and it often haunts the participants for the rest of their days. May it be that Mr. Harada's words are heard and respected by the current generation.
21
"'Nothing is as terrifying as war,' he began, before spending the next 90 minutes recounting his role in battles, from Japan’s early triumph at Pearl Harbor to its disastrous reversals at Midway and Guadalcanal."
If Japan had prevented the US from entering the conflict by means of the raid on Pearl Harbor and won the war would Harada be talking about the terror of war?
Figure it out...
If Japan had prevented the US from entering the conflict by means of the raid on Pearl Harbor and won the war would Harada be talking about the terror of war?
Figure it out...
6
Well, war would still be terrifying.
4
My father was on the winning side in WWII. He fought in Burma. He would never ever talk about his war. Neither would his military buddies who had all been in combat. He was anti war and many of his military friends were. In my experience of growing up on military bases and in talking with combat veterans, few of them would disagree with Mr. Hanada.
5
Japan could never have "won" their war aims in a million years. It was a fantasy from the start, recognized by some of their most brilliant military leaders who were nonetheless bound to the course of war by Bushido, national loyalty, etc. The moment they dropped their first bomb in Asia, they were doomed along with the medieval mindset that drove them to that insanity.
3
I twice interviewed Mr. Kaname Harada in his home for my book "The Last Zero Fighter." I also traveled with him to Pearl Harbor and Midway acting as his translator. (I read, write and speak Japanese).
Mr. Harada is an incredible man who witnessed multiple historic events in the 1930's and 1940's. He spent 12 years in the Japanese Navy and saw the birth (and death) of modern Japanese naval aviation.
He is the only surviving pilot from the attack on the USS Panay in December, 1937. He entered the city of Nanking on foot and witnessed events that haunt him to this day. He was at Pearl Harbor as a Combat Air Patrol pilot protecting the Japanese Combined Fleet while other pilots bombed Pearl Harbor.
Kaname Harada was successful in knocking down 5 US torpedo bombers in the battle of Midway but lost his carrier SORYU when it was sent to the bottom.
He was shot down and badly wounded over Guadalcanal during a head-on dogfight with American F4F WIldcat fighters.
In 1945 he was tasked with training Kamikaze pilots in Hokkaido.
At 98, he continues to spread his message of peace to younger Japanese generations that don't even learn about the war in school.
Mr. Harada is an incredible man who witnessed multiple historic events in the 1930's and 1940's. He spent 12 years in the Japanese Navy and saw the birth (and death) of modern Japanese naval aviation.
He is the only surviving pilot from the attack on the USS Panay in December, 1937. He entered the city of Nanking on foot and witnessed events that haunt him to this day. He was at Pearl Harbor as a Combat Air Patrol pilot protecting the Japanese Combined Fleet while other pilots bombed Pearl Harbor.
Kaname Harada was successful in knocking down 5 US torpedo bombers in the battle of Midway but lost his carrier SORYU when it was sent to the bottom.
He was shot down and badly wounded over Guadalcanal during a head-on dogfight with American F4F WIldcat fighters.
In 1945 he was tasked with training Kamikaze pilots in Hokkaido.
At 98, he continues to spread his message of peace to younger Japanese generations that don't even learn about the war in school.
57
After nearly dying in combat himself, he trained other young Japanese men to die as Kamikaze pilots. How many of them did he send to THEIR deaths? Does he regret that? I would like to have heard about that in the article.
1
The US needs to learn that it is a shared prosperity of our Asian allies that makes the countries of Europe and Asia stable. We give the US military too much credit for the continued peace in Asia. The effort of the US to bring China into the international economic system may have negatives, but we cannot dismiss the positives.
Even today too many in the US think of war as a first resort and not a last. We are the ones who need to listen to this retired fighter pilot and not just the Japanese.
Even today too many in the US think of war as a first resort and not a last. We are the ones who need to listen to this retired fighter pilot and not just the Japanese.
15
This article is rather ironic in that it is not currently Japan threatening the territorial integrity of its neighbors but China. What is Japan to do, sit back and let China annex its islands (Japanese sovereignty is recognized over these islands by all nations but China)? Is Japan to sit back and let China threaten the territorial integrity of Vietnam, the Phillipines and other nations bordering the South Sea? It is China, not Japan that refuses to recognize the 200 mile territorial sea limits of these nations.
9
My father served in the Pacific Theater in WWII. He served in the Army Engineer Corp. My mother, a Navy petty officer, waited for him to come home. Mom, now 92 remembers how other WAVES also waited for their loved ones to write and say they were safe and eventually on their way home. Not too long ago my mother told me and my brothers and sister of her experiences. What she told us of the letters that the girls sometimes shared with each other was the horror that the men wrote of. One thing that is forever in her mind was that the American soldiers, sailors and Marines wrote often of the atrocities of the Japanese against the Americans. Then the men would write to their wives and girls friends that in response to the Japanese horrors they often took no prisoners. In fact mother said, "Do you really believe that so many Japanese fought to the death because of their honor code? Our boys slaughtered them. After what they (the Japanese) did to our men, our boys wiped them out." The bitterness in my mother's voice stays with me. Even now she has no love for the Japanese.
Mr. Harada may feel badly about what he did in the war. It's a good thing he never came face to face with our father...or our mother.
Mr. Harada may feel badly about what he did in the war. It's a good thing he never came face to face with our father...or our mother.
11
My respect for Mr Harada, who's exploits I read about as a child, is beyond decription. If I believed it would do any good, I'd pray that his words be heeded...by his own countrymen, by an ascendant China grown increasingly bellicose, by the rest of the world for that matter.
It pains me as a father and as a decorated veteran to say this but, war always finds a way. It's always there, if not in full bloom somewhere, then always lurking on fringe of man's activity. Note on this very page how an Israeli leader continues, even in the face of overwhelming sentiment all over the world eager for peace and normality, to flog the rhetoric of threat and war. He probably couldn't stop it if he wanted to.
I just perused a list of war casualties in the 20th century by conflict. I stopped counting at 150 Million with a long way to go. And our weapons are getting better all the time.
"War was always here. Before man was, war waited for him. The ultimate trade awaiting it's ultimate practitioner,"
~Cormac McCarthy (Blood Meridian)
It pains me as a father and as a decorated veteran to say this but, war always finds a way. It's always there, if not in full bloom somewhere, then always lurking on fringe of man's activity. Note on this very page how an Israeli leader continues, even in the face of overwhelming sentiment all over the world eager for peace and normality, to flog the rhetoric of threat and war. He probably couldn't stop it if he wanted to.
I just perused a list of war casualties in the 20th century by conflict. I stopped counting at 150 Million with a long way to go. And our weapons are getting better all the time.
"War was always here. Before man was, war waited for him. The ultimate trade awaiting it's ultimate practitioner,"
~Cormac McCarthy (Blood Meridian)
13
Dear Mr. Harada,
Thank you, sir, for your efforts. There is nothing harder than trying to juggle our three duties: our duty to our country, our duty to our family, and, our duty to ourselves. You, sir, have juggled all three, each one in its time. You are still endeavoring to satisfy duty. Well done, sir. Thank you.
Thank you, sir, for your efforts. There is nothing harder than trying to juggle our three duties: our duty to our country, our duty to our family, and, our duty to ourselves. You, sir, have juggled all three, each one in its time. You are still endeavoring to satisfy duty. Well done, sir. Thank you.
14
Unfortunately, war--as horrific as it is--is "politics by other means", and until it begins, seems a perfectly reasonable solution, e.g., Netanyahu-Graham-McCain's notion about our next step with Iran if it fails to comply. But then, sometimes, what choice?
1
"War ---- must be avoided at all costs," Mr. Harada said. Really? Should the Allies avoid WWII at all costs and let the Nazis occupy the whole European Continent and UK, and beyond? Should Japan avoids war at all costs and let the expansionistic China go after Japan and its neighbors, including Taiwan, which is vital to Japan's survival. I whole-heartedly agree that war should only be the last resort, but preparation for defense and deterrance is necessary, especially now that the US committments to its Asian allies is in doubt.
5
SBK,
You clearly know very little about Asia. Japan's survival has nothing to do with Taiwan.
As you may have read in the news the last few days, Taiwan eagerly joined China's Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and China welcomed it. Taiwan and China spoke the same language, shared the same culture, and worshiped the same ancient Chinese heroes. They are merely temporarily separated due to accidents of history and politics. They will be reunited in due course.
In all historical wars between Japan and her neighbors (China, Korea, Russia, Singapore, the Philippines, Burma, Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc. etc.), Japan has always been the aggressor. You do not need to worry that Japan has suddenly lost its interest in war after centuries of aggression. She is merely biding her time.
You clearly know very little about Asia. Japan's survival has nothing to do with Taiwan.
As you may have read in the news the last few days, Taiwan eagerly joined China's Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and China welcomed it. Taiwan and China spoke the same language, shared the same culture, and worshiped the same ancient Chinese heroes. They are merely temporarily separated due to accidents of history and politics. They will be reunited in due course.
In all historical wars between Japan and her neighbors (China, Korea, Russia, Singapore, the Philippines, Burma, Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc. etc.), Japan has always been the aggressor. You do not need to worry that Japan has suddenly lost its interest in war after centuries of aggression. She is merely biding her time.
4
There is an old Latin saying "Sic Pacem, Para Vellum" (if you want peace, prepare for war).
1
Mr Harada's ideas are admirable indeed but they approach the border with unreality. Based on my 11 years living in Japan and 25 years married to a Japanese woman, I would say the chances of a build up of Japanese militarism and an aggressive war by Japan are vanishingly small. Actually, the opposite problem exists. Even in the face of blatant Chinese aggressive actions, Japan seems unable or unwilling to defend itself. They prefer to depend on the US for security. For Japan to depend on another country for defense is like a middle-aged adult to depend on his/her parents for food and shelter. Because of political realities, I believe it's doubtful that the US would enter a war with China even to protect such a valuable ally as Japan.
Many people in Japan take a pacifist position like "As long as he have Article 9 of the Constitution we will be safe", or "Article 9 will protect us" (Article 9 being the part of the Constitution renouncing war). Get real, people. Be prepared to defend your country, your families and those you love. That is plain, common sense, not militarism.
Many people in Japan take a pacifist position like "As long as he have Article 9 of the Constitution we will be safe", or "Article 9 will protect us" (Article 9 being the part of the Constitution renouncing war). Get real, people. Be prepared to defend your country, your families and those you love. That is plain, common sense, not militarism.
9
It seems that each generation still has to learn to "make war no more". a message the Mr. Harada has never forgotten. As a kid watching the news reels at the Saturday afternoon movies during the 1940's we all cheered when a "Jap" Zero went down in flames.
Even at that age I instinctually understood that a human went down in that plane. This was not a Hollywood recreation, but a life being extinguished. I still question the need for war and that in every case. our former enemies have become our allays. Keep talking Hamada-san. Your message is still as relevant as ever.
Even at that age I instinctually understood that a human went down in that plane. This was not a Hollywood recreation, but a life being extinguished. I still question the need for war and that in every case. our former enemies have become our allays. Keep talking Hamada-san. Your message is still as relevant as ever.
13
Mr. Harada is certainly correct that war is terrible, but he ignores at least two important points when arguing for pacificism because it worked for Japan in the late 20th century. First, in the post-war years Japan could rely on the United States to defend it. After 1951, this principle was codified in a treaty; it is still in force, but does Japan want to constantly depend on another country for its security? And for how long (and in what situations) will the US want to honor that treaty? Second, China was not as strong in the late 20th century as it is now; its defense budget is the second-biggest in the world and growing. The USSR was a threat to Japan during the Cold War, but again, the US could be counted on to check Soviet aggression, at least toward Japan. I certainly respect Mr. Harada's position, but he seems to be making arguments based on the past without considering how the world and his country's role in it have changed.
61
The problem, as the article points out, is that his generation's experience of war did not enter the public school curriculum in Japan. Forgetting past wrongs for any nation is inevitable; it has been made stupendously easy for the post-war Japanese public thanks to Japan's botched history education. Now, they have to grapple with the changing geopolitical realities of Asia Pacific, and demands for Japan to step up and do its part in keeping peace. That, however, must be done in a careful and respectful way with its military past in mind. Mr. Harada's voice is badly needed in times like this, when politicians in power - likes of Mr. Abe - shamelessly take advantage of such wholesale amnesia.
2
@Corban: I agree that the Abe administration has not done a good job of presenting history objectively to the Japanese people, and hearing the experiences of men like Mr. Harada is very useful. However, the presentation of history to the Japanese public is not what I was trying to address in my comment. I was trying to address Harada's direct criticism of the Abe administration's policies.
In Japan the arguments for peace and defense have tended not to be nuanced. Particularly because the way the Pacific War ended for Japan, everything has tended to be seen in black and white. What Japan needs is a more accurate perception and understanding of what went wrong for that country in the first half of the 20th century. That will enable a more responsible role in the 21st.
2
Mr.Harada's message is well engrained in all nations. The modern struggle is how to avoid a war not how to prepare for a war.
1
You can only avoid war by preparing for it. That will only change when the entire world has become a planetary federation with a central government and and once the world's population has homogenized to a point at which regional polarizations that could cause civil unrest are unlikely to develop.
I am much more concerned that it is the weakening of our defenses that is introducing the insecurities that ultimately will lead to war. Of course, such a deterrent will only work with nation states, not with nihilistic terror groups.
I am much more concerned that it is the weakening of our defenses that is introducing the insecurities that ultimately will lead to war. Of course, such a deterrent will only work with nation states, not with nihilistic terror groups.
2
“Nothing is as terrifying as war,” [mr. harada] began...“...war robs you of your humanity,” he added, “by putting you in a situation where you must either kill perfect strangers or be killed by them.”
nationalities change, but this fact does not. i doubt if you will see this statement on military recruitment flyers from japan, US, china, iraq or any other nation. emperors, presidents and generals plan strategy, but young men follow orders and have to do the killing.
"[he] found himself plagued by nightmares that made it tough to sleep. In his dreams, he said, he kept seeing the faces of the terrified American pilots he had shot down."
these days we call this reaction PTSD.
also note that dead men tell no tales, and the victors write the history books, as well as give newspaper interviews.
nationalities change, but this fact does not. i doubt if you will see this statement on military recruitment flyers from japan, US, china, iraq or any other nation. emperors, presidents and generals plan strategy, but young men follow orders and have to do the killing.
"[he] found himself plagued by nightmares that made it tough to sleep. In his dreams, he said, he kept seeing the faces of the terrified American pilots he had shot down."
these days we call this reaction PTSD.
also note that dead men tell no tales, and the victors write the history books, as well as give newspaper interviews.
2
It is the veterans of combat who have seen the dead scattered about during war time who will be the realistic voices against war. War rarely solves anything that could not have been resolved by diplomacy. WW II was an exception, since Hitler would not agree to a diplomatic solution to his plans of conquest. WW I could have been averted, as could many conflicts around the world. Some leaders of groups that have little of nothing to loose will start bloody fights, sending others to do the dying. Armies must be kept and weapons must be ready, because the policy of Mutual Destruction is a working deterrent for disagreements between nations. It is only the extra-national groups, terrorists that are willing to die for an imagined cause.
6
I grew up during the Cold War and served in the military then. The understanding then was that there can be no peace without being prepared to go to war to keep it. Sounds schizophrenic, but it worked then and I still believe it holds today. By unilateral disarmament or by showing lack of will to defend oneself, we only invite the war we dread. Chamberlain's appeasement strategy is a proof of this point. Another proof lies in the mass graves of the Iraqi soldiers who failed to fight when ISIS came and conquered them with a far inferior force. Where this has led, I don't need to extol on further. They have found their peace, but not the one they were hoping for.
As long as we all restrict our will to wage war to the defense of our own territories, and show that will ferociously, peace is assured. If we show weakness, war will come.
I sympathize with Mr. Harada and I echo his warnings. However, he, as I, had the luxury of living most of our lives in a postwar era during which the defensive umbrella the US held over Japan assured that peace. That umbrella is now weakening as China flexes its muscle and North Korea does whatever.
Let's hope Japan will not experience its own Pearl Harbor one day. Because if it does, peace will have to wait once more.
As long as we all restrict our will to wage war to the defense of our own territories, and show that will ferociously, peace is assured. If we show weakness, war will come.
I sympathize with Mr. Harada and I echo his warnings. However, he, as I, had the luxury of living most of our lives in a postwar era during which the defensive umbrella the US held over Japan assured that peace. That umbrella is now weakening as China flexes its muscle and North Korea does whatever.
Let's hope Japan will not experience its own Pearl Harbor one day. Because if it does, peace will have to wait once more.
12
First off, both examples you sight of Chamberlain and Iraqi soldiers are vastly more complicated than what you describe.
A direct contradiction to your assertion that war readiness prevents war is WWI, which also happens to be the cause of WWII.
Similarly to the Nazis, ISIS would never had existed had we not invaded Iraq.
A direct contradiction to your assertion that war readiness prevents war is WWI, which also happens to be the cause of WWII.
Similarly to the Nazis, ISIS would never had existed had we not invaded Iraq.
1
You seem to take the wrong lessons from Mr. Harada's experience. Just think how long it took for him to be able to speak about it. Your service was during the Cold War and you didn't get to the hot one. I volunteered for Vietnam and noone comes out of a hot war unscathed--no one. BTW Chamberlin's deal with Hitler, since it involved sacrificing Czechoslovakia has been labelled appeasement, but it gave the British 1 full year to rearm. Had they gone to war in 1938, they might have been over run and WWII would have had a different outcome or at least have been more costly to us with no base in England. Munich bought time for an orderly retreat. Just as Gen Petraeus's paying off the Sunnis in Iraq did in 2006. Tell me of a war that had a really good outcome. Japan's re-arming means that their Constitution which we wrote--Douglas MacArthur did--would be null and void. And there's this. To bring Japan to our side in the Cold War we agreed not to prosecute them for war crimes against American and other POW's. So those sacrifices by those men who ought to have claimed some compensation but were prevented by their own country --the US-- would now be in vain.
4
@ SJF - "Similarly to the Nazis, ISIS would never had existed had we not invaded Iraq."
And you know this how?
And you know this how?
I share Mr. Harada's worries that the current crop of world leaders have not seen total war. Some in Congress are harboring grudges from our more recent small scale wars. Another large scale war the likes of WWII could be curtains for civilization as we know it. It is sad that we are running out of men like Mr. Harada. I thank him for his efforts.
146
Men like Mr. Harada are very much needed not only in Japan, but in US too, if more even more.
very important message! but, what if Japan is attacked by China? Will Japan be prepared? not being prepared will invite war and increase the chances of losing it.
8
If our nation, which is fighting many military actions right now, would adopt the Selective Service System then every American would feel the real demand/dread/fear of war while today war is just a video game. I have no doubt a Draft would not stop the war hawks but at present, the Volunteer Army over-burdens the few while the many can view war as a distant issue.
30
I agree. During Vietnam I was front-rank on working to end the draft, on counseling men my age on how to obtain CO status. I found the draft monstrous. However, I never envisioned the universal disconnect and indifference of those today to whom it should matter. It was easier to fight the war-hawks down back then than to try to wake up the disengaged and indifferent now.
6
Obama's "pivot to Asia" is exactly what's goading Abe and Japanese nationalists on a campaign to revive Japanese militarism. This "pivot to Asia" is just euphemism for encircling China with USA regional allies, and it will only end badly for all. China's rise cannot be stopped. The sooner the USA realizes this, the better.
3
My parent's generation held all the WWII veterans. The vast majority said nothing about the war to their children.
A few years ago, on a night when he was ailing, my mother's 94-year-old second husband told me what kind of action he saw in WWII. And when he told me, I understood why so many of those veterans kept their lips zipped.
But I'm sorry they wouldn't talk, like Mr. Harada.
A few years ago, on a night when he was ailing, my mother's 94-year-old second husband told me what kind of action he saw in WWII. And when he told me, I understood why so many of those veterans kept their lips zipped.
But I'm sorry they wouldn't talk, like Mr. Harada.
167
At 90, my father has just begun to discuss WWII and his experiences in Corregidor, Midway and all over the Pacific. No wonder he never talked. Thank you, Mr. Harada. You have a great message to impart. I just hope that enough of the younger generation is listening to your voice of wisdom before it is too late.
1
Thank you for this comment. My father, who served in the Navy in the Pacific during that war, never talked about the war, except to relate funny anecdotes. It was only around the time of his death that one of his sisters, my aunt, told me things he had told her. She also related stories about nightmares and other comments my mother, who had already passed on, had told her.
Looking back, I now understand why, sometimes, he was such a harsh man. I wish I had had that insight while he was alive, especially when I was growing up.
Looking back, I now understand why, sometimes, he was such a harsh man. I wish I had had that insight while he was alive, especially when I was growing up.
1
The U.S. could powerfully contribute to the pacificist cause, simultaneously improving relations with Japan and relegating Japanese hardliners to the sidelines, by apologizing for murdering of over 100,000 civilians with the atomic bomb. That would be progress.
5
@ C.P - "...by apologizing for murdering of over 100,000 civilians with the atomic bomb."
You really need to read why those bombs were dropped at that time and place. If that wasn't done we could be apologizing for the millions of additional Japanese civilians killed during an allied invasion of Japan. Not to mention the additional deaths on the allied side.
You really need to read why those bombs were dropped at that time and place. If that wasn't done we could be apologizing for the millions of additional Japanese civilians killed during an allied invasion of Japan. Not to mention the additional deaths on the allied side.
5
"...by apologizing for murdering of over 100,000 civilians with the atomic bomb."
Actually, far more Japanese civilians were killed with "conventional" incendiary bombs that with the two atom bombs.
Actually, far more Japanese civilians were killed with "conventional" incendiary bombs that with the two atom bombs.
1
Nothing more demonstrates the utter madness of war than the cruel fact that it has to be learned again in every generation.
26
Good guy, this gentleman. And, of course, he is right! However, America is pushing Japan to become much more militarized as the U.S. is weary of being the backbone of security to counterbalance China's militarization. Japan needs to become more weaponized, larger forces and, Constitutionally, more aggressive and dangerous. Little chance of another Imperial Japan or occupation of Manchuria.
4
Very wise advice from a man with very hard experience. Our leaders and the leaders of other countries should pay careful attention.
9
We are finally reaching a time where people around the world are recognizing the insanity of war and saying "enough" "We want peace." I encourage the NY Times news staff, those who write articles and editorials, to begin shifting your perspective and replace the words in your articles that maintain a war perspective with words of peace, assume peace as the natural state and war as the abhorrent insanity that it is. Love and Blessings to us all.
13
Pres Obama has followed a policy of not engaging us in situations that may risk the lives of our fighting men. Luckily he followed that philosophy when Russia worked out a deal with Syria. Why not ignore the RED LINE drawn in the sand? The results attained were pretty much the same and lives were not risked. I think that sums up the essay of this Japanese pilot. He just proved that as always, that we are all alike way down inside.
6
the differences are not so far down.
1
Mr Harada is an exceptionally brave man, not only for his wartime experiences as this timely article attests.
As an American married to a Japanese, I have had the pleasure to get to know her uncle who became a multi-engine pilot towards the end of the war in Japan. He harbors no animosity towards my country to this day. He survived a nighttime crash of his plane in Pacific waters in 1945 and to this day is saddened over the death of some of his crewmen.
As an American married to a Japanese, I have had the pleasure to get to know her uncle who became a multi-engine pilot towards the end of the war in Japan. He harbors no animosity towards my country to this day. He survived a nighttime crash of his plane in Pacific waters in 1945 and to this day is saddened over the death of some of his crewmen.
12
I hope more people get to hear Mr. Harada's message around the world, not just in Japan. The post-war Japanese experience has shown the benefits of a pacifist constitution. If the post-war Japanese constitution is partially imposed by the US, now the Japanese people has a chance to decide whether they want to go back to a constitution that a lot of "normal" countries have that was used to justify going to many wars, or to maintain their unique constitution that has lead to 70 years of prosperity.
93
well, that pacifism was encouraged by the US who footed the bill for Japan's defense. Times change along with threats. Japan must step up to defend itself from its threatening neighbors (China and Korea).
1
I think it take more courage to avoid a war than to wage one. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to avoid a war, especially a defensive one. Mr. Harada indeed has much to teach the younger generations. Thank you, Mr. Harada.
150
well I think king from the movie "platoon" put it best when he said "ain't no such thing as a coward out here"
My uncle told me that in WWII, none of soldiers were trying to be heros or looking for glory. They were all just trying to stay alive. I only wish our politicians could make that come true.
46
My father, who was a B29 pilot, says exactly the same thing.
11
The title of a book on the Korean War was based on the response of a US Marine to a reporters question of what he would request as the unit recoiled under the Chinese onslaught, his answer....Give Me Tomorrow.
5
Japan can take important steps toward insuring peace by reconciling with china & s Korea. Full definitive apologies, admission of aggressor role, aid soon of Nanking "rape" & forcing Korean "comfort women"... Plus truer history school texts & teaching of history. China & Korea are passing japan & leaving it behind. Japan's best protection- in terms of economy as well as security- is the peace that can only bbe purchased with the truth.
32
Not "aid soon"--admission...
China can take important steps reconciling with their own people (the tend of millions who died because of Mao) as well as the Cambodian people (a quarter of their population brutally murdered in the name of creating an agrarian society with help from Mao). We should all practice what we preach.
7
Over the years I have met dozens of Aces and found them to be most humble and gracious. I am glad Mr. Harada is speaking out. It troubles me that the war is from what I understand "glossed over" in school.
God bless you Mr. Harada!
God bless you Mr. Harada!
23
His voice will surely be missed when he passes on, it proves that the mission is never accomplished, it keeps dragging on and on like a cancer that infects other organs until time immortal, as what we do today, will resonate in the future.
6
I wonder if the reaction would be the same if it were a former Nazi pilot giving the same advice. As horrible as the Nazis were to their victims as far as total brutality the Japanese were worse. The war in the Pacific was grossly mismanaged by the American leadership and could have ended much sooner than it did. There are countless movies, books, memorials to the victims of the Nazis but the victims of the Japanese are by in large forgotten. China certainly doesn't feel that way and will exact revenge on Japan one day and crush it like a Japanese beetle underfoot! While I respect this man for what he says, he is our former enemy and took many American boys' lives, don't forget that! Considering that it was a sworn enemy and exacted a horrible toll in both lives and property Japan got off very easy after WWII, certainly unlike the Nazis. Let's hope that our current warm and fuzzy, politically correct culture doesn't forget who are enemies once were!
6
Yep like those Brits.
Unlike the Japanese and the Germans who never burned our Capitol down those Brits did. And invaded our country as well.
Never forget. Never forgive. Enemies till the end.
And I bet someone like yourself never once served in extensive combat for your country and is somewhat book learned on this topic.
I have to go back to my HS history books but I think it's OK to like the French.
Unlike the Japanese and the Germans who never burned our Capitol down those Brits did. And invaded our country as well.
Never forget. Never forgive. Enemies till the end.
And I bet someone like yourself never once served in extensive combat for your country and is somewhat book learned on this topic.
I have to go back to my HS history books but I think it's OK to like the French.
21
Do please elaborate on how the Pacific War was grossly mismanaged by the Americans. That's not an interpretation I've heard very often. Also, would you say that Japan "got off very easy" since only two of its cities were nuked?
22
C. Christenson is a classic case of selective memory. Yes, the Japanese were extremely aggressive and extremely cruel in the war and their Asian victims bear much longer memories than their American conquerors. However, it is important to remember that Japan was bombed back to the stone age (not including the two atomic bombs) and suffered incredible civilian losses. That is why the message of Kaname Harada is important three generations later to both the victors and the vanquished.
19
OUR economic system, based on OUR "War for the sake of war", is the legacy that WE have given OUR children and grandchildren. No old man, not even a war "hero", can change that.
3
That is not our economic system. Go to the library and get some new ideas.
3
“I want to tell you my experiences in war so that younger generations don’t have to go through the same horrors that I did.”
The voice of true wisdom; and yet, unfortunately, it seems every generation must learn for themselves - the hard way.
The voice of true wisdom; and yet, unfortunately, it seems every generation must learn for themselves - the hard way.
185
unfortunately, experience is the best teacher and learning from someone else's experience rarely happens. That's why war repeats itself.
1
Perhaps war veterans should feel they have to force themselves to recount war experiences even though they may feel guilty and tortured about them -- the ultimate duty to their children and grandchildren, to help avoid a repetition of their experiences.
2
I've had a fair bit of first-hand exposure to Japan's culture and language. The Japanese have a particular ability for this kind of humility and wisdom. There is much to be learned here.
10
It's too bad they couldn't learn it before starting the war in Asia. So many people killed and maimed, even their own, from their hands. Humility seems to come easy after they were beaten and we had to drop two atomic bombs! They didn't believe we had another one! Could have used some humility then.
4
I expected a response like this and I suppose it's fair.
Just because I complement their strengths doesn't mean I think they have no weaknesses. Indeed, I've often found the Japanese obsession with tradition and propriety to be maddening.
But anyone who has had any real exposure to the culture should know what I meant by my first comment. If you travel there, you just have to hand it to them. Their country is clean, organized, and efficient. The people are polite to each other. The crime rate is low. Furthermore, for a country that was once so war-driven, they have managed to stay out of trouble for a _very_ long time.
I think we can all agree there is an up-side to all this, aside from the obvious fact that no one if flawless.
Just because I complement their strengths doesn't mean I think they have no weaknesses. Indeed, I've often found the Japanese obsession with tradition and propriety to be maddening.
But anyone who has had any real exposure to the culture should know what I meant by my first comment. If you travel there, you just have to hand it to them. Their country is clean, organized, and efficient. The people are polite to each other. The crime rate is low. Furthermore, for a country that was once so war-driven, they have managed to stay out of trouble for a _very_ long time.
I think we can all agree there is an up-side to all this, aside from the obvious fact that no one if flawless.
4
Miss the part about the embargo?
Our current group of war-mongers making policy on the right and legislators in Congress are a product of a our society's professional military. They never served or faced the prospect of serving, so they have never had to face such horrors. I have not faced such horrors, but was subject to being drafted. In today's Republican world, they see it like Tennyson's "Charge of the Light Brigade" instead of Owen's "Dulce et Decorum est." They live in a fantasy world where beliefs trump reality, and facts don't matter. Mr. Harada's attempt to relay those horrors to a generation with no such nightmare, is truly honorable. I hope he succeeds.
23
Thank you for letting us know that you were subject to being drafted; obviously you have a lot of experience with this issue.
You are right that most members of Congress haven't served in the military, and that number has been declining for many years. However, Congress has much more military experience than the population as a whole. While 7% of Americans have served in the military, that number is almost three times as high (20%) for Congress, which includes a very sizable contingent of Republican veterans.
You are right that most members of Congress haven't served in the military, and that number has been declining for many years. However, Congress has much more military experience than the population as a whole. While 7% of Americans have served in the military, that number is almost three times as high (20%) for Congress, which includes a very sizable contingent of Republican veterans.
1
This was supposed to be in response to Unclebugs. I guess perhaps I didn't click "reply" under his comment.
If only we could understand each others needs before going to war.
4
I have been in love with the depth of perspective and the wisdom of old age since I was a child.
Perhaps we should listen to that of warriors more so than anyone else.
Perhaps we should listen to that of warriors more so than anyone else.
16
This story parallels very closely the outlook of my dear late father, Owen, who as a German Jew escaped Nazi Germany, fled to America and joined Patton's Army in Darby's 1st Ranger Battalion. His desire to get to America was to raise enough money to save the lives of his mother and siblings, still in Germany. But before that became possible, his family was murdered by the Nazis in a sweep of the Jewish section of their hometown, Dortmund. Dad was in the first wave assault at the Battle of Anzio, Sicily, where many of his buddies died on that beach. Later in life, as he cried about the loss of his mother and siblings, and his buddies on that Sicilian beach, he told me that war must be the last option a nation considers in dealing with conflict. I wrote about Dad in an article entitled, "Remembering My Father: His Greatest Lesson To Me Was His Life". Here's the link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-schwager/remembering-my-father-his_b_... His outlook and the outlook of Mr. Harada resonate, as both understand the brutality of war, and its undesirability bar any other option.
73
For all the politicians in any country who wants to go to war, may I suggest they should lead in the front line on the ground.
Let's see how many would actually still wants to go to war.
Let's see how many would actually still wants to go to war.
101
unfortunately many still would. especially when it means sending someone else's children, and if there's a lot of money to be made. tom cotton being a prime example of this. spouting / advocating war while shilling for the defense industry. plus if the guys at work are any indication. they grew up on video games where killing from a console is "clean and easy, risk free and filled with tons of adrenaline-rush "glory". these same guys can't wait to go whack the "real enemy," and i'm sure the politicians and defense contractors are salivating at the thought.
1
"Rich man's war, poor man's fight." Always has been and always will be.
2
Perfect Solution. Alexander the Great did it all the time.
2
A very modest and honourable man. It also takes much bravery and moral courage to condemn war and conflict particularly when it is often so much easier to go with the flow.
65
Bravery? You have got to be kidding.
Any person can blog or post the same without fear of retrubition.
Bravery and moral courage would have him saying this in 1942. Not 2015.
Any person can blog or post the same without fear of retrubition.
Bravery and moral courage would have him saying this in 1942. Not 2015.
2
In 1942 he was yet to or only just experiencing the horrors. People change with time, particularly when afforded the time to reflect (others of his age weren't so lucky, my Grandfather's brother being one that his colleagues killed in Burma).
3
"Bravery and moral courage would have him saying this in 1942. Not 2015."
A good soldier never does this. It would be treachery and treason. He was right then, he is right now!
A good soldier never does this. It would be treachery and treason. He was right then, he is right now!
1
Now that is a true war hero.
119
I disagree. The real heroes are the ones that fought him.
2
What a moving piece. On the personal level, it shows us the immense capacity we have as humans to learn from our experiences and become better, more empathic and loving people, despite suffering through the darkest of experiences.
On the larger stage, we can see the post-war Japan-US relationship as an example of what two countries can strive toward as close allies, despite having gone well over the precipice in wartime activities, of course culminating with the first, and only wartime use of nuclear weapons by the United States on Japan.
I've always been very interested in Japanese culture, have visited the country, and would love to go back again. It's worth hoping that in the coming decades, this appreciation between what were once diametrically opposed cultures may be possible with our current foes. Perhaps the tentative agreement with Iran is a sign that this may be so.
On the larger stage, we can see the post-war Japan-US relationship as an example of what two countries can strive toward as close allies, despite having gone well over the precipice in wartime activities, of course culminating with the first, and only wartime use of nuclear weapons by the United States on Japan.
I've always been very interested in Japanese culture, have visited the country, and would love to go back again. It's worth hoping that in the coming decades, this appreciation between what were once diametrically opposed cultures may be possible with our current foes. Perhaps the tentative agreement with Iran is a sign that this may be so.
218
Bravo, Mr. Harada. I just pray there are similar voices speaking out in China and Russia as they continue to rapidly expand their military machines.
78
How about someone speaking out about the U. S. and its already expanded military machine which is being used every day--for what?
79
"similar voices speaking out in China and Russia"
and USA.
and USA.
5
“That is how war robs you of your humanity,” he added, “by putting you in a situation where you must either kill perfect strangers or be killed by them.”
A universal truth.
A universal truth.
204
All war is a crime.
One of the wisest voices in the U.S. on matters of war is Andrew Bacevich, who wrote:
“The folly and hubris of the policy makers who heedlessly thrust the nation into an ill-defined and open-ended 'global war on terror' without the foggiest notion of what victory would look like, how it would be won, and what it might cost approached standards hitherto achieved only by slightly mad German warlords.”
― Andrew J. Bacevich, Washington Rules: America's Path to Permanent War
We need more such men and women leading our county.
One of the wisest voices in the U.S. on matters of war is Andrew Bacevich, who wrote:
“The folly and hubris of the policy makers who heedlessly thrust the nation into an ill-defined and open-ended 'global war on terror' without the foggiest notion of what victory would look like, how it would be won, and what it might cost approached standards hitherto achieved only by slightly mad German warlords.”
― Andrew J. Bacevich, Washington Rules: America's Path to Permanent War
We need more such men and women leading our county.
160
Bacevitch knows whereof he speaks, having fought in Viet Nam and having lost a son to G.W. Bush's war in Iraq.
55
I have read all ur comments and thoughts on the subject. of war and I am truly saddened. We are sheep lead to the slaughter by the wolves of profit. whether u are of a democratic government or that of one of a dictatorship ,we still continue to believe the lies that we are told despite the fact that we know that we are being lied to only to comfort ourselves by believing in them. If anyone here believes that there is any world leader that doesn't desire armed conflict for there own benefit ,whether political or monetary benefit is a fool. Without the fear of conflict or conquest then we really have no need for them . As a species that desires the presence of others we always find a way to harmoniously live together in a way locally together. Its when we find a need to coexist globally that we find ourselves in conflict simply due to the fact there is always those who feel that by imposing their opinions and beliefs on others is thier right and obilgation. Also the intoxication of wealth and power has become so ingrained that it becomes an inexplicable force. Had we remained a localized species we would have survived ourselves ,but that not being case we are by nature doomed by our own design.
1
The maps have changed, the names have changed, and the goals have changed, but people - regardless of how much more "progressive" we credit ourselves being - have not changed.