The Cherry Tree Weeps for Me: A Quest for The Dawn of Peace chronicles one man’s lifelong pursuit of peace before and after the Pacific War. Takashi Komatsu’s incredible story is told alongside Japan’s pre- and post–WWII history and the country’s remarkable rebirth as a vibrant democratic global economic powerhouse. Komatsu’s life journey from a 12-year-old immigrant living in New York City’s YMCA to his delivery of Harvard’s 1911 commencement address—proves that real life can be stranger than fiction. His.
The Cherry Tree Weeps for Me traces Komatsu’s extraordinary life as he rose to the head of a large shipping company in Japan, befriended the heir to the last Shogun and the US Ambassador, and became a respected international businessman and statesman. Risking incarceration and assassination, Komatsu made choices that defied military rulers and right-wing extremists as they edged Japan toward war and devoured a democracy.
Within days of the war’s end, inconceivable events led General MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the Occupation Forces, to seek Komatsu’s aid to help rebuild Japan and restore amity with the United States. Repairing friendship between the two countries was complex and daunting. Komatsu went far beyond forging relationships with US presidents, ambassadors, scholars, philanthropists, and leaders in the public and private sectors of both Japan and the United States. His legacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of tenacity, empathy, and understanding in international affairs, offering an intimate view of US/Japanese relations during the first 70 years of the 20th Century.
If you enjoy books like Malcolm Gladwell’s The Bomber Mafia, you’ll love The Cherry Tree Weeps for Me. Find out what transpired after the devastation and one man’s unsung influence that restored a stolen democracy.
About the Author
Born during World War II in Moline, Illinois, James Mikel Wilson grew up in the lingering dark shadows of that era. His father and uncles fought in WWII, moved on with their lives, and rarely ever discussed it.
Over four decades, Wilson’s work in international marketing and personal travel took him to five continents, thirty-three countries, and forty-seven states. He craved to understand the history, culture, and politics of each place visited. Wilson’s lingering itch to better grasp the fuses that sparked WW II in Europe and Asia led to two meticulously researched books.
His first book, Churchill and Roosevelt: The Big Sleepover at the White House (2015), earned an Author Academy Award. Wilson was invited to participate in a book signing during America’s National Churchill Museum’s 50th-anniversary celebration. In 2020, the International Churchill Society’s annual meeting in London featured the book and a reading of Alliance, a stageplay version of the book.
All book sale proceeds from “The Cherry Tree Weeps for Me: A Quest for The Dawn of Peace” will be donated to Monmouth College, located in Monmouth, Illinois, the alma mater of the Author and of Takashi Komatsu.
Publication date November 1st, 2024.
Available through the links below:
Amazon eBook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHV1RPHH
Amazon Paperback: : https://www.amazon.com/dp/1662952775
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/9781662952777 On this site, enter the author name James Mikel Wilson or Book Title and then select eBook or paperback.
READER PRAISE FOR THIS BOOK
“James Mikel Wilson’s The Cherry Tree Weeps for Me is a gripping journey through time. With the skill of a seasoned storyteller, Wilson paints a vivid portrait of a man who straddled two worlds, from Takashi Komatsu’s beginnings as a twelve-year-old boy venturing overseas to seek his destiny to his pivotal role in shaping Japanese-American relations in the wake of World War II. Meticulously researched and utterly absorbing, Wilson’s book delves deep into the complexities of Komatsu’s life. What emerges is a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to peace and democracy. The Cherry Tree Weeps for Me is not just a historical account; it is a testament to the power of compassion, courage, and diplomacy in the face of adversity, a poignant story that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.”
—Monte Francis. Multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist and News Presenter, France 24; Author of Ice and Bone and By Their Fathers Hand.
“Wilson puts on full display in this book his liberal arts education to tell the story not only of the unsung hero, Takashi Komatsu, who was educated at Wilson’s and my alma mater, but of the history of the relationship between Japan and the United States. Wilson ties together these threads and alerts us to the incredible coincidences. These included living next door to a curious younger boy in Monmouth, Illinois, who would later become responsible for one-half of the US occupation of Japan and, by happenstance, cross paths with Komatsu in Tokyo after 35 years of separation. They would collaborate to begin reconstruction, and their sons would become Monmouth College classmates after the war.”
—Dan Cotter. Author of The Chief Justices –The Seventeen Men of the Center Seat; Member of the Board of Trustees of Monmouth College, and 2024–25 President of the National Board of Bar Presidents.
“Unearthing the obscure life of an unsung hero, Wilson’s newest book masterfully unravels how Komatsu emerges as a catalyst for unity and prosperity in post-WWII Japan. The Cherry Tree Weeps for Me provokes introspection of the age-old quandary of ‘what next’ after conflict termination. Perhaps Wilson employs Komatsu’s character and actions to inspire Americans during this time of extreme political divisiveness and mistrust. Will we forsake revenge and retribution by uniting to fortify peace, democracy, and prosperity? If so, who will emerge as our Komatsu?”
—Colonel Kay A. Smith. Colonel, USAF (Retired).
“James Mikel Wilson’s book takes us on a wonderful deep dive into the incredible life of Takashi Komatsu and his dedication to peace and friendship between the US and Japan. I particularly enjoyed Wilson’s exploration of Shofuso House, which I have had the privilege of experiencing firsthand. It is a living symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations, largely thanks to Komatsu’s efforts. In the years following the San Francisco Peace Treaty, Komatsu played a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange and understanding between the US and Japan, including his work with John D. Rockefeller III to bring Shofuso to life. This traditional Japanese house and garden, originally exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and now permanently displayed in Philadelphia, captivated American audiences and reignited interest in Japan’s rich heritage.”
—Alan Wilkis. Artist (Big Data), Music Producer, and Composer for Film and TV.
“I applaud James Mikel Wilson for his insightful narrative of Takashi Komatsu. When conflicts end, like the current Russian-Ukrainian War, who will be the artist of peace to bring warring partners past the residual anger to cooperation and perhaps friendship? Komatsu was such a man, and his impact seems incomprehensible.”
—Dr. Stan S. Katz. Author of The Art of Diplomacy and former San Diego World Affairs Council Board Member. *The Art of Diplomacy is an illustrated biography of Prince Iyesato Tokugawa (1863-1940). Prince Tokugawa promoted peace and democracy, and he allied with, and mentored Takashi Komatsu. Prince Tokugawa was so influential, that it was only after his passing in 1940, that militants were able to push Japan into joining the Axis Powers during WWII. Prince Tokugawa’s legacy would live on after that war ended, through Takashi Komatsu, who took a pivotal role in bringing the US and Japan together once again, as friends and allies.
“I was absolutely blown away by the volume of Wilson’s research on Japan’s geopolitical history and the details of Takashi Komatsu’s life—particularly how they intersected with important global events. Komatsu’s influence on the early years of Japan’s post-WW II recovery and renewed friendship with the US is still felt today, as evidenced by their strong strategic and economic alliances. Wilson’s book illustrates that real life can be as captivating as fiction.”
—Jeff Rankin. Retired Editor and Historian, Monmouth College.
Wilson’s new book helps readers understand how Takashi Komatsu was influenced by his mentors in the US and Japan. These influences played a major role in his ability to form alliances and work as a catalyst to building the Japanese economy and the strong economic ties between Japan and the US. —Gary Randazzo. Sr Lecturer, C.T. College of Business, University of Houston; Former EVP and General Manager, San Francisco Chronicle and Sr. VP Houston Chronicle.
BELOW IS A MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR:
To guide others to discover Komatsu’s unheralded contributions to peace, I respectfully ask that you share this announcement with family, friends, and acquaintances so they can know how this remarkable man shaped our history.
I would also appreciate your posting a reader review on Amazon or Goodreads to help others learn about Komatsu and his astonishing true story. Amazon elevates the visibility of a new book based on sales and the number of reviews posted.
I hope you enjoy the front cover of The Cherry Tree Weeps For Me. After researching hundreds of images and dozens of photographers, I selected one of Kunihito Ohtsubo’s stunning photos. He graciously allowed me to use his work for the cover. Ohtsubo is among Japan’s finest photographers and has my sincere gratitude and appreciation. (Instagram @kunihito_ohtsubo)
Sincerely,
Jim
James Mikel Wilson
Houston, TX
Author: www.jamesmikelwilson.com
Instagram: @jamesmikelwilson
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