Blogs - Stan. S. Katz

Welcome!

January 3, 2020 by Stan S. Katz Leave a Comment

This website presents a collection of illustrated Blog posts that focus on U.S. Japan historical relations and Japanese history in general.

Stan S. Katz was a Specialist in Rare Books and Ephemera when he acquired the personal papers of a Master Spy, Colonel Sidney Forrester Mashbir (1891-1973). These unique, fascinating materials, combined with Stan’s passion for history and many years of research has resulted in the exciting historical novel THE EMPEROR AND THE SPY, followed by an illustrated biography THE ART OF PEACE. Continue Reading...

Welcome!

February 26, 2020 by Stan S. Katz Leave a Comment

The Mashbir Archive highlights Colonel Sidney Forrester Mashbir’s significant role in history, drawing from his personal library of letters, official documents, and photos, as well as other fascinating historical materials gathered during twenty years of research. Colonel Mashbir (1891-1973) wore many hats during his long career: as a spy, a diplomat, a linguist, a scientist/inventor, an advisor to the highest ranking generals in both world wars, and as the individual who orchestrated the Surrender Signing Ceremony with the Japan that ended WWII. Mashbir then served as linguist and facilitator for the eleven top secret meetings during the early days of the American Occupation of Japan, between General Douglas MacArthur and Emperor Hirohito, which helped establish the renewed diplomatic/political partnership and friendship between the U.S. and Japan. Continue Reading...

The Japan Society of New York City Honors the Visit of Prince Iyesato Tokugawa – Recently Discovered 1934 Photo

February 22, 2020 by Stan S. Katz Leave a Comment

Here is an important moment in history, when the leader of the Japanese peace and democracy movement met with his counterparts in the United States during a challenging period of U.S. Japan relations. This rare, perhaps one of a kind photo presents the Japan Society’s Annual Dinner event honoring Prince Tokugawa on Feb. 27, 1934 – This diplomatic goodwill gathering took place at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. [Source of photo: TheEmperorAndTheSpy.com archives – The actual photo is 14 x 22 inches in size.]

Unknown U.S. Japan goodwill event circa 1915. Can you assist in identifying this event and the individuals in the photo?

February 19, 2020 by Stan S. Katz Leave a Comment

This diplomatic gathering is a mystery: no details are available to identify this event and the individuals who attended. You’ll notice that a meal was served in a traditional Japanese style and there are U.S. and Japan flags displayed at the back of the room. Historians/educators/family members are invited to share their insights as to what this event was linked to and who the individuals are. Please send whatever information you might have thru the comment section at the end of this blog post – That would be most appreciated. Continue Reading...

Recently discovered, significant 1908 photo – Frank A. Vanderlip future president of Japan Society of New York City leads the first formal U.S. business delegation to Japan to meet with Baron Shibusawa Eiichi and representatives of Mitsui & Co., and other Japanese business leaders.

February 16, 2020 by Stan S. Katz Leave a Comment

The above 1908 photo presents an exciting moment in international business relations, the first modern day U.S. Japan trade/economic alliance which helped the U.S. during a period of economic instability, while at the same strengthening U.S. Japan political and cultural relations. Continue Reading...

1915 – William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt attend a New York City banquet honoring the visit of Baron Shibusawa Eiichi.

February 11, 2020 by Stan S. Katz Leave a Comment

Photo above: William Howard Taft (next to the gentleman whose image reveals only half of his face)

Photo below: Theodore Roosevelt (centered beneath the chandelier)

History has its Mysteries: Recently Discovered 1915 Photo: Theodore Roosevelt & William Howard Taft honor Baron Shibusawa Eiichi during his important diplomatic visit to the United States.

February 6, 2020 by Stan S. Katz 5 Comments

This is the only known photo of a significant 1915 U.S. Japan diplomatic event. The description on the lower left corner states:

Dinner to Baron Shibusawa. East & West Meeting, Sherry’s [restaurant] New York City, December 3, 1915. (Actual photo size: 20 by 12 inches.)

The above original photo is age-darkened and torn, and is also missing a corner and a segment of the left edge. These imperfections have been corrected during the restoration process as shown in the photo below:

Prince Tokugawa Iesato encouraged Emperor Hirohito’s younger brother Prince Takamatsu and his recent bride Princess Takamatsu to take a fourteen month Goodwill World Tour during 1930-1931. While in Washington, D.C., they were personally escorted by President Herbert Hoover down Pennsylvania Avenue as part of their special reception.

January 14, 2020 by Stan S. Katz Leave a Comment

These are rare antique photos: the top photo presents a long forgotten 1931 diplomatic event where Prince and Princess Takamatsu as a gesture of international goodwill visited the U.S., and were personally escorted down Pennsylvania Avenue by President Herbert Hoover, as thousands of onlookers gathered to honor their visitors. Surprisingly, this photo appears to be the only one available that presents this diplomatic reception in the U.S. Capital. Continue Reading...

Prince Tokugawa’s Spirit of International Goodwill lives on thru the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan. During the late 1930s, Prince Tokugawa and Kanō Jigorō, the educator and martial artist who founded the sport of Judo, promoted the 1940 Olympics come to Japan.

January 13, 2020 by Stan S. Katz Leave a Comment

Prince Tokugawa and his allies vigorously advocated that the 1940 Olympics take place in Japan, hoping it would encourage peaceful international relations. Regrettably, that event was canceled due to the expanding conflict in Europe leading to WWII. Since then, the event was been staged in Japan several times, and Tokugawa would be delighted to know that 80 years after his passing, the Olympics is once again coming to his nation, to be shared with the world. Continue Reading...

The History of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and Prince Tokugawa’s Pivotal Behind the Scenes Role in Launching It.

January 2, 2020 by Stan S. Katz Leave a Comment

Prince Iyesato Tokugawa took a guiding role in the Japanese gifting of the cherry blossom trees to the U.S. Capital in 1910 and 1912, and the transformation of that international token of goodwill into becoming the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival in 1935 – This was discovered while researching for an illustrated biography on Prince Tokugawa, titled: THE ART OF PEACE. Continue Reading...