Stan. S. Katz

Author of The Emperor and the Spy

Have you ever wondered how US and Japan re-established their friendship and alliance following the trauma of WWII? Here’s a new biography that honors an amazing Japanese American statesman, Takashi Komatsu, who guided this major achievement.

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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.

Komatsu’s rose to become the head of a large shipping company in Japan, allied with Prince Tokugawa heir to the last Shogun and the US Ambassador to Japan Joseph Grew, 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 this, 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 the illustrated biography of Prince Iyesato Tokugawa (1863-1940), an international statesman who promoted peace and democracy. 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 allied with and mentored Takashi Komatsu.  Tokugawa’s peace-loving legacy would live on after WWII, through the creative efforts of Takashi Komatsu, who took a pivotal role in bringing the US and Japan together 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

 

Below is a link to the Harvard Magazine Jan.-Feb. 2026 article titled: A Congenial Voice in Japanese-American Relations, about Takashi Komatsu and Prince Tokugawa.

https://www.harvardmagazine.com/alumni/harvard-takashi-komatsu-japanese-american-relations

Prince Tokugawa as President of the Red Cross Society of Japan, working with US Ambassador Joseph Grew and Jesuit Priest Jacquinot, helped save tens of thousands of Jewish European refugees fleeing the Holocaust and hundreds of thousands of Chinese civilians.

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For decades, Prince Tokugawa Iesato (aka Prince Iyesato Tokugawa – 1863-1940) devoted his life to maintaining peace in Asia and specifically preventing Japan from coming into conflict with China. Tokugawa saw the clouds of war growing in Europe, as well as the militants in his own country pushing Japan towards conflict with China. He resisted these aggressions and wished to protect as many innocent lives as he could. As president of the Japanese Red Cross Society, Prince Tokugawa presided over the 1934 International Red Cross Conference in Tokyo (aka XVth International Conference of the Red Cross), where he urged the delegates to “Serve for Humanity.” It was at this gathering, where there was the first known example in history for the international creation of demilitarized Safe Zones, where civilians could find shelter, as outside warring armies fought one another.

The above October 1934 Press photo presents the American delegates to the conference held in Tokyo. Front row: U.S. Ambassador Joseph C. Grew (in light overcoat); on Grew’s right, holding papers and a cane, is Judge John Barton Payne, Chairman of the American Red Cross. (The other Red Cross representatives are not listed.) Ambassador Grew and Judge Barton Payne were close allies of Prince Tokugawa. This was the important conference, where the foundation for Safe Zones in Japanese controlled Chinese cities, such as Shanghai, were established, which helped save so many Chinese and Jewish lives. Up till now, Prince Tokugawa has not been recognized for his guiding role in the creation of these Safe Zones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 20th, 1934, Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California)

Prince Tokugawa presided over the 1934 International Red Cross Conference held in Tokyo, where for the first time in history the concept of creating civilian/refugee Safe Zones in war-torn areas was established. Prince Tokugawa promoted these safe havens which continued to exist throughout WWII. Credit also goes out to the President of the Chinese Red Cross Society Zhengyan Wang (another spelling Zhengyuan Wang 卢敏课题组) 

 

 

 

The above and below photo are courtesy of The Archive of the Jesuits in Canada / Archives des Jésuites au Canada  http://jesuitarchives.ca.

The photos were supplied specifically for use in this blog post.

The photos had the below description in French:

“Dans la zone “Jacquinot” avec le consul Japonais”

Below is the English translation:

“In the “Jacquinot” zone [Shanghai, China] with the Japanese consul.”

The date of these photos is estimated to be circa 1937-1940.

 

In these photos the bearded gentlemen in the French beret is a kind-hearted and heroic Jesuit Priest, Robert Jacquinot de Besange, who spent many years serving in China. He is conversing with one of Prince Tokugawa’s Japanese government representatives.

Father Jacquinot, with Prince Tokugawa’s strong support guided the Japanese military and their Chinese military counter-parts to agree to avoid conflict in these demilitarized Safe Zones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once WWII ended, there was the strong desire on the part of both the US and Japan to leave the recent dark war period behind them and expediently move forward again as allies. For this reason, Prince Tokugawa his supporters have become forgotten international heroes, who deserve recognition.

THE ART OF DIPLOMACY AND THE ART OF PEACE versions of Prince Tokugawa’s biography highlight Tokugawa’s significant involvement during the 1920s and 1930s in preventing the growing anti-Semitism in Europe from spreading to Japan and negatively influencing Japan’s treatment of Jews. A great debt is owed to Prince Tokugawa, by many, whose relatives were rescued by this noble individual.

These books also offer important lessons in creative intercultural and political relations for our current and future leaders.

Hopefully, these new insights will help heal some of hard residual feelings in Asia linked to events from WWII.

 

PRINT & KINDLE EDITION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPANDED EBOOK EDITION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                       Praise

 

Paul Ringwood U.S. Navy Commander (retired) wrote:

“Amazing little known history. I enjoyed every chapter.”

 

Kazuo Kodama, former Ambassador of Japan to the United Nations wrote:

“I wish you all the best & best of luck on your new book on ‘’Tokugawa Iesato.”

 

Professor Benjamin Uchiyama, Ph.D. History, University of Southern California wrote:

“This is a really interesting and understudied topic.”

 

Suzette Heiman, Director of Planning and Communications – The Missouri School of Journalism at University of Missouri [The first school of Journalism in the U.S.] wrote:

“We look forward to adding this biography to the School’s library collection. Your goal to reach high school and college students with this information is an ambitious – but important – goal.”

 

Toru Shigehara: Head Librarian/Information Resources Center Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Foundation and Museum wrote:

“We appreciate your kindness and all the work you have done to promote understanding of Shibusawa Eiichi and US-Japan relations as a whole. I wish you all the best in your current and future endeavors. With gratitude,”

 

Bill Davison – President of the North County Chapter of the San Diego World Affairs Council wrote:

“Entertaining and Educational! This wonderful book will almost certainly broaden your perspective on US-Japanese relationships.”

 

Professor Claire Langham, former President of the East-West Center of Southern California wrote:

“The importance of preventing war is rarely given recognition through literature and in accounts of history.  It can be every bit as exciting as glorified accounts of war and certainly a better approach.”

 

Dr. Gerald Margolis, former Deputy Director of Operations of the University of Pennsylvania’s Museum, the Executive Director of the World Religions Museum in Taipei, Taiwan (1996-97), the Founding Director of the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles (1987-96) and the Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles (1983-96). Dr. Margolis offers the below description of my books/research:

“Once again, I am impressed by your diligence and adventurous engagement with a difficult subject. Your work is all about discovery. You seek out different tracks – I think you might wish to explore academic University departments that cover diplomacy, and the craft of international relations.”