Author of The Emperor and the Spy
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.
This website presents a collection of illustrated Blog posts that focus on U.S. Japan 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.
When war first erupted in Europe in 1914, there was uncertainty as to whether or not, or to what degree, Japan would support Great Britain and her other allies in their struggle with Germany, a conflict that seemed far away from Japan’s shores. Prince Tokugawa and Baron Shibusawa along with their Japanese supporters had spent the prior decade promoting peace. But when war erupted, out of respect international justice, they guided Japan to play a significant role in aiding the Allies – However, many of Japan’s important contributions to the winning of that conflict are little remembered today. Japan strongly assisted militarily and also aided the Allies’ sick and wounded.
The early 1900s were at times challenging in terms of U.S. Japan engagement:
This October 23rd, 1907 Puck magazine cover shows President Theodore Roosevelt defending the nation of Japan from attack. Roosevelt is wearing a military uniform with the Japanese Imperial seal on his hat. He holds a rifle and confronts two rolled-up U.S. newspapers labeled the ‘Sun‘ and ‘World‘ who are also holding rifles and confronting Roosevelt – The background shows the flag of the Japanese Imperial Army.
