Author of The Emperor and the Spy
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.
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)
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:
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. Prince Tokugawa and Baron Shibusawa along with their Japanese supporters had spent the prior decade promoting peace. But when war erupted, 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 during and after the war.
Clay version of the bronze relief sculpture that is to be presented to the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park, San Diego.
President Roosevelt, Prince Tokugawa, Baron Shibusawa, President Taft
During the first decades of the 1900s, these four accomplished statesmen allied together to promote amity between their nations. This website presents additional blog posts revealing the strong alliance between them.
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 is holding a rifle and confronting 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.
Description of the photo on the book’s cover: Prince Iyesato Tokugawa (aka Prince Tokugawa Iesato) receives an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Southern California (USC). Dr. Rufus B. von Kleinsmid President of USC bestows this degree to Prince Tokugawa.
Left to right in photo: Prince Iyesato Tokugawa; Iyemasa Tokugawa; George I. Cochran; Dr. Rufus B. von Kleinsmid.
The Art of Peace presents the life of Prince Iyesato Tokugawa (1863-1940), an amazing international statesmen and humanitarian. The biography is available in two EBook versions: the more streamlined ‘general reader’ edition and the ‘expanded’ edition. [Note: the ‘expanded’ edition presents additional historical notes and an Index.]
This blog presents the INDEX to the ‘expanded edition’ of THE ART OF PEACE. It is made available to assist historians/educators/students doing research about this intriguing and understudied period of history. It also serves the general public pursuing genealogical research about their family members who were socially or politically active during that period.