President Theodore Roosevelt Archives

Introduction to The Art of Peace: the illustrated biography of Prince Iyesato Tokugawa

April 13, 2020 by Stan S. Katz 3 Comments

For centuries, the Shoguns ruled over a relatively isolated feudal society. Prince Iyesato Tokugawa was to become the next shogun, but when that dynasty ended, he instead creatively guided an emerging Japan onto a modern, interconnected world stage.

Description of the book cover photo:

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 the university bestows this degree. Continue Reading...

Recently discovered 1908 Photo – Frank A. Vanderlip future president of the Japan Society of New York City leads the first official, modern day U.S. business delegation to Japan to meet with 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...

The 1909 Shibusawa Delegation visits Upstate, New York – U.S. and Japanese leaders come together in friendship over a Century Ago

February 15, 2020 by Stan S. Katz Leave a Comment

The Shibusawa 1909 Delegation is welcomed by the City of Ithaca.

Front cover to a celebratory Event Program/Dinner Menu (six page brochure) honoring the visit of Baron Eiichi Shibusawa & his wife, and his accompanying Japanese goodwill/business delegation.

The description reads: Continue Reading...

1915 – William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt attend a banquet honoring the visit of Baron Shibusawa Eiichi. This diplomatic event is linked to the early history of the Japan Society of New York City.

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)

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:

In Support of Democracy during World War One, Prince Tokugawa and Baron Shibusawa guided Japan to aid the U.S., Britain, and France, as well as her other Allies – Theodore Roosevelt praises Japan for her important role in winning that war.

December 28, 2019 by Stan S. Katz Leave a Comment

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 Britain’s 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 – Despite Japan’s important contributions to the winning that conflict, relatively little is remembered today. Japan strongly assisted militarily and aided the Allies’ sick and wounded. Continue Reading...

To Honor the Alliance between Presidents Theodore Roosevelt & William Howard Taft with the Japanese leaders Baron Shibusawa & Prince Tokugawa, a bronze sculpture is offered as a Gift to the Japanese Friendship Garden

December 9, 2019 by Stan S. Katz 1 Comment

Above is the 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. Continue Reading...

President Theodore Roosevelt and Prince Iyesato Tokugawa worked together to improve U.S. Japan relations and combat anti-Asian Racism.

November 1, 2019 by Stan S. Katz Leave a Comment

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.

INDEX from THE ART OF PEACE

October 15, 2019 by Stan S. Katz Leave a Comment

The Art of Peace presents the inspiring life and accomplishments of Prince Iyesato Tokugawa (aka Prince Tokugawa Iesato – 1863-1940), an amazing international statesmen and humanitarian. The biography is available in two versions: the more streamlined General reader edition and the ‘Expanded’ edition, which includes additional historical notes and an Index…This Index is presented further below to assist historians/educators/students doing research about this intriguing period of history, and for those pursuing genealogical research about their family members who were socially or politically active during that period. Continue Reading...