INTRODUCTION
The people we choose to honor, shape and inspire our future
Theodore Roosevelt (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919) a Man of and ahead of his Time.
Prince Tokugawa’s Pivotal Role in Establishing the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC.
Prince Iyesato Tokugawa guided the Japanese gifting of the cherry blossom trees to the U.S. Capital in 1910 and 1912 into becoming an international token of goodwill which is now officially known as the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival – His behind the scenes role in accomplishing this diplomatic success was discovered while researching for the illustrated biography on Prince Tokugawa, titled: THE ART OF PEACE.
1920 – An Important Event Encouraging Good US / Japan Relations. Recently discovered Photo – Frank A. Vanderlip, a leading US business figure and president of the Japan Society of New York City meets with Shibusawa Eiichi and representatives of Mitsui & Co., and other Japanese leaders.
Above is an original 1920 photo (far right segment) of the larger photo shown just below. It presents an exciting moment in international business relations, an early U.S. Japan trade/economic alliance being formed, while at the same strengthening U.S. Japan political and cultural relations. This gathering took place at the home of Baron Shibusawa (seated front row, seventh from the left in the below photo).
1915 – Former Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft secretly attended a diplomatic banquet sponsored by the Japan Society of New York, honoring the visit of Baron Shibusawa Eiichi. Their goal to strengthen the future US Japan alliance for World War One.
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)
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.
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.