Author of The Emperor and the Spy
Colonel Sidney Forrester Mashbir (1891-1973) wore many hats during his long career: as a spy, a diplomat, a Japanese linguist, military strategist, and as a scientist/inventor. Hoping to avoid World War Two altogether, during the 1920s and 1930s, he was befriended by and allied with top Japanese leaders such as Prince Iyesato Tokugawa and Baron Eiichi Shibusawa, in the pursuit of good relations between the U.S. and Japan.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
University of California San Diego
On January 8th, 2020, the author of the historical novel The Emperor and the Spy: The Secret Alliance to Prevent WWII & the illustrated biography The Art of Peace presented a new perspective on pivotal unknown U.S. Japan relations during the first half of the twentieth century.
Here is an important moment in history, when the leader of the Japanese peace and democracy movement met with his counterparts in the United States during a challenging period of U.S. Japan relations. This rare, perhaps one of a kind photo presents the Japan Society’s Annual Dinner event honoring Prince Tokugawa on Feb. 27, 1934 – This diplomatic goodwill gathering took place at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. [Source of photo: TheEmperorAndTheSpy.com archives – The actual photo is 14 x 22 inches in size.]
This diplomatic gathering is a mystery: no details are available to identify this event and the individuals who attended. You’ll notice that a meal was served in a traditional Japanese style and there are U.S. and Japan flags displayed at the back of the room. Historians/educators/family members are invited to share their insights as to what this event was linked to and who the individuals are. Please send whatever information you might have thru the comment section at the end of this blog post – That would be most appreciated.
This 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.
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:
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:
Prince Tokugawa and his allies vigorously advocated that the 1940 Olympics take place in Japan, hoping it would encourage peaceful international relations. Regrettably, that event was canceled due to the expanding conflict in Europe leading to WWII. Since then, the event was been staged in Japan several times, and Tokugawa would be delighted to know that 80 years after his passing, the Olympics is once again coming to his nation, to be shared with the world.
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.
Circa 1917: Roland Sletor Morris. Following his Sept. 20th, 1917 reception in Philadelphia, Morris soon proceeded to Japan. Source: Library of Congress /Bain News Service.
The interior of the Program/Menu to the reception is presented below.