This weekend, the world observes the 70th anniversary of the atomic-bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki — and this week, the 70-year milestone of the end of World War II in the Pacific. The Star-Advertiser asked Ed Hawkins, president emeritus of the Japanese American Society of Hawaii, a few questions, to reflect on these historic events.
Question: The Pacific War started with Pearl Harbor; it ended with the atomic bombs. Why is it so important for people today — young and old — to know what happened 70 years ago?
Answer: Future wars can be prevented through mutual understanding of other peoples and cultures, and through dialogue. History teaches us the horrors of war. Knowing past history of wars and their cause and effect is a powerful incentive to work together to prevent war. It is especially important to engage our youth in these programs because they are our future.
Q: Seventy years later, how do you think the catastrophic use of the atomic bombs are remembered/viewed by the Japanese today? By Americans?
A: Because Japanese were the victims of the atomic bomb, I believe they are understandably more horrified about its use. This generally translates to a call to eliminate all nuclear weapons. That sentiment is seen not just in Hiroshima and Nagasaki but all over Japan.
I believe Americans generally feel the use of atomic bombs hastened the end of the war, and thus in a sense was justified. However, they also recognize how terrible these weapons are and generally feel they should never be used again.
Q: Do you have a particular moving or personal recollection about the impacts of war — whether it be about Japanese-American internment, or traveling to Hiroshima, or some other aspect?
A: On this 70th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War, my thoughts go to the people of Nagaoka city. Nagaoka is the home of Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto who planned the attack on Pearl Harbor. Nagaoka was destroyed by American bombers at the waning stages of the war. The people of Nagaoka extended their hand in friendship to people of Hawaii, which resulted in the establishment of a sister city relationship in 2012. Nagaoka has sent its famous fireworks to Honolulu as a gift each year since, and will launch fireworks in Pearl Harbor on Aug. 15 on the 70th anniversary of the end of the war in remembrance of war’s victims, as a celebration of peace, and to educate the next generation.
The city of Nagaoka, the City and County of Honolulu, and the U.S. Navy are collaborating on this project, a vivid example of true reconciliation.
Q: How have perspectives/attitudes toward the Japanese people changed over the decades?
A: Because the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, plunging us into a war, and committed horrible acts during the war, Americans considered Japanese criminals immediately after the war. Since then, Japan adopted a constitution based on civilian control of government, rule of law, and entered into a security agreement with the U.S.; the American view of the Japanese people has changed dramatically. Now 70 years after the end of the war, Japan and the United States are close allies. Hawaii has always been enriched by Japanese-Americans and their cultural heritage. The change in attitude toward Japanese in Hawaii probably changed faster.
Q: What are some ways that cultural bridges are being built, and maintained, between Japan and Hawaii?
A: Grassroots relationships, especially among the youth, are very important in building bridges of understanding and friendship. Inviting and showcasing unique cultural programs from Japan, inviting experts to speak about different subjects, and engaging in cultural and educational exchanges through schools and associations are great ways to maintain these close ties.
