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Imperial Toast--Japan 1/9/92 [OA 7565]
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Imperial Toast--Japan 1/9/92 [OA 7565]
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Speech Backup Chronological Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S; 1999-0582-F; 1999-0586-F; 2004-2265-S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13791
Folder ID Number:
13791-003
Folder Title:
Imperial Toast--Japan 1/9/92 [OA 7565]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
22
2
2
staffed
(Smith/Simon)
Draft Three
December 18, 1991
JAPAN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: STATE DINNER TOAST
TOKYO, JAPAN
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1991
Your Imperial Majesties, honored guests. On America's
behalf, Barbara, I, and our party want to thank you for the
warmth of this reception -- and the fullness of your love. //
It was once said of a leader, "Greatness knows no national
boundaries." We meet today in an age where no boundaries of any
kind should separate the great nations of America and Japan. //
Your Majesty's own life reaffirms this. You were tutored by
an American writer of children's books. // You have often
visited my country - -- most recently, in 1987 -- just as I have
come to yours. //
sports
We both enjoy driving, swimming, skiing, and tennis. ((His
Majesty kept me on the move during our tennis game today.
Barbara said I should have saved some of that fancy footwork for
Washington. )) //
Current
Most of all, you show how certain qualities eclipse race,
Biography
and Nation: What your tutor, Elizabeth Gray Vining, called
Aug.
"[Your] essentials that have not changed: The directness, the
91
friendliness
honesty, the humor, the freshness that I had seen in the child
had been fulfilled in the young man. //
2
current
Shining pinnacle of virtue
biography
In Japanese, your name means, "child of beauty and wisdom. "
8/91
You are like your father: Those traits form your essence as a
man. /
You believe in work, community, faith, and family. / You
understand how democracy can aid the cause of peace among
nations. / You understand, Your Majesty, how though half-a-
world divides us, great ties unite us -- ties that are economic
and military / moral and intellectual. //
Tonight, we celebrate the essence of a New World Order: How
former enemies can become close allies, and even friends -- each
competing, creating, dreaming. // Each knows that we must solve
our differences fairly, and peacefully. //
Current
When the Japanese novelist Kawabata received the Nobel Prize
Biography
for Literature, the citation praised him for building "a
1969 spiritual bridge spanning East and West." / In that spirit, I
ask all of your guests to rise and raise their glasses:
-- To the bridge between our countries;
-- To those who built it, and who cross it still;
-- And to your health, Your Majesty, and what you
symbolize -- both to Japan, and the world.
#
#
#
#
Current
AUGUST 1991
eople who
arts, labor,
Biography
cases, the
ather than
umulated
Akihito, Emperor of Japan
Yearbook.
hical pub-
Dec. 23, 1933- Emperor of Japan. Address:
form, that
Akasaka Imperial Palace, 2-1-8 Moto-Akasaka,
N) means
Minato-ku, Tokyo 108, Japan
heading,
WIGHT,
NOTE: This biography supersedes the article that
e, the full
appeared in Current Biography in 1959.
MY CAR-
ntamount
Akihito, who has been the emperor of Japan since
ference is
the death of his father, Hirohito, in January 1989,
is the 125th ruler of the Japanese people. Head of
sual, date
the oldest surviving royal dynasty on earth, Akihito
is said to be direct descendant of Amaterasu
erences to
Is and (2)
Omikami, the sun goddess whose "grandson" Jim-
mu became, according to legend, the first emperor
of Japan in 660 B.C. (Written records indicate that
example,
the imperial line has remained intact for at least
20, 1970,
fourteen centuries.) Hirohito's person was de-
which is
clared "sacred and inviolable," according to the
Whenev-
Meiji Constitution of 1889, but the succeeding doc-
lished in
ument promulgated by the American occupation
forces in 1947, after Japan's defeat in World War
is issue.
II and Hirohito's renunciation of his divinity, de-
Biography
fines the emperor as "the symbol of the state and
Company:
of the unity of the people"-a constitutional mon-
not change until after his father formally surren-
arch presiding over a liberal democracy. Neverthe-
1950-1970
dered to the Allies on August 15, 1945. Shortly after
less, the controversy over the emperor's status as a
/ Authors
divine being continues, largely because of his role
that Hirohito, who was still separated from his son,
books in
as the chief priest of Shinto, the native religion,
wrote Akihito a letter explaining that surrender
Directors
which is still practiced in secularized rituals and
had been necessary to "preserve the seeds of the
American
ceremonies involving nature worship and ances-
nation." On January 1, 1946 Hirohito stunned his
Musicians
tral veneration.
people by renouncing his divinity, declaring that
Akihito ("shining pinnacle of virtue") Tsugu-
"the bonds between us
do not originate in
nomiya ("prince of the august succession and en-
mere myth and legend. They do not have their ba-
lightened benevolence") was born on December
sis in the fictitious ideas that the emperor is mani-
23, 1933 in Tokyo, Japan to Emperor Hirohito and
fest god and that the Japanese people are destined
Empress Nagako (the former Princess Nagako
to rule the world."
Ger-
Kuni). His arrival, following the births of four
Under the new dispensation of 1947, the
ün
daughters-Shigeko Terunomiya, Kazuko Taka-
Gakushuin was considerably democratized, with
nomiya, Atsuko Yorinomiya, and another who died
only about a third of the students being sons of
in infancy-occasioned great rejoicing because
peers, and Akihito began to eat noodles in the cafe-
in-
only male progeny may succeed to the throne. (Hi-
teria like any other student, paying for them out of
repre-
rohito reportedly had been pressured, unsuccess-
his allowance. For his sixteenth birthday, in 1949,
nd that
fully, to take a concubine to assure a male heir.)
he was given an American-style party, complete
Akihito has a younger brother, Masahito Yoshi-
with friends, a cake, and candles. He even ac-
nomiya, born in 1935, and a younger sister, Takako
quired a nickname-"Chabu," or "little brown pig,"
Suganomiya, born in 1939.
for his chubby face and dark complexion. The new
In keeping with tradition, Akihito was separated
freedoms he experienced were concomitants of the
from his parents at the age of three, when his up-
tutoring he received from 1946 to 1950 from Eliza-
bringing was entrusted to an entourage of several
beth Gray Vining, a well-known writer of chil-
chamberlains and a doctor. Except for weekly vis-
dren's books and a Quaker widow from
its to his parents, to whose portraits he prayed ev-
Philadelphia, whom Hirohito had hired with the
ery morning, he had little contact with anyone
approval of General Douglas A. MacArthur.
outside the circle of those who were charged with
Vining, who became the first foreigner permit-
rearing him. At Gakushuin (peers' school) his class-
ted in the living quarters of the Imperial Palace,
mates were kept at a distance, a situation that did
later remembered Akihito as a sad and lonely boy
ent
who led a "dull and restricted life." As she wrote
proved the match on August 15, 1958, leaving only
placing the off
in her memoirs: "I saw him turn constantly to his
Michiko and her parents unconvinced. The Shodas
ments, receivir
chamberlains for prompting in small matters and
at first turned down Akihito's proposal, sensing
the Diet. Akil
waiting passively for them to plan all his daytime
that the honor would impose too many restrictions
activities.
death on Janu
It seemed to me he was in danger
on their daughter's life. In September 1958
of the sacred
of losing his initiative and the power to improvise
Michiko traveled to Brussels to represent Japan at
goddess. In his
in unexpected situations. I longed to set him free."
an international congress of Sacred Heart alum-
proclaimed in
According to a former classmate, it was she who
nae. When she returned in October, she was bom-
"opened his eyes and helped to instill him with
the new imper
barded daily with phone calls from Akihito until
further develo
democratic and liberal values." In her book
she and her parents relented in November.
enhanced we
Windows for the Crown Prince (1952), she wrote
When Akihito married Michiko Shoda on April
of Akihito that "his great natural dignity is com-
tened his reig
10, 1959, he became the first Japanese crown
bined with a shyness which sometimes seems like
chieving pe
prince to wed a commoner. (Thousands of Jap-
hauteur; and the ability to suffer fools gladly,
sixty-two-year
anese bought their first television sets to watch the
peace."
which is so great an asset to any public figure, is ap-
Shinto wedding ceremony, which took place on the
One year la
parently missing. He has a better than average
moated grounds of the Imperial Palace.) As
death, Akihito
mind-clear, analytical, independent, with a turn
Michiko had feared, the imperial family and ele-
official cerem
for original thought. He is aware of his destiny; he
ments of the aristocracy were reluctant to accept
accepts it soberly."
passing, thus
her, despite Empress Nagako's having had to wage
thronement. I
In 1952 Akihito enrolled in the political and eco-
her own battle to win acceptance a generation ear-
were perform
nomics department of Gakushuin University, from
lier from court officials who objected to her be-
a period held
which he did not obtain a degree, though he com-
cause she did not belong to the Fujiwara clan, from
pleted his coursework. Presumably, a six-month
code adopted
which Japanese empresses were chosen. Accord-
The colorful
absence set him back in his studies. In November
ing to Steven R. Weisman, who wrote about the
Throne, which
1952, when he formally came of age, he was de-
royal couple for the New York Times Magazine
clared rightful heir to the throne and was officially
idents, and p
(August 26, 1990), the newlyweds had tried in vain
invested with the title kotaishi denka, or crown
corresponded
to dismiss Michiko's chief lady-in-waiting, a mem-
tional role as
prince. In the following spring he took a leave of
ber of the old nobility whom they suspected of spy-
the absence
absence from school to visit fourteen countries in
ing for the empress. In 1963, as reported by
unifying role,
Europe and North America. His itinerary included
Elisabeth Bumiller for the Washington Post (No-
Yoshikazu Sal
the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II of England.
vember 11, 1990), Michiko was announced to be
While visiting the United States, he spent three
politics at Me
suffering from "great mental strain" and was said
Patrick L. Smi
days as a guest in the Philadelphia home of Eliza-
to have been hospitalized for an abortion, follow-
beth Gray Vining, who later observed in her auto-
1991): "In Ame
ing which she reportedly spent four months in se-
biography, Quiet Pilgrimage: "In essentials he had
through divers
clusion. Today, however, she is said to have
not changed; the directness, the honesty, the sim-
or as a symbo
reclaimed her previous self-assurance, poise, and
in mind. We I
plicity, the humor, the friendliness that I had loved
grace.
in the boy were still there; the promise that I had
In the past W
Notwithstanding the strain between Michiko
more easily b
seen in the child had been fulfilled in the young
and the royal family, she and Akihito reportedly
source of aut}
man." (Now nearly ninety, Vining, the only for-
lived in harmony in other respects, adopting a pre-
fuse. It's hard
eigner to attend Akihito's wedding, still receives
cedent-shattering lifestyle that raised the hackles
photos of the imperial family at Christmas.)
ple aren't
of traditionalists. The parents of two boys and a
Around 1950 the Kunaicho, or Imperial House-
significance of
girl, the prince and princess reared their children
The date N
hold Agency, began a search for a suitable bride
at home and eventually sent the boys to Oxford
to accomodate
for Akihito. The hunt ended in 1957, when he met
University. Michiko insisted on installing a small
Michiko Shoda, the daughter of the president of
ritual," which
kitchen where she could bake to her heart's con-
Nisshin Flour Milling Company, on a tennis court
yield of the rio
tent (aristocratic women were usually not even al-
at Karuizawa, a fashionable summer resort.
calendar year
lowed in a kitchen), and Akihito further
The harvest-ti
Michiko, whose name means "child of beauty and
scandalized some mossbacks by doing some of the
wisdom," had majored in English literature at Sa-
formed by Hir
cooking himself and washing the dishes. The cou-
cred Heart University in Tokyo, where she had
on the night of
ple regularly attended Tokyo Lawn Tennis Club
served as president of the student government and
tended by 980
tournaments and parties, and they even danced in
Minister Tosh
graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1956. In
1958 she joined the exclusive Tokyo Lawn Tennis
public at a ball. They have made about twenty trips
separate from
abroad to some forty countries, despite the possi-
Club, of which Akihito was a member, but the cou-
Akihito entere
bility of their being hurt by antiroyalist radicals'
ple were never allowed to be alone together.
(The ceremony
Despite Michiko's status as a commoner, the
hurling gasoline bombs, as occurred in 1975 during
der to use rice
Kunaicho had added her name to a list of about 800
a ceremonial visit to Okinawa. During their most
east and west
recent trip to the United States, in 1987, they visited
with two fem
prospects drawn primarily from the nobility, and
Boston, Washington, D.C., and New York City.
its officials were reportedly delighted with Akihi-
spent three hc
In September 1987 Emperor Hirohito under-
raw fish, chest
to's choice. According to the Kunaicho's grand
went an intestinal-bypass operation for pancreatic
steward, its officials were aware of the "inadvisa-
According t
bility of excessive intermarriage among persons of
cancer, and one year later, while suffering from an
from the shrine
intestinal hemorrhage, he allowed Akihito to take
the imperial line." The emperor and empress ap-
being. The wri
over all of his imperial duties, which included
perial divinity,
4
CURRENT BIOGRAPHY August 1991
3, leaving only
placing the official government seal on state docu-
the ceremony the emperor is transformed into a
d. The Shodas
ments, receiving foreign emissaries, and convoking
woman in order to have sexual intercourse with the
osal, sensing
the Diet. Akihito became emperor on Hirohito's
gods, as a result of which he becomes pregnant and
ly restrictions
death on January 7, 1989 by accepting possession
is reborn from himself as a god, according to the
tember 1958
of the sacred sword, beads, and mirror of the sun
New York Daily News (November 22, 1990). But
sent Japan at
goddess. In his first official act, two days later, he
according to the New York Times (October 9, 1990)
Heart alum-
proclaimed in a five-minute television address that
version of Hideaki Kase's theory, he has "mock"
she was bom-
the new imperial era would be devoted to Japan's
sex with the sun goddess. A third theory, promul-
Akihito until
further development and to "peace on earth and
gated in the 1920s, is that he wraps himself in a
ember.
enhanced well-being for all peoples." He chris-
cloth, lies on a bed, and is then reborn as the em-
ioda on April
tened his reign Heisei-"peace fulfilled," or "a-
peror. But Yoshio Karita, the vice-grandmaster of
anese crown
chieving peace"-succeeding his father's
ceremonies in the Kunaicho, has been quoted as
ands of Jap-
sixty-two-year Showa eΓa, meaning "enlightened
saying, "He was already emperor before the en-
to watch the
peace."
thronement [sanctified by the daijosai]. He became
place on the
One year later, on the anniversary of Hirohito's
emperor upon the death of his father."
Palace.) As
death, Akihito experienced the last of thirty-seven
Because the daijosai represents Akihito's ac-
nily and ele-
official ceremonies commemorating his father's
knowledgement of his role as the chief Shinto
ant to accept
passing, thus clearing the way for his formal en-
priest, the Socialist and Communist parties of Ja-
3 had to wage
thronement. Four days of formal accession rites
pan boycotted the ceremony, objecting to the use
neration ear-
were performed beginning on November 12, 1990,
of more than $17 million in public funds (of $95
ed to her be-
a period held sacred according to the Taisho legal
million spent on all the accession rites) for the qua-
ara clan, from
code adopted thirteen centuries ago from China.
si-religious event-an expenditure that, they
sen. Accord-
The colorful accession to the Chrysanthemum
claimed, violated the constitutional ban on state
bte about the
Throne, which was attended by 2,500 princes, pres-
support of religion. Akira Kurihara of Rikkyo Uni-
les Magazine
idents, and prime ministers from 158 countries,
versity was quoted in the Wall Street Journal (No-
tried in vain
corresponded to the emperor's secular, constitu-
vember 21, 1990) as objecting: "These rituals lead
iting, a mem-
tional role as a symbol of national unity. Despite
to nationalism, to exclusion and discrimination
ected of spy-
the absence of religious overtones regarding his
against Koreans and other minorities domestically,
reported by
unifying role, it is controversial nonetheless, as
and externally to economic nationalism and ulti-
on Post (No-
Yoshikazu Sakamoto, a professor of international
mately to a strong military." Only 5 percent of Jap-
bunced to be
politics at Meiji Gakuin University, explained to
anese polled indicated that they believe in the
and was said
Patrick L. Smith for the New Yorker (January 21,
emperor's divinity. Those who cling most to the
rtion, follow-
1991): "In America, you have the expression 'unity
past tend to be the prewar nobility, elements of
nonths in se-
through diversity.' When we talk about the emper-
which still dominate the 1,100-employee Kunaicho
aid to have
or as a symbol of unity, we don't have that notion
and the emperor's personal staff. Some Japanese
e, poise, and
in mind. We mean a high degree of homogeneity.
believe that the emperor is kept relatively isolated
In the past we were able to define the problem
and poorly informed by that inner circle.
een Michiko
more easily because the emperor was the clear
Recent events, however, suggest that fears of
to reportedly
source of authority. Now the system is more dif-
Akihito's serving as a rallying point for excessive
opting a pre-
fuse. It's harder to identify its problems. And peo-
nationalism and militarism may be unwarranted.
the hackles
ple aren't aware of the deeper political
In May 1990 he met with Hitoshi Motoshima, the
boys and a
significance of the imperial system."
mayor of Nagasaki, who had been shot in the back
heir children
The date November 12, 1990 had been chosen
by a radical rightist in retaliation for his accusation
ys to Oxford
to accomodate the daijosai, or "great food-offering
that Hirohito, in the final months of his life, bore
lling a small
ritual," which must be performed with the first
partial responsibility for World War II. Hitoshi
heart's con-
yield of the rice crop grown in the year after the
Motoshima has said of Akihito, "As a human being,
not even al-
calendar year in which the former emperor died.
I think this man is great." That same month Akihito
ito further
The harvest-time ritual of thanksgiving, last per-
delivered a strongly worded apology for Japan's
some of the
formed by Hirohito in November 1928, took place
occupation of Korea between 1910 and 1945. His
es. The cou-
on the night of November 22-23, 1990 and was at-
father had described that period as merely
Tennis Club
tended by 980 Japanese dignitaries, led by Prime
"regrettable" and "unfortunate," but Akihito,
n danced in
Minister Toshiki Kaifu and stationed in a room
speaking at a state banquet for Roh Tae Woo, the
twenty trips
separate from the two thatched-roof shrines that
president of South Korea, said, "I think of the suf-
e the possi-
Akihito entered accompanied only by six ritualists.
ferings your people underwent during this unfortu-
list radicals'
(The ceremony is repeated in a second shrine in or-
nate period, which was brought about by my
1975 during
der to use rice gathered from sacred paddies to the
country, and cannot but feel the deepest regret."
3 their most
east and west of the palace.) In an inner sanctum,
"[Akihito] is very much a member of his
they visited
with two female priests in attendance, Akihito
generation," according to Edwin O. Reischauer, an
ork City.
spent three hours sharing a communion meal of
expert on Japan, a former ambassador to that coun-
hito under-
raw fish, chestnuts, and sake with the deities.
try, and a longtime acquaintance of Akihito's, who
r pancreatic
According to Shinto belief, Akihito emerged
was quoted by Steven R. Weisman. "[He is] a very
ing from an
from the shrine transformed into a kami, or godlike
strong pacifist, a strong liberal, and a believer in
thito to take
being. The writer Hideaki Kase, a believer in im-
democracy." Weisman quoted Hideoki Ogawa, an
:h included
perial divinity, has contended that at some point in
electrician who was among the crowd observing
August 1991 CURRENT BIOGRAPHY
5
Akihito's May 1990 visit to Nagasaki, as saying,
The
"From his face you can see that the emperor loves
Why
peace. He represents something precious but frag-
of F
ile, the fact that our blood has continued for 2,000
G
years in this one man, that we are Japanese and this
his
is our homeland. If we deny him, we deny
East
ourselves."
1935
Such subjective interpretations of the emperor's
Care
beliefs are engendered partly through the behold-
a mil
ers' desire to believe what they want to believe
in hi
about the emperor, and partly because Akihito is
Bifro
constitutionally required to keep his opinions to
school
himself. He declared in 1987: "The emperor is not
ity B
in a position to move politics. Traditionally he
he W
stands on the spiritual position of sharing the joys
foun
and sufferings of the people." Weisman quoted
"I di
him as saying, "The position of the emperor is to
sevei
perform his duties according to the constitution,
I we
and I believe I should refrain from making remarks
the
involving arguments related to the constitution."
and
Such circumlocutions make it difficult for many
view
Japanese to muster enthusiasm for their emperor.
Chri
Each day Akihito commutes by limousine the
C
mile or so from the Togu Palace to the Imperial Pal-
serv
ace grounds. His political duties include signing of-
tor f:
ficial documents, greeting foreign dignitaries, and
in un
officiating at state banquets, He also presides over
Carey, George (Leonard)
self
about forty religious or quasi-religious events a
to fe
year, including twenty-one major ceremonies per-
Nov. 13, 1935- Archbishop of Canterbury.
vice
formed at the three shrines on the palace grounds.
Address: Lambeth Palace, London SE1 7JU,
craft
Like his father before him, he marks important OC-
England
appl:
casions by writing poetry.
place
A student of marine biology (as was his father),
When George Carey was named to succeed Robert
the I
Akihito is an expert on the goby, a spiny-finned
Runcie as archbishop of Canterbury in July 1990,
his b
fish belonging to the Gobiidae family. He has iden-
effective January 1991, the event reflected the re-
he e
tified more than a dozen previously unknown spe-
turn to ascendancy in the Church of England of
ch, I
cies of gobies, has written twenty-seven papers
evangelicals-this time along with congenial An-
and
about them, and has been a contributor to Fishes
glo-Catholic traditionalists-after a generation of
der
of the Japanese Archipelago. He is a member of
dominance by upper-class liberals, educated at
ond-
the Ichthyological Society of Japan, a research as-
Oxford and Cambridge and informed by the rela-
F
sociate of the Australian Museum, and an honor-
tivistic Oxbridge theology. Carey, a Cockney-born
as Cl
ary member of the Linnean Society of London.
outsider to the Oxbridge establishment, has a re-
Lond
A slender five feet, five inches tall, Akihito has
markable range of both lower- and upper-church
Oak
thick graying hair and speaks colloquial Japanese
credentials, conditions, and commitments. He is a
(1966
in a reedy voice with a slight lisp. He is an excel-
defender of historical orthodoxies, including a Bi-
(1970
lent horseback rider and enjoys driving, tennis,
ble-based faith, but he is flexible enough, for ex-
semb
swimming, skiing, and listening to classical music
ample, to be a champion of priestly ordination for
after
and jazz. Before his children went off to college,
women and not to insist on a literal reading of Gen-
Char
the family played chamber music together, with
esis. At a time when Anglicanism, according to
tecos
Akihito on the cello, Michiko on the harp, Crown
concerned Anglicans, is sorely in need of renewal,
tions
Prince Naruhito Hironomiya on the viola, Fumihi-
Carey is a participant in the charismatic revival as
gifts
to Ayanomiya on the guitar, and daughter Sayako
well as the movement for closer ties with other
spira
Norinomiya on the piano. In 1990 Akihito's youn-
Protestant denominations and with the Roman
or CO
gest son married Kiko Kawashima, the daughter of
Catholic church. He is also an outspoken environ-
chur
an economics professor, scandalously leaving the
mentalist. Before assuming the Canterbury post-
inspi
crown prince, who is traditionally supposed to
which makes him primate of England and at least
and I
marry first, a bachelor.
token spiritual leader of the loosely knit worldwide
ter el
Anglican communion-Carey was bishop of Bath
Fr
References: N Y Newsday p7+ Ja 8 '89 pors; N Y
and Wells. Previously he had been a parish priest
las P
Times I p1+ Ja 8 '89 por; N Y Times Mag p28+
and vicar, a lecturer in theology, and principal of
chap
Ag 26 '90 pors; New Yorker 67:78+ Ja 21 '91; Sat
Trinity College in Bristol. He has written some
local
Eve Post 231:27+ Ap 11 '59; Washington Post F
nine books on theology, apologetics, the Bible, the
the L
p1+ N 11 '90 por, C p11 N 24 '90 por; Who's
ministry, ecclesiology, and ecumenism, including
bishe
Who, 1990
The Church in the Market Place, God Incarnate
Durh
6
CURRENT BIOGRAPHY August 1991
on February 9,
since 1926. Melman, who is also a lawyer and jour-
Hall in An Afternoon
nalist, holds two doctorates from the University of
of drama, poetry,
Vienna. Their son, Victor, holds a master of philos-
at the Sanders Thea-
ophy degree and has been considering a career as
presented a program
a theatrical director. Described as "compellingly
play The Jewish
feminine," Ida Kaminska exudes an energy and
the Kaminska troupe
vitality that belie her age. Blonde-haired and blue-
have been a ten-week
eyed, she is five feet tall and weighs about 110
Canada, to present
pounds. In addition to Yiddish, Polish, Russian, and
tour, which had been
English, she speaks French and German. Her favor-
Henri Goldgran, had
ite recreations are the theatre, films, and concerts,
days, when Madame
and she also enjoys playing bridge and attending
attack-reportedly as
a
the races.
Yiddish language and
References
of Jewish culture, Ida
concentrated her
N Y Post p35 o 30 '67 por; p23 D 7 '68 por
manent Yiddish reper-
N Y Times II p3 S 24 '61; II p9 F 20 '66
States. Accustomed to
por; II p3 o 15 '67
of the arts in Europe,
N Y World-Telegram p15 Ap 22 '66 por
YASUNARI KAWABATA
disillusioned when she
International Who's Who, 1968-69
taining sponsorship for
Who's Who of American Women, 1970-71
closer
to
realization
in
ested in the Buddhist classics, particularly those
the Association of
of the Heian period, which extended from the
organized by Leven-
KAWABATA, YASUNARI
early ninth to the late twelfth century. "I have
sponsorship, she estab-
always believed that the Asian classics were the
nsemble, which began
June 11, 1899- Japanese author
greatest literature in the world," Kawabata wrote
the Roosevelt Theatre,
Address: h. 264 Hase, Kamakura-shi, Kana-
many years later. "I value the Buddhist scriptures
Union Square, in Octo-
gawa Prefecture, Japan
in particular, not so much as religious teachings,
aminska's Yiddish ver-
but as literary visions, fantasies." The influences
he Trees Die Standing
One of Japan's most venerated men of letters, the
of traditional Buddhist literature and of his child-
by Alejandro Casona.
novelist and short-story writer Yasunari Kawabata,
hood bereavements colored his view of the tran-
motion picture Angel
was awarded the 1968 Nobel Prize in Literature
sience of life and the loneliness of human existence.
in the United States
"for his narrative mastership, which with great
In his earliest work, Jürokusai no Nikki (Diary of
Bernard Malamud, and
sensibility expresses the essence of the Japanese
a Sixteen-year-old), not published until 1925, he
prises for United Artists
mind." He is the first Japanese to win a Nobel
looks back upon his lonely boyhood and gives an
by Jan Kadar and co-
award in literature and the first Asian thus honored
autobiographical account of the death of his grand-
dward G. Robinson.
since Rabindranath Tagore of India received the
father, for whom he felt a compassionate affection
two plays-Once
prize in 1913. Kawabata, who began his literary
despite the generation gap.
and Close the Bunkers
career in his teens, has written about a score of
As a high school student in Tokyo, Kawabata
successfully produced
novels in addition to short stories and critical es-
read Scandinavian literature and became interested
articles to period-
says, and his work has been translated into some
in a humanist movement started by Japanese writ-
she has belonged in-
eight languages. Although relatively unknown in
ers wanting to introduce their countrymen to such
Writers, the Polish
the West, the English translations of his novels
Western artists as Michelangelo, Leonardo da
ssociation, and the He-
Snow Country (1957) and Thousand Cranes
Vinci, Rembrandt, and Cézanne. From 1920 to
of Actors Equity.
(1959) have received high praise. According to
1924 he studied at Tokyo Imperial University,
received are the Polish
Takashi Oka, writing in the New York Times (Octo-
where he enrolled at first in the English literature
echoslovakian prize for
ber 18, 1968), Kawabata's works appear to have
department but changed to Japanese literature in
Polish National Flag of
"assimilated and distilled influences coming from
his second year. At the university, Kawabata served
the Officer's Cross of
the West into an essence thoroughly Japanese, yet
on the editorial staff of the student magazine Shin-
Polish Cross of Merit.
unmistakably within the mainstream of world
shichõ and began to make a name for himself as
cultural community
literature."
a writer. His piece on a war memorial service,
a celebration of the fif-
Yasunari Kawabata was born in the mercantile
which appeared in a magazine in 1921, so impressed
as an actress. The
city of Osaka in central Japan on June 11, 1899,
the noted dramatist and novelist Kan Kikuchi that
Audio-Visual Materials
one of the two children of a physician. His father
he became his mentor and later hired him for the
on May 15, 1969
died when he was two, and after the death of his
staff of his literary journal Bungei Shunju. In 1922
Yiddish language and
mother in the following year he lived with his
Kawabata published a series of short stories, ob-
maternal grandparents. His sister, who had gone to
sessed with themes of loneliness and death, called
on June 16, 1918 to
live with an aunt after the death of the parents,
"Tales to Hold in the Palm of Your Hand."
of her parents' theat-
died a few years later. In 1906 his grandmother
In October 1924, after graduating from the uni-
actor and director in
died, and by the time he was sixteen he had also
versity, Kawabata, with Riichi Yokomitsu and
(Mrs. Karol Latowicz),
lost his grandfather and was left virtually alone in
other young writers, founded the journal Bungei
her present company.
the world.
Jidai. The publication became the mouthpiece of
Kaminska was remar-
At primary school in Osaka, Kawabata had
the avant-garde Shinkankaku-ha movement-also
Melman (some sources
wanted to become a painter, but when he was
known as Neo-Sensualism, Neo-Sensationism, or
or M. M. Melman),
about twelve and a student in intermediate school
Neo-Impressionism-that flourished in the late
associated professionally
he decided on a literary career. He became inter-
1920's. Rejecting the stark realism and Marxist
CURRENT BIOGRAPHY 1969
231
proletarian protest dominating the Japanese literary
declared his intention to immerse himself in tradi-
1965 Kawabata was
scene, its adherents tried to capture the pure feel-
tion and to dedicate himself to the writing of elegies.
of Japan, and he org
ings and sensations of life, and they experimented
The novel Yukiguni was finally completed by
ninth congress of F
with Western cubism, Dadaism, futurism, and sur-
Kawabata in 1947, after two unsuccessful attempts
Tokyo in 1957. Since
realism. Kawabata's own writing at that time re-
to conclude it. Translated into English by Edward
dent of the Internat
flects such Western tendencies as the "automatic
G. Seidensticker as Snow Country (Knopf, 1957),
years he has made se
writing" of Gertrude Stein and the "stream of
it evoked from Western critics puzzlement over its
in international P.E.1
consciousness" technique of James Joyce. By the
content, as well as praise for its subtlety and beauty
Under a cultural
mid-1930's, however, Kawabata had abandoned
of style. Writing in Atlantic Monthly (January
by the State Departm
most of those experimental techniques and had
1957), C. J. Rolo called it "one of the finest short
the United States, a
reverted to more traditional Oriental forms.
novels
since the war" and found its prose
several American un
Kawabata's literary reputation had been estab-
'subtle, delicately moving, and full of striking
Discussing Japanese
lished with the publication, in 1925, of his short
imagery." In his review in the New York Times
described it as a lc
novel Izu no Odoriko (The Izu Dancer), dealing
(January 6, 1957), Donald Barr observed that the
evenly from the elev
with the shy affection felt by a student for a young
novel "fits like an allegory to a multiplicity of West-
when Japan was op
dancing girl whom he encounters while touring Izu
ern patterns" and that its protagonist, Shimamura,
time, he noted, the
province. The virginal purity of the girl in the story
"could be many an American intellectual."
profoundly influence
often recurs as a trait of his female characters in
Kawabata's best-known work in the West is
writers as Ibsen, Dc
Kawabata's subsequent writings. An abridged En-
Sembazuru, first published in 1949 and translated
although those influe
glish version of "The Izu Dancer" was published in
into English by Seidensticker as Thousand Cranes
assimilated into Jap:
Atlantic Monthly (January 1955). In Kinju (The
(Knopf, 1959). Against the background of the
His philosophy of
Birds and the Beasts), published in 1933, a lonely
traditional tea ceremony, with its harmony, sim-
Kawabata aloof fro:
bachelor finds purity and innocence in animals
plicity, and refinement, the novel deals with the
have become a perso
and birds, whose company he prefers to that of
romantic involvement of a young man, Kikuji,
angry at anyone," }
human beings, and in his memories of a girl he
with the two mistresses of his late father and with
Jijoden (My Literar
loved in his youth. Kawabata's other fictional works
the daughter of one of them. Appearing briefly in
February 1967 he jc
of the 1930's include Asakusa Kurenai-dan (Red
the story is "the girl with the thousand-crane ker-
nese authors-includ
Group of Asakusa), published in 1930; Matsugo
chief," who represents purity and innocence. As
statement denouncir
no me (1933); and Hana no Warutsu (1936).
in many traditional works of Japanese literature,
Revolution as "a ma
In 1934 Kawabata began to work on Yukiguni
fate is the dominant factor in the lives of the char-
art." In the summer
(Snow Country), and an unfinished version was
acters. In Thousand Cranes Kawabata again dem-
half of the candidac
published in 1937. Set in a hot springs resort in
onstrates his insight into feminine psychology and
for a seat in the
the snowy region of western Honshu, the novel
his ability to make characters convey ideas by
legislature.
concerns the relationship between Shimamura, a
gestures and indirection rather than by overt ex-
Over the years,
wealthy, middle-aged Tokyo dilettante, and
pression. According to a reviewer for the London
Japan's major litera
Komako, a geisha whose beauty is fading. Because
Times Literary Supplement (June 5, 1959), Thou-
gawa prize. He Wa
of the cold and impersonal Shimamura's inability
sand Cranes must, "like a Bunjin-ga picture
be
Kai prize in 1937,
to face up to experience he is incapable of feeling
read with imagination, allowing the mind time to
in 1952, and the (
genuine love, and the affair is doomed from the
fill in the empty spaces for itself."
government in 1961
start. Underlying the seemingly bland and trivial
In his novel Yama no Oto (Sound of the Moun-
Goethe Medal of t]
nature of events and conversations are ambiguous
tain), Kawabata presents a family drama in sixteen
many in 1959; the
emotions and sensations, which convey to the read-
largely self-sufficient episodes; the first of which
France in 1960; ar
er the contrasts of beauty and decay, and the ten-
appeared in 1949. Excerpts of the novel were pub-
Livre Etranger in 1
sions of love and conflict. Edward G. Seidensticker,
lished in English translation in Japan Quarterly in
ship in the Japanes
who later translated the novel into English, found
1964. Published in 1961, his novel Nemureru Bijo
On October 17, 1
it directly in line with the seventeen-syllable haiku
(Sleeping Beauties) relates the experiences of a
the third Japanese
poems of the seventeenth-century Zen Buddhist
man who spends six nights in a unique house of
of his nationality to
masters, who tried to shock the reader into a sud-
pleasure reserved for the elderly. Kyoto (1962),
erature since the av
den awareness of beauty by yoking together in-
described by John M. Lee in the New York Times
nese scientists, H
congruous terms. The product of an exquisitely
(October 18, 1968) as "possibly his major work,"
Tomonaga, receive
refined sensibility, the episodic Snow Country is
centers around the ancient imperial city of Kyoto.
1949 and 1965, re
characteristic of Kawabata in that its female char-
Not yet translated into English, the novel is viewed
cided with the 10C
acters are more convincing than the male; its state-
by some observers as representing Kawabata's
toration, which ma
ments are oblique rather than direct; its images
revulsion against the Americanization of Japan in
ern era in Japan.
are nebulous rather than clear; and it accepts the
the postwar era. Kawabata's other post-World
$70,000 award frc
loneliness, incommunicability, transiency, and futil-
War II works include Asakusa Monogatari (1950),
nees that reported
ity of human experience.
Meijin (1952), Saikonsha (1953), Tokyo no Hito
Samuel Beckett, E
Kawabata spent much of World War II travel-
(1955), Mizuumi (1955), Yama no Oto (1965),
raux. In announcir.
ing in Manchuria. Apolitical as always, he remained
and the collection of essays Rakka Ryūsui (1966).
ling, president of t
aloof from his country's military effort, losing him-
His collected works have been published under the
cited Kawabata as
self in the classics. He devoted himself in partic-
title Kawabata Yasunari Zenshü, of which twelve
and melancholy I
ular to reading the eleventh century novel The Tale
volumes appeared between 1948 and 1966.
who has "contribu
of Genji, the quintessence of traditional Japan, with
Kawabata is also recognized as a literary critic
between East and
its "consolation and salvation," in contrast to what
of some note, and he has been the mentor of several
Kawabata's work,
he has called the "Western variety of emptiness and
younger Japanese writers. Among his former pro-
aristocratic style,
decadence." After the Japanese defeat, Kawabata
tégés is Yukio Mishima, whose works have achieved
erotic episodes, a
rejected the realities of the postwar world. He
considerable popularity in the West. From 1948 to
observation and a y
232
CURRENT BIOGRAPHY 1969
immerse himself in tradi-
1965 Kawabata was president of the P.E.N. Club
that often overshadow the European techniques of
to the writing of elegies.
of Japan, and he organized the successful twenty-
narrative."
was finally completed by
ninth congress of P.E.N. International, held at
When he was informed of the honor, Kawabata
two unsuccessful attempts
Tokyo in 1957. Since 1959 he has been vice-presi-
into English by Edward
said with characteristic modesty that he was at a
dent of the International P.E.N. Club. In recent
Country (Knopf, 1957),
loss to know why he had been chosen but expressed
years he has made several trips abroad to take part
critics puzzlement over its
pleasure over the recognition thus accorded to
in international P.E.N. congresses.
for its subtlety and beauty
Japanese literature and credited the work of his
Under a cultural exchange program sponsored
tlantic Monthly (January
foreign translators as well as his own background
by the State Department, in 1960 Kawabata visited
it "one of the finest short
in Japanese tradition. He added, somewhat enig-
the United States, and he conducted seminars at
and found its prose
matically, that for a writer "an honor becomes a
several American universities, including Columbia.
and full of striking
burden.' On December 10, 1968 he joined other
Discussing Japanese literature during his visit, he
in the New York Times
Nobel Prize winners at Stockholm's city hall to
described it as a long, wide stream that flowed
Barr observed that the
receive the Nobel Prize in Literature from King
evenly from the eleventh to the nineteenth century,
Gustav VI Adolf of Sweden. Former United States
to a multiplicity of West-
when Japan was opened to the West. Since that
protagonist, Shimamura,
Ambassador to Japan Edwin O. Reischauer called
time, he noted, the literature of Japan had been
intellectual."
the award "a long overdue though happy sign of
profoundly influenced by such modern Western
work in the West is
the West getting over its parochialism.' In an ar-
writers as Ibsen, Dostoyevsky, Camus, and Hesse,
ticle in the New York Times Book Review (De-
in 1949 and translated
although those influences have not yet become fully
ticker as Thousand Cranes
cember 8, 1968) Professor Donald Keene of Co-
assimilated into Japanese thought.
the background of the
lumbia University wrote: "It is fitting that
His philosophy of detachment has generally kept
with its harmony, sim-
Kawabata has been the first Japanese honored, not
Kawabata aloof from politics and controversy. "I
the novel deals with the
only because his works are of great intrinsic merit,
have become a person who can never hate or grow
a young man, Kikuji,
but because giving him the prize signifies that the
angry at anyone," he once wrote in Bungakuteki
of his late father and with
Japanese tradition of the novel, the oldest in the
Jijoden (My Literary Biography). Nevertheless, in
Appearing briefly in
world, has now entered the world stream of
February 1967 he joined three other leading Japa-
the thousand-crane ker-
writing." In 1969 Knopf reissued Seidensticker's
nese authors-including Mishima-in issuing a joint
purity and innocence. As
translations of Snow Country and Thousand Cranes
statement denouncing Communist China's Cultural
of Japanese literature,
in one volume, and Kodansha International pub-
Revolution as "a massacre of free learning and free
in the lives of the char-
lished Seidensticker's new translation of Nemureru
art." In the summer of 1968 he campaigned in be-
Kawabata again dem-
Bijo, entitled House of the Sleeping Beauties.
half of the candidacy of a fellow writer, Toko Kon,
feminine psychology and
for a seat in the upper house of the Japanese
Yasunari Kawabata and his wife, Hideko, have
aracters convey ideas by
legislature.
one daughter. They make their home in a Japa-
rather than by overt ex-
Over the years, Kawabata has garnered all of
nese-style house in the ancient samurai capital of
reviewer for the London
Japan's major literary awards, including the Akuta-
Kamakura, south of Tokyo, and they also have a
(June 5, 1959), Thou-
gawa prize. He was awarded the Bungei Konwa
Western-style summer cottage in Karuizawa, a
Bunjin-ga
picture
be
Kai prize in 1937, the Geijutsuin-sho literary prize
mountain resort founded by Christian missionaries.
allowing the mind time to
in 1952, and the Cultural Medal of the Japanese
Described in the New York Times (October 18,
for
itself."
government in 1961. From abroad, he received the
1968) as "a frail, gray-haired man with deer-like
Oto (Sound of the Moun-
Goethe Medal of the city of Frankfurt, West Ger-
eyes," Kawabata usually wears the traditional Japa-
a family drama in sixteen
many in 1959; the Ordre des Arts et Lettres of
nese kimono and wooden sandals. He is a collector
isodes, the first of which
France in 1960; and the French Prix du Meilleur
of Oriental paintings and a connoisseur of artifacts
of the novel were pub-
Livre Etranger in 1961. He was elected to member-
associated with the traditional tea ceremony.
in Japan Quarterly in
ship in the Japanese Academy of Arts in 1954.
Among his favorite European authors are Dostoyev-
his novel Nemureru Bijo
On October 17, 1968 Yasunari Kawabata became
sky, Chekhov, Strindberg, and Joyce. He writes
the experiences of a
the third Japanese Nobel Prize winner and the first
slowly and meticulously, and the episodic structure
in a unique house of
of his nationality to obtain the Nobel Prize in Lit-
of his fiction sometimes leads a reader to wonder
elderly. Kyoto (1962),
erature since the awards began in 1901. (Two Japa-
whether or not a given novel is complete. For some
in the New York Times
nese scientists, Hideki Yukawa and Shinichiro
years Kawabata has been planning a book, to be
'possibly his major work,"
Tomonaga, received Nobel prizes in physics, in
entitled "Tōho no Uta" (Song of the East), in
imperial city of Kyoto.
1949 and 1965, respectively.) The selection coin-
which he intends to pay tribute to the Eastern
nglish, the novel is viewed
cided with the 100th anniversary of the Meiji Res-
classics that have meant so much to him throughout
representing Kawabata's
toration, which marked the beginning of the mod-
his life.
hericanization of Japan in
ern era in Japan. Kawabata was chosen for the
other post-World
References
$70,000 award from a slate of eighty-three nomi-
akusa Monogatari (1950),
nees that reportedly also included Günter Grass,
Japan Q 11:329+ JI-S '64
(1953), Tokyo no Hito
Samuel Beckett, Eugene Ionesco, and André Mal-
N Y Herald Tribune Bk R p2 J1 3 '60 por
Yama no Oto (1965),
raux. In announcing the award, Dr. Anders Oster-
N Y Times p44 o 18 '68 por
Rakka Ryüsui (1966).
ling, president of the Swedish Academy of Letters,
N Y Times Bk R p2+ D 8 '68 por; p2+
been published under the
cited Kawabata as a "worshiper of the beautiful
S 14 '69 por
Zenshü, of which twelve
and melancholy pictorial language of existence"
Newsweek 72:58+ o 28 '68 por
1948 and 1966.
who has "contributed to spiritual bridge-spanning
Time 92:49 o 25 '68 por
gnized as a literary critic
between East and West." Osterling also found in
Washington (D.C.) Post A p1+ o 18 '68;
been the mentor of several
Kawabata's work, with its highly refined, almost
B p5 o 20 '68
Among his former pro-
aristocratic style, "an eminent ability to illuminate
International Who's Who, 1968-69
whose works have achieved
erotic episodes, an exquisite sharpness in each
Japan Biographical Encyclopedia & Who's
the West. From 1948 to
observation and a whole net of small secretive values
Who, 1964-65
CURRENT BIOGRAPHY 1969
233
staffed
(Smith/Simon)
Draft Two
December 18, 1991
JAPAN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: STATE DINNER TOAST
TOKYO, JAPAN
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1991
Your Imperial Majesties, honored guests. On America's
behalf, Barbara, I, and our party want to thank you for the
warmth of this reception -- and the fullness of your love. //
It was once said of a leader, "Greatness knows no national
boundaries." We meet today in an age where no boundaries of any
kind should separate the great nations of America and Japan. //
Your Majesty's own life reaffirms this. You were tutored by
an American writer of children's books. // You have often
visited my country -- most recently, in 1987 -- just as I have
come to yours. //
We both enjoy driving, swimming, skiing, and tennis. ((His
Majesty kept me on the move during our tennis game today.
Barbara said I should have saved some of that fancy footwork for
Washington. )) //
Most of all, you show how certain qualities eclipse race,
and Nation: What your tutor, Elizabeth Gray Vining, called
"[Your] essentials that have not changed: The directness, the
honesty, the humor, the freshness that I had seen in the child
had been fulfilled in the young man. " //
2
In Japanese, your name means, "child of beauty and wisdom. "
You are like your father: Those traits form your essence as a
man. /
You believe in work, community, faith, and family. / You
understand how democracy can aid the cause of peace among
nations. / You understand, Mr. President, how though half-a-
world divides us, great ties unite us -- ties that are economic
and military / moral and intellectual. //
Tonight, we celebrate the essence of a New World Order: How
former enemies can become close allies, and even friends -- each
competing, creating, dreaming. // Each knows that we must solve
our differences fairly, and peacefully. //
When the Japanese novelist Kawabata received the Nobel Prize
for Literature, the citation praised him for building "a
spiritual bridge spanning East and West." / In that spirit, I
ask all of your guests to rise and raise their glasses:
-- To the bridge between our countries;
-- To those who built it, and who cross it still;
-- And to your health, Mr. President, and what you
symbolize -- both to Japan, and the world.
#
#
#
#
(Smith/Grossman)
Draft One
December 12, 1991
JAPAN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: STATE DINNER TOAST
TOKYO, JAPAN
THURS. JANUARY 9, 1991
Your Imperial Majesties, honored guests. On America's
behalf, Barbara, I, and our party want to thank you for the
warmth of this reception -- and the fullness of your love. //
It was once said of a leader, "Greatness knows no national
boundaries." We meet today in an age where no boundaries of any
kind should separate the great nations of America and Japan. //
Your Majesty's own life reaffirms this. You were tutored by
an American writer of children's books. // You have often
visited my country -- most recently, in 1987 -- just as I have
come to yours. // We both enjoy driving, swimming, skiing, and
tennis. ((His Majesty kept me on the move during our tennis game
today. Barbara said I should have saved some of that fancy
footwork for Washington. )) //
Most of all, you show how certain qualities eclipse race,
and Nation: What your tutor, Elizabeth Gray Vining, called
"[Your] essentials that have not changed: The directness, the
honesty, the humor, the freshness that I had seen in the child
had been fulfilled in the young man." //
In Japanese, your name means, "child of beauty and wisdom."
Like your father, those traits form your essence as a man. You
believe in work, community, faith, and family. / You understand
2
how democracy can aid the cause of peace among nations. / You
understand, Mr. President, how though half-a-world divides us,
great ties unite us -- ties that are economic and military /
moral and intellectual. //
I have come here to celebrate how former enemies can become
close allies, and even friends -- each competing, creating,
dreaming. // Each knows that we must solve our differences
fairly, and peacefully -- as today, we are; as indeed, we will.
//
When the Japanese novelist Kawabata received the Nobel Prize
for Literature, the citation praised him for building "a
spiritual bridge spanning East and West. " / In that spirit, I
ask all of your guests to rise and raise their glasses:
-- To the bridge between our countries;
-- To those who built it, and who cross it still;
-- And to your health, Mr. President, and what you
symbolize -- both to Japan, and the world.
#
#
#
#
CONFIDENTIAL
DECL OADR
IMPERIAL STATE DINNER
SCENESETTER
PURPOSE
To provide a ceremonial expression of good will and friendship
to you and Mrs. Bush, and the American people, during your
visit to Japan.
THE SETTING
You and Mrs. Bush will be hosted by Emperor Akihito and Empress
Michiko at a formal state dinner at the Imperial Palace on your
last evening in Japan. This black-tie event will be attended
by approximately 140 people. Invitees will include Prime
Minister and Mrs. Miyazawa, other members of the Imperial
family, former prime ministers, foreign ministers and Japanese
ambassadors to the US, in addition to Japanese cultural and
economic leaders.
The Emperor will make five-minute remarks and offer a toast,
stressing the long bonds of friendship that the US and Japan
share.
You will return the toast, highlighting the spirit of
friendship that has made our partnership work, and the
responsibilities that we share in making the new world a
peaceful and prosperous one.
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
Department of State Guidelines
E.O. 12958, SEC 3.4 (B), July 21, 1997
By It
NARA, Date 06/07/23
CONFIDENTIAL
DECL: OADR
DRAFT TOAST
IMPERIAL STATE DINNER
Your Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress
Michiko, Prime Minister and Mrs. Miyazawa, distinguished guests:
On behalf of Barbara and myself, I would like to extend our
warmest appreciation to Their Imperial Majesties Emperor
Akihito and Empress Michiko for welcoming us to Japan and for
hosting this beautiful evening.
We have been overwhelmed with the warm reception that the
Japanese people have extended to us during our visit. The kind
hospitality shown to us by every person we have met in Japan
has been one of the highlights of our visit, attesting to the
deep bonds of friendship that link our two countries.
Their Imperial Majesties have cultivated this spirit of
friendship that our two nations enjoy, through their education,
their international travel, and the hospitality with which they
receive American guests like ourselves. I sincerely hope that
Their Imperial Majesties will accept our invitation to visit
the United States, SO that we can reciprocate with some
old-fashioned American hospitality.
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED
Department of State Guidelines
E.O. 12958, SEC 3.4 (B), July 21, 1997
By Rule NARA, Date 11/10/04
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
As I look out at this distinguished gathering, I see the
faces of friends and colleagues with whom we have worked over
many years to build the close ties between our governments and
peoples that we enjoy today.
Our efforts have succeeded beyond our greatest
expectations. It is a tribute to our fundamental good will and
dedication that two nations SO different in culture and
history, that once fought a terrible war against the other,
have been able to forge such enduring bonds. Because of our
differences, we benefit all the more from our close ties --
learning from one another, and contributing our own strengths
in the common pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.
We, and all our citizens, recognize that the principles of
political and economic freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and
respect for human rights are shared values and form an integral
part of our relationship. We have witnessed great changes in
the world that promise to make the future of our children, and
of our children's children, a better, more peaceful one. The
shadow of potential nuclear annihilation under which our
generation has lived is receding. The rule of law is
increasingly upheld in relations between nations.
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
-3-
Yet our joint endeavor -- this historic collaboration --
has only just begun. The United States and Japan share a heavy
responsibility to see the promise of this new era is
fulfilled. Through continued close bilateral cooperation the
United States and Japan can help shape a new world that will
ensure the safety and prosperity of our people, indeed of all
peoples.
Tonight, as we reflect upon the good fortune, dedication
and sacrifice that have brought our two nations together, and
on the challenges we must face, we also rededicate ourselves to
the spirit of friendship so much a part of this global
partnership.
I would like to propose a toast to the good health of their
Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko and the
Imperial Family, and to the spirit of friendship that guides us
in our endeavors.
CONFIDENTIAL
PRESIDENT'S JANUARY 1992 STATE VISIT: IMPERIAL STATE DINNER
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CONFIDENTIAL
DECL : OADR
AUDIENCE WITH THEIR IMPERIAL MAJESTIES
EMPEROR AKIHITO AND EMPRESS MICHIKO
SCENESETTER
PURPOSE
To highlight the close bonds between the American and Japanese
people.
THE SETTING
You last met the Emperor and Empress in February 1989 at the
state funeral for the late Emperor Showa (Hirohito). January 7
was the second anniversary of his death. The Emperor will have
completed extensive, and tiring, ceremonies the evening of the
7th to mark that anniversary.
This audience is purely ceremonial. Conversation is
appropriately limited to expressions of mutual respect and
commitment to friendly relations between the two countries.
PARTICIPANTS
US
Japan
President Bush
Emperor Akihito
Mrs. Bush
Empress Michiko
Grand Master of
Ceremonies
TBD
DECLASSIFIED
Department of State Guidelines
CONFIDENTIAL
E.O. By 12958, SEC 3.4 (B), July 21, 1997
It NARA, Date 06/01/23
CONFIDENTIAL
DECL : OADR
POINTS TO BE MADE
AUDIENCE WITH THEIR IMPERIAL MAJESTIES
EMPEROR AKIHITO AND EMPRESS MICHIKO
Mrs. Bush and I are delighted to meet again with Your
Imperial Majesties and enjoy your hospitality and that of
your beautiful country.
Please allow us to express our deepest condolences to Your
Imperial Majesties and all members of the Imperial Family
on occasion of the second anniversary on January 7 of the
passing away of the late Emperor Showa.
It is always a pleasure to visit Japan and renew our
friendships here.
-- We are impressed and gratified as always by the great sense
of warmth and goodwill we feel from the Japanese people.
-- We hope that you will do us the honor of visiting the
United States at a convenient time for you, so that we can
reciprocate your hospitality.
-- Kyoto was the perfect place to begin our stay in Japan. In
our hectic schedule, our brief stop in Kyoto offered a very
relaxing and contemplative break for us.
-- We would like to congratulate you on the birth of your
first grandchild. We understand that both the mother and
the baby girl are doing well.
I am looking forward to our tennis match.
DECLASSIFIED
Department of State Guidelines
E.O. 12958, SEC 3.4 (B), July 21, 1997
By It NARA, Date 06/07/23
CONFIDENTIAL
AUDIENCE WITH EMPEROR OF JAPAN
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