A+Japanese+high+school+student+in+Tokyo+Block+D+Sem+II+2011+CK

Name: Ninomiya Erika Age: 17 (in 1937) Gender: Female Occupation: Student Appearance: Short black hair, medium height Personality/Quirks/Unique Personality Traits: bright, outgoing, curious, intelligent Family: Father, Mother, Brother Education: Horikoshi High School Languages you speak: Japanese Your main concerns at this time and in life: family, friends, Japan in war with China, Japanese relationships with other nations Portrait (an image that you and we can live with):

__Journal #1: July 11, 1937__ It is the peak of summer and the weather is getting hotter and hotter by the day! I'm so relieved that we don't have school these days; I don't know what I would have done if I had to trek to school everyday in this unbearable weather!

Today started out on a rather worrisome note. The newspaper told that the second war between China and Japan had broken out four days ago. I was always worried that my brother might enlist in the Japanese Imperial Army, being the patriotic and bold man he is, but now my fear seems to be coming true. His friends have already gone to Manchuria to fight against the Chinese, and I overheard him talking to father after dinner, telling him that he wants to go and fight for his country. I hope he doesn't though. I've heard frightening stories of the battles over in China, and I don't want him to be hurt. He's been I don't know what my mother and I would do if this were to happen.

My friend Daiki Tatsukichi has already been enlisted in the army, and he's so eager to fight, but the constant fighting and invading other nations... It seems like that's all that goes on these days. A lot of the soldiers and some civilians wish for Japan to become a bigger power, to take over Manchuria, to become as powerful as Western nations, but I just want life to go on as it is. I don't want my family to be torn apart, to be put in danger. Why can't the leaders of our country be satisfied with what we have... But then, what can I do...

After the gloomy morning, my mother and I went out to the streets of Tokyo for some groceries. We bought some onions, pork, and potatoes for today’s dinner. There, I heard some of the merchants talking. They were complaining about the zaibutsu and blamed them for their economic shortages. At first, I was struck back that anyone would talk about someone as powerful and influential as the zaibutsu like that, but the more I thought of it, I realized that they were right. Sometimes, they seem like they are far more interested in their economic opportunities than the good of the people and nation. I think that if the emperor had been more forceful in maintaining the state of Japan, we would be better off. Yes, I do hope that that happens and things will turn out okay...

__Journal #2: August 3, 1937__ My brother enlisted in the army today. He's leaving in a week. Daiki's letter also came in the mail today and he described to me the gory of his first battle, about his fellow soldiers falling by his side, about the anger and hatred they feel, and about how it felt as if the devil had embraced him. I became so scared for my brother, and I tried to convince him to not leave, even showing him Daiki's letter, but it was no use. All that's in his head right now is supporting the glorious Japan and being a part of the Japanese expansion. Now, I just wish he can return home safely once the war in Manchuria is over...

To my relief, Daiki also had some good news about the Japanese Army's easy victory over the Chinese. The Chinese soldiers are no match for ours and apparently, Japan is now in control of Manchuria. That's good I guess for the country, but for now I just wish he and my brother are able to come back soon safely.

After all this gloomy news, I decided to go to a matsuri (festival) with my friend Airi. It was definitely the right choice. I felt so much better one I was there. There was mochi, takoyaki, and even some western foods! Sausages, I think they were called. I found them queer at first, but of course all these days EVERYONE has had them and I didn't want to be the only one left out. It tasted alright, but a little too greasy for my taste.

After the festival was over, I headed to Airi's house for a sleepover. Apparently, Airi's brother has also decided to enlist in the army, and Airi is as equally concerned about him. I mean, we understand that they might want to be a part of the glorious expansion of Japan, but we thought that actually being a part of the battles was taking it too far. Still, it was a relief to know that there was someone out there whom I could relate to.

It is only August, yet I feel as if this summer has been the longest summer I have ever been through. So many things happened in such a short period of time. I'm not going to be the same person I was when I return to school in September. I guess that applies to everyone, including Airi...

//__Journal #3: December 26, 1940__// It's getting so cold out. I must bring myself to go out and buy a winter coat. Airi had a nice Western looking coat on today, perhaps I will ask her where she got it. I am slightly worried about the cost as the economic tensions in Manchuria have put strains on us, but I'm sure I will be able to find a decent one tomorrow.

//T//oday was filled with such good news. Well, these days, almost everyday is filled with good news. Everyday, I see people on the streets, shouting out "Nippon!", rejoicing at the news of our country's numerous victories over many colonial powers in East Asia. Why just yesterday, when my friends and I were excitedly chattering about a Western holiday called Christmas, Mitsuo Suzuki lead our army to a glorious victory against the British. The British can you imagine that! I've learned in history class at school that the British and the West have always thought that they are the best, discriminating us, and looking down upon us, but now they've all got what they deserve. This is rather exciting to hear. To know that our country is becoming so successful and such a big power in the world even in comparison to those cocky Western nations.

While I was glad to hear that my country was becoming so powerful, I am a tad concerned. Ever since Japan has succeeded in its conquest over other East Asian Nations and colonies, the frequency of its battles have increased and that means that my brother will also be exposed to the brutality of warfare more often. Oh, I am so concerned for him, I hope he is still alright! The last letter from him came about a month ago, and we haven't heard from him since... I'm hoping that it's just because he was busy and that nothing bad has happened to him. His letter will arrive soon and he will explain to us all the heroic deeds that he and his fellow soldiers have carried out and everything will be fine. To think of it that way, I'd rather have the war be over and for //oni-chan// (brother) to come home even though these constant battles in foreign lands may bring our country prestige.

But for now, all I can do is pray and hope for the best and that is what I will do.

__Journal #4: August 16, 1945__ I know that I am not supposed to feel this way after Japan's loss in the Pacific War, but oh I am so thrilled! Our country, Japan has surrendered yesterday, and that means //oni-chan// and Daiki are finally coming back home for good! My father told me that //oni-chan// is coming back in a week, my mother and I fixed //oni-chan//'s room so that he would feel welcome once he comes back. Oh that reminds me, I must go out and buy //odeng// (fish cakes) for my //oni-chan//'s welcome back party. Oh, I'm so glad... It seems like yesterday that I was a naive high school girl, sending my friend and brother off to war. After almost 10 years, I don't have to worry about them anymore...

But at the same time, I am scared. Scared for what might happen to my city, scared of what has happened to my country. Although most people refuse to talk of it because they are unwilling to admit our loss in the name of the emperor, I have heard whispers our Japanese Imperial Army having been beaten in the Philippines and of how our territories in South East Asia were harassed. The most horrible of all things that have happened to Japan is the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by America. I remember waking up in the morning a week ago to the sound of people shouting and crying in the streets and then doing that again three days later when Nagasaki was bombed. Over a million of our people have been killed and the aftereffects of the bombs I heard are just as worse. Why just today, my mother received a letter from Daiki's mom, Rin Suzuki, who lives in Hiroshima, telling her how horrible it is.The mere description of the smoke, cries of anguish, and fires brought tears of fear and sadness to my eyes. My mother and I are extremely grateful that her friend was able to survive. She is one of the lucky few that was able to escape the radioactive rays.Yes, the war is over, but from what I have heard it seems like our nation is shunned and disliked by many other nations.

But for now, I will worry about what is dearest to me and try to put my thought on the return of //oni-chan// and Daiki.