Ishida+Sumi+-+December+25th,1937


 * DIARY 1**

It’s cold again. Colder than ever. The cold winter wind blows.

The house is empty once again...but then again it isn’t. The younger ones have been pulled out of school and are in the house. But all feels empty for some reason.

I have sent off Shinichi to the Japanese Imperial Army. No, //I// have not sent him. He has chosen to go willingly to the hands of these war mongers… Oh I miss him so! It has already been many months since he has gone. He is the spitting image of his father...if only he were here to see his eldest go off to serve our country. He would have been so proud. So proud! I personally wish for his safe return as soon as possible...I can’t imagine him facing the horrors of this war. Please come home safely to me, my son, for you are the only man left in our withering family now.

Oh only if Kazuo were here...I would feel so much better. He would have informed me of his every day dealings with other traders and tycoons and bring me tidbits about the outside world. If only that accident hadn’t happened...if only...if only…

From what I hear Japan has invaded China! It is good to hear that we are breaking ground on Chinese territory and advancing towards the national goals but I feel that this isn’t taking a great toll on our family. We have had to give up so much for this war--especially families with sons in their household. Houses like mine!

Soon, Junichi will have to be enlisted into the Japanese Imperial Army, too.