(英語の後に日本語が続きます。) It is well-known that Chiang Kai-Shek -- the later Chairman of the Nationalist Government of China (1943-1948), and President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) -- as a young man wished to pursue a career in the military. Less well known is the fact that he spent a number of his formative years studying …
Continue reading Chiang Kai-Shek and Japan — his military and social experiences in Takada (Joetsu)
(英語の後に日本語が続きます。) On a snowy day in January, 1911, the command “Mettre ski” sounded across the slopes of Mount Kanaya. Eleven selected officers from the 58th regiment of the Imperial Japanese Army put on their skis. A little awkward at first but more easily and quickly over the next few days, and weeks. The Austrian Major …
Continue reading THEODOR VON LERCH – The spy who introduced skiing to Japan and made Niseko famous
(英語の後に日本語が続きます。) War time events in Australia and Japan brought about an otherwise unlikely connection between Joetsu and Cowra, NSW, Australia. In 2003, the mayors of Cowra and Joetsu signed a Peace and Friendship Agreement. I have described the Naoetsu side of the relationship in “The Naoetsu POW Camp”, and development of the relations between the …
Statues of Peace and Friendship (英語の後に日本語が続きます。) Tokyo POW Camp #4 branch, Naoetsu could have easily turned into “the camp that never was” – a fate suffered by almost all of the POW camps located in Japan -- had it not been for the initiative of a small group of Naoetsu citizens who conducted their efforts …
(英語の後に日本語が続きます。) Joetsu’s history is dominated by the exploits of 16th century daimyo, Uesugi Kensin, during the period of the “Warring States”. The 16th century is far enough behind us to be able to ignore the terrible wars fought in those days but it is harder to ignore Joetsu’s role in the second world war, or …
JOETSU STORIES 