Like I mentioned, this trip I brought alot of mixed feelings about Japan and the Japanese.
When I look back upon history and those famous figures that I have read about, I tried to reconcile that with the mentor I respect and hold so dearly in my heart together with the teachings of Nichiren.
There's an article on The Tojo legacy,
Yuko Tojo, the granddaughter of
General Hideki Tojo, who led Japan to disastrous defeat in World War II. General Hideki Tojo was executed as Japan's top war criminal in 1948. Yuko idolises her grandfather. As I read about her and her views on her grandfather's actions and the people who fought for the war, I can empathise but yet I do feel that what Nichiren taught is so relevant and true in today's age.
Yuko has said "It's not a question of respecting my grandfather. It's about learning to respect someone who loved and fought for his country. Not just Tojo, but also the 2.6 million soldiers who died. We should respect those who fought for their country and that's what should be taught in schools."
--- Personally, in respect to the barbaric war that took away millions of lives, not only pertaining to that of the Japanese, but also lives of different nationals, I totally despise and am upset at how one who was responsible, even though not solely responsible for such destructive acts can be totally unrepentant and still managed to come up with acceptable excuses for their actions. Yet, on the other hand, as I try to understand the situation at that time and her point of view, I can empathise with her and accept her explanation readily.
However, when I try to reconcile with the sound philosophy taught by Sensei, I am consoled that even though Sensei is a Japanese, he does not allow himself to be swayed by emotions that delude himself from what is right, what is wrong.
Sensei Ikeda of Soka Gakkai International once said that in today's age, one should uphold a sound life philosophy as what is right or wrong can no longer be easily differentiated. He goes on to say that "
Nothing is more barbaric than war. Our planet earth is resplendent with timeless beauty of nature and hums with abundant life force. Every day, at each moment, people strive purposely towards tomorrow, savouring both the joys and sorrows of life. Anything that brings devastation and misery upon these noble, ordinary citizens is to be abhorred. I am unequivocally against all wars. War destroys.
Nothing is more barbaric, or causes more human suffering."Having that and having going through all that from my trip, I now understand that importance of our Soka organisation in society.