© 2007 Institute of Current World Affairs
The Institute awards long-term fellowships to develop a deep understanding of an issue, country, or region outside the US and to share that understanding with a wider public.
Institute of Current World Affairs - Home Page

Below is a hobbled text version of a PDF document.
In order to read the actual document please click the link below and register if necessary.
(One-time registration is free and very quick.)
Read article

5/1/1940 - Japanese “Seeing Someone Off”; Summer Plans by Thomas L. Blakemore

TIB VSR No Aoyama Gakin Shibuya Tokyo Japan Dear Mr Rogers In places seeing someone usually considered pleasure exception Japan The hearty apparently attended amount nearl recreation eventually ought abroad ceremonial flower arrangeent audible toothpicks Every traveler Japan farewell gatherings frequently ranging small groups dozen street demonstrations railroad stations which hundreds These quite normallf there display badges sashes anners apropris remarks considerable noise As organized often there leader stsrts farewell songs inteN ittent banzais exchanges And while imagination slashing gestures these directors spirit flagging Come straight repertoire nerican college cheer leader After unexpected enthusiasm eculiar trlnnings however recognizes clearly demonstration friendship loyalty Evidently honorBes consider stand centers their groups bowing smiling voyages pictures radiant pride Likewise there scenes disagreeabe Even where partings obviously happy soldiers going I displv grief There tearful exceptions breakdowns gather general Spartan repression application principle ought inflict sorrovs another which produces anomalous parent smiling happily mentioning death children For foreigners season departures although I foreign colony insulated Japanese these lively affairs teamship passage United States booked capacity scholarships usually expire about those Tokyo residents return leaves before rainy season I I weeks sveral trips docks Yokohama store Fortunately month language progress finished Ever since returning Shiga I added review ordinary program rather pressed But favoreble report received I afford little immediate concern summer vacation Your cable approving Japan through Fall other thanks Really under return summer would unwise language instruction would missed Naganuma divides students threes allots tutor These groups Tokyo June September usually going Lake Nojiri Karuizawa weather summer sports Navy officers finding fondness fishing difficulty getting houses conventional spots different going Tovada fishiest scenic Japanese lakes remote uncommercialized mustI eight miles cabin Housing ourselves tutor problem snows busses coence running Northern Japan intend preliminary exploration For while considered Hokkaido reports hauls nding attentions rural police discouraging Wherever I decide I address summer Sincerely