Former Japanese Emperor and Empress Visit Ohiinata Development Area in Karuizawa
KARUIZAWA, Japan – Former Emperor Akihitoand Empress Michiko arrived in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, on August 22nd for a summer retreat. On August 23rd,the couple embarked on a leisurely stroll through the Ohiinata Development Area, located in the northwestern part of the town.
The OhiinataDevelopment Area, situated at the foot of Mount Asama, holds a unique historical significance. It was established by a group of Japanese who had migrated to Manchukuo, a Japanese puppet state in northeastern China, before World War II. Afterthe war, they faced immense challenges in returning to their homeland and ultimately settled in Karuizawa, where they worked tirelessly to cultivate the land.
The former Emperor and Empress, hand in hand, ambled through the highland vegetable fields, where cabbages and other crops flourished. As they walked along the ridge, the former Emperor remarked, The cabbages are growing beautifully.
Gazing at the white clouds drifting across the azure sky, the former Empress expressed, The sky is so blue. The former Emperor echoed her sentiment,sharing in her appreciation for the clear weather.
The former Emperor and Empress are expected to remain in Karuizawa until August 29th. Their visit to the Ohiinata Development Area serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination of the Japanese people, who overcame adversity to rebuild their lives afterthe war.
Historical Context
The Ohiinata Development Area stands as a testament to the complex history of Japan’s involvement in Manchuria. During the 1930s, Japan aggressively expanded its influence in northeastern China, establishing Manchukuo as a puppet state under the rule ofthe last Qing emperor, Puyi. Thousands of Japanese citizens migrated to the region, drawn by the promise of economic opportunities and a new life.
However, the outbreak of World War II and Japan’s subsequent defeat led to the collapse of Manchukuo. The Japanese residents who had settled there faced a difficultand uncertain future. Many were forced to flee their homes, leaving behind their possessions and facing the arduous journey back to Japan.
Upon their return, these individuals found themselves confronted with the challenges of rebuilding their lives in a country ravaged by war. Many struggled to find employment and housing, while others faced discrimination due totheir association with the wartime regime.
The Ohiinata Development Area emerged as a symbol of hope and resilience for these returning citizens. By reclaiming and cultivating the land, they demonstrated their determination to create a new future for themselves and their families.
Significance of the Visit
The former Emperorand Empress’s visit to the Ohiinata Development Area carries profound significance. It reflects their deep understanding of the historical complexities of Japan’s past and their recognition of the enduring spirit of the Japanese people.
The visit also underscores the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by those who returned fromManchuria and worked tirelessly to rebuild their lives. Their story serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit, even in the face of immense adversity.
By choosing to spend their summer retreat in Karuizawa, the former Emperor and Empress have not only chosen a scenic location but also a place that holdshistorical and cultural significance. Their presence in the Ohiinata Development Area serves as a powerful symbol of unity and reconciliation, reminding the Japanese people of their shared history and their common destiny.
【来源】https://nwapi.nhk.jp/nhkworld/rdnewsweb/v6b/zh/detail/k10014556931000.json
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