An essay reflecting on the historical significance of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance and Britain’s support for Japan, inspired by Masayuki Takayama’s column. It examines postwar reconstruction, international relations, and the responsibility of intellectuals and media.

January 1, 2019
The chapter I posted on Ameba on December 29, 2018, has now entered the official hashtag ranking at No.52 under “Nissan.”
A Happy New Year!
The chapter titled “In addition to Motoki, interpreters Baba Sadayoshi, Suenaga Yoshimori, Narabayashi Takami, and Yoshio Nagayasu participated in the compilation,” which I posted on Ameba on December 29, 2018, has now reached No.52 in the official hashtag ranking.
Masayuki Takayama’s column in the New Year special issue of Shukan Shincho proves once again that he is a truly unique journalist in the postwar world.
Readers must have experienced hearty laughter and deep admiration while reading it.
Yet those with keen insight cannot forget the weight of this essay.
They must feel gratitude that such a man has existed in Japan.
Gratitude to the Anglo-Japanese Alliance.
The first encounter between Japan and Britain occurred in the early nineteenth century when the HMS Phaeton stormed into Nagasaki Harbor.
The Japanese were astonished that such a rough nation existed.
To consider how to respond, they first compiled an English-Japanese dictionary, the “Angeria Gorin Taisei.”
Later, when Americans speaking the same language but far more violent arrived, it proved extremely useful.
Though partly a negative example, Britain in fact did many good things.
In the late Tokugawa period, the Russian warship Posadnik came to Tsushima, plundered villages, and demanded port lease rights and the provision of women.
Had the shogunate responded poorly, occupation of Tsushima was possible.
At that moment, British Minister Alcock dispatched two warships and drove off the Russian vessel.
It was an outcome for which Japan could never be sufficiently grateful.
When Japan again confronted Russia across Korea, Britain concluded a military alliance.
Japan needed only to fight Russia.
If Germany or France had assisted Russia, Britain promised immediate intervention.
No one wished to fight the world’s strongest navy.
Before entering the Sea of Japan, the Baltic Fleet should have rested at Cam Ranh Bay in French Indochina, but the French government, fearing the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, refused entry.
Exhausted from their long voyage, they confronted the Japanese Combined Fleet off Tsushima.
Perhaps twenty percent of that great victory owed itself to Britain.
The alliance later vanished due to American cunning and Japanese diplomatic missteps.
Postwar Japan was often swayed by American dominance, yet Britain continued to treat Japan in a straightforward and fair manner.
When Japan’s industries and energy policies faced obstacles, Britain again extended assistance.
Thus, a portion of the historical debt engraved between the two nations can now be repaid.
Unlike other cases, this repayment would surely hold true meaning.
Re-reading this magnificent essay by Masayuki Takayama, I could not restrain my tears.
A man like him is what one calls a true patriot.