The August 2017 issue of WiLL magazine features a landmark essay by Rabbi Marvin Tokayer, revealing the deep historical and spiritual bonds between the Japanese and Jewish peoples. Drawing on firsthand experience, imperial recognition, and decades-long dialogue with Prince Mikasa Takahito, this work challenges fabricated narratives and presents an authentic account of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and shared historical isolation.

Published on June 30, 2017, this article introduces a monumental essay from WiLL magazine’s August 2017 issue by Rabbi Marvin Tokayer, a rare firsthand testimony illuminating the historical, cultural, and spiritual bonds between Japan and the Jewish people. The essay documents imperial recognition through the Order of the Rising Sun, decades of dialogue with Prince Mikasa, and Japan’s unique role in Jewish history. It stands as a powerful counter-narrative to distorted media portrayals and is an essential primary source for scholars of Japan–Jewish relations, modern history, and international cultural exchange.

Date: June 30, 2017

The August issue of the monthly magazine WiLL (840 yen), released recently, is filled with essays that every Japanese citizen should immediately go to the nearest bookstore to purchase. The same is true for people around the world, but to them, I will be the one to convey this message.
In the essay introduced below, there were many facts that I myself learned for the first time, but for people around the world, almost all of them will likely be entirely new.
After reading this authentic essay, which stands in complete opposition to the childish and malicious fabricated articles of newspapers such as the Asahi Shimbun, I found myself unable to hold back tears for reasons I cannot fully explain.
This is from a nine-page, three-column essay by Jewish rabbi Marvin Tokayer, which the overwhelming majority of Japanese people, including myself, are learning about for the first time—especially those who read the Asahi Shimbun, for whom it is entirely unfamiliar.
The Bonds Between the Japanese and the Jewish People
Marvin Tokayer, Jewish Rabbi
Translated by Sanpei Takayama
Though both peoples have lived in isolation within world history, it is astonishing how many points they share.
Upon Being Awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
On February 6 of this year, in New York, I was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, by Ambassador Reiichiro Takahashi, Consul General of Japan in New York.
At the award ceremony, Ambassador Takahashi prefaced his remarks by stating that my achievements had “deepened understanding between Japan and the Jewish people,” and went on to say that since I began serving in Japan in the 1960s, I had devoted myself to introducing Japan to the world.
On that day, before the assembled Jewish congregation, I delivered a short address.
Saying, “I am now 80 years old, and I never dreamed that I would receive such an honor from His Majesty the Emperor and the Government of Japan, so I am deeply grateful,” I added, “As a rabbi, I would like to recite ‘Amen’ together with all of you,” and the congregation responded in unison, “Amen.”
“Amen” (“so be it”) is also used by Christianity, which branched off from Judaism.
The first time I traveled to Japan with my new wife was in 1967.
The previous year, I was suddenly asked by a senior rabbi to work as the rabbi of the Jewish community in Japan, and was told, “Japan recognizes the contributions of the Jewish people and is a country that helped the Jews, so it will be a great experience for you.”
Upon arriving in Japan, I was immediately informed, “You will soon meet an important person: Prince Mikasa, the younger brother of the Emperor.”
The Prince was a scholar of Hebrew history and also an authority on the Bible.
When I met Prince Mikasa for the first time, I asked him, “What should I do?”
He replied, “There are two things. One is to spread knowledge and understanding of the Jewish people among the Japanese, and the other is, likewise, to spread knowledge and understanding of Japan among the Jewish people.”
From that point on, I enjoyed a close relationship with the Prince for approximately fifty years.
On several occasions, when offering prayers at the synagogue (Jewish Great Temple) in Azabu, Tokyo, the Prince graciously led the service in fluent Hebrew.
In my address, I briefly touched upon the history of exchanges between Japan and the Jewish people.
To be continued.