Since yesterday, The media has been covering this news (another link). It's being constantly updated amd now we know their names and ages. One is 85 years old and the other is 83. Both want to return to Japan. Some say that there are still more Japanese, maybe more than 50 people. Over 50 years have passed since WW2 and is this possible? Yes I think it is. Actually We're already had two cases.
The first case is of Shoichi Yokoi. He holed up and survived for 28 years in Guam. This is the photo OF when he returned to Japan. When he returend in a wheelchair, I suppose people were pleased that he was safe. They probably imagined his lonely, wild, tough life and also felt some grief because he was missing 28 years. Then 2 years later, Hiroo Onoda returned to Japan from Lubang Island in the Philippines. It took a long time for him to return to Japan, even after the Japanese government knew that he was still alive and alone there because Onoda didn't trust anyone that said Japan lost ww2 OR THAT ww2 was over. He finally decided to return when his commanding officer, former Major Yoshimi Taniguchi was flown to Lubang, and said to him in person that the mission was over". When we saw him presented in front of president Marcos after 30 years of jungle life, peace-addicted Japanese were shocked by his crisp salute and his piercing eyes, I heard. Here is his full story, 1. 2. 3. 4.
Personally, I think that this is an amazing story, but I don't think that he is a hero. Even though some foreign sites call him the Last Samurai, after returning here, he couldn't have good days only because of basiing. This wikipedia entry explains that part well. Yeah, he chose to leave Japan and start a new life in Brazil. This story is a little bit sad. However! 83 year old Mr.Onoda keeps well and started A new project, "life in the nature" in Japan. Look at his smile. I think It's beautiful. I am simply very glad for his smile and know that he enjoys his life very much.
Comments