Diary+Entry+3+_JH

Date: 18th April 1943 weather: heavy rain time: 9:17 pm

Dear Diary, It was raining the whole day, and I mean really hard. I can still hear the raindrops knocking on the roof. I was looking out the window earlier on today, before sunset, and I smiled. It seemed to be washing away all the sweats and pains us Japanese had gone through before. It was not long ago when I feared and opposed strongly for Japan to go on war with America. It seems that Japan didn’t really want war from the beginning either, but we just wanted America to negotiate with us. However, when this didn’t turn out the way it was meant to, I trembled in fear. What if we lose and America takes over our land? What if this affects our family? I couldn’t think straight back then.

However, it says on newspapers and news about how Japan’s power is steeply rising and that Japan could easily beat America now. After Japan surprise attacked U.S forces at Peal Harbor, I heard that Japan kept expanding the land towards South-east Asia. Successfully attacked the Philippines, the Malay Peninsula and East Indies, I believe. This definitely upsized the size of the Japanese empire and stretched it from Sotheast Asia to the western Pacific Ocean. This really seems to have positive affect in our country. Now, my children can grow up, being proud of the fact they are Japanese. I don’t know how long I’ve waited for this. I am just so relieved.

I especially thank Iwane Matsui, the great military leader who led this success. I didn’t really like the look of him since he looked so cruel. I was afraid he might do something ruthless to my son, Echizen and give him hard time in the military. However, I now know that he is such a good leader who lead Japan to victory against the Chinese. Soon enough, my son will come back home and everything will fall into places. Finally, these days, I am free from worrying about my son. I bet he is doing all right, with great cares. However, I just hope he’s not homesick anymore and I want him home as soon as possible. I’m counting every second for him to return to Hiroshima. Despite some worries left over, I am now able to sleep without any difficulties, deeply and soundly.