The United States and Japan: from the Japanese viewpoint

              1920's
248n
The United States and Japan From the Japanese Viewpoint

Figure


IT IS a pity that while the power of science has brought the nations of the world into closer touch with each other as we see it today, it has failed to bring them into a better mutual understanding.  In spite of the fact that in these days we can reach Tokyo from New York within a half month, America and Japan are as yet far apart, insofar as their knowledge of each other's spirit and character is concerned.

Dr. Mabie, in his Japan today and tomorrow, has well said, The source of anti-Japanese feeling in this country is not so much race-antagonism as ignorance of Japanese history and character.  I feel it to be my mission as a Japanese in America, to interpret, as much as I can at my limited disposal, the true nature of the Japanese character for the careful consideration of my American friends.

Yours sincerely,
M. T. YAMAMOTO.



Minosaku Toshi Yamamoto
It is one of the constant aims of the National Alliance to put upon its programs that make good in more than a purely popular sense.

We feel that it is not enough for an attraction simply to entertain.  There must be sparkle and humor of entertainment, to be sure, but unless a lecturer can in some way leave new ideas and ideals, and a better and higher point of view, he has no place with us.

Without straining after effects, Mr. M. T. Yamamoto entertains his audience.  His conversation and lectures sparkle with humor.  It is his spontaneous humor and shrewd insight into human motives that give his lectures charm.

There is no striving for oratorical effect, nothing but a natural outpouring of a subject from a mind and a heart that are full.

Mr. Yamamoto is delightfully prepared to interpret the people, the life, the ideals and the dreams of Japan for the American people.  In the first place, he is able to express himself perfectly in English, because he holds a graduate degree from one of our best colleges.  He has written several books in our language.

Mr. Yamamoto comes from the best class of his people.  His work owes its charm to its simplicity and good humor.  His splendid platform appearance and address make it certain that he will be recalled practically every place where he appears.

The National Alliance.



Lecture Subjects

AMERICA AND JAPAN—Their relations will be discussed from historical, political, economic and philosophical view-points.
THE JAPAN OF YESTERDAY AND TODAY —The audience will become acquainted with those larger landmarks in the genetic development of Japanese race.
EVERY-DAY LIFE IN JAPAN—An interpretation of strangeness and charm of the Japanese life.
BUSHIDO—The origin and development of the Knightly virtues of the dominant elements of Japanese race will be considered historically and ethically.
THE JAPANESE ART AND LITERATURE—Their special characteristics will be made clear, reflecting upon criticisms made by prominent scholars on the subjects.
GAUTAMA THE BUDDHA—An hour study of the life story of Buddha and Buddhism preached by Buddha.
THE FIFTY YEARS OF CHRISTIANITY IN JAPAN—The status of the progress of Protestantism in Japan will carefully be surveyed historically, with such hopes as to enrich foreign mission spirit.
THE LIFE OF JOSEPH NEESIMA—The lecturer's tribute to Dr. Neesima, the founder of Doshisha University and one of the greatest Christian educators Japan ever produced.
LITTLE SISTER OF THE DEW—The dreamy story of romantic charm written by the lecturer and published twice in the booklet form—a study of the fanciful Japan.




THESE LECTURES are intended to impart sane and sound knowledge of all that constitutes the Japanese nation.  They are to create better understanding between America and Japan, to counteract jingoism, and to make real the Brotherhood of Man.  They are of high educational and moral character, and yet not lacking in wholesome wit and humor.



Facts and Appreciations
University of Pittsburgh.

In this day, when it is the duty of every worthy person to use every endeavor to eliminate suspicion, dislike and discord and to promote good will, confidence and harmony among nations, the effort made by Mr. Yamamoto through these lectures and through his personal energies will be particularly valuable.—Samuel B. McCormick, Chancellor of University of Pittsburgh.

King's School of Oratory.
Pittsburgh, Penn.

Possessed of a pleasing personality, a cultivated mind, an unusual vivacity and charm of speech and manner, he is well equipped for the lecture platform.  He interests all.—Bertha Fuhrer, Principal of King's School of Oratory.

Tennessee Military Institute.
Sweetwater, Tenn.

Mr. M. T. Yamamoto delivered his lecture in the chapel of the Tennessee Military Institute before the cadets of the T. M. I., the Young Ladies of Sweetwater Seminary and a representative audience of Sweetwater people.  He held his audience for over an hour, and there was not a dull moment in the entire time.  No one to whom the opportunity is given to hear this very interesting man should fail to take advantage of this opportunity.—O. C. Hulvey, Supt.  of Tennessee Military Institute.

Kentucky Wesleyan College.
Winchester, Ky.

Though he spoke for more than an hour, he held and delighted the audience every moment.  His lecture was educative as well as entertaining.—J. J. Tigert, President, Kentucky Wesleyan College.

By Rev. Dr. Anthony F. Zeigel,
Kirksville, Mo.

In addition to his ability to interpret for us the life of the Orient, he is able to give us a picture of the life of the Occident through the eyes of an Oriental.

From Rev. Benj. R. Larrabee,
Fredonia, N. Y.

For your lecture there was every praise from the Fredonia Triple Alliance of Men's Leagues.  You took us into the heart of the Japanese life.  Your lecture was much better than ordinary.  The stereopticon views were excellent.

By Rev. Glenn M. Shafer,
Clarion, Penn.

I have been privileged to know Mr. M. T. Yamamoto quite well for several years.  The honesty, integrity and uprightness of his character are unquestionable.  His zeal and perseverance are commendable.  He is a Christian gentleman.  Of his scholarship, others can write from fuller knowledge than I. I can, however, say much without exaggeration: He has spoken for us several times always to the interest and edification of all who heard him.  His audiences have increased from 150 on his first appearance to 450 on his third, and 750 on his fourth, which in itself speaks highly of his eloquence.

From Rev. E. B. Welsh.
Oil City, Penn.

I have never seen pictures more exquisitely shaded and tinted than those which you put on the screen.  Simply as an exhibition of Japanese art the lecture was abundantly worth while.

Kent State Normal School.
Kent, Ohio

… The spirit of his talk was excellent.—J. T. Johnson, Dean of the Faculty.

Frostburg State Normal School
Frostburg, Md.

… His lecture is interesting and instructive.—Edw. F. Webb, Principal.

Milwaukee High School.
Milwaukee, Wis.

… His knowledge of English is far superior to most Orientals.  He is in every way an unusual speaker.—A. C. Shong, Principal.

Erie High School.
Erie, Penn.

… His talk was interesting and helpful in every way.—Jno. C. Diehl, Principal.

Mayville High School
Mayville, N. Y.

To say that Mr. M. T. Yamamoto is a speaker of unusual ability is saying very little.  He possesses the balance of power which self attainment and honest effort create.—J. L. Humbert, Principal.


Camp Cleghorn Chautauqua
Waupaca, Wis.

Two addresses by Mr. M. T. Yamamoto at the present session of our Camp Cleghorn Chautauqua, were very much appreciated by our people.  He has a good command of the English language, a ready supply of wit and humor.  He not only knows his own country, but ours as well, and knows how to talk to and interest an American audience—Thomas W. North, Delavan, Wis., President of Camp Cleghorn Chautauqua Institution.

Jamestown Y. M. C. A.
Jamestown, N. Y.

Because those who heard him so freely express their pleasure and because of my own knowledge of him as a cultured Christian gentleman, I believe he should be given the fullest opportunity to present his interesting, instructive lectures to our American people.  A better appreciation of the Japanese people and a more sane view of the relations between America and Japan is the result of his work.—P. MacG. Allen, General Secretary Y. M. C. A., Jamestown, N. Y.


Cincinnati Commercial Tribune
Cincinnati, Ohio.
He said in part: Seventy per cent of all the cotton Japan imports, comes from America; also all the oil used in the Empire.  Japan can not live without American products.  * * * Sixty per cent of the silk you see in this country comes from Japan.  So it behooves us to strengthen, instead of impair, that traditional friendship between our two countries.


Litchfield Daily Herald
Litchfield, Ill.
He was attired in a Japanese gown and his lecture sparkled with spontaneous humor of the Japanese brand.


The Waterloo Press
Waterloo, Ind.
In all, lecture was very entertaining and the speaker has a vein of humor that held his audience for over an hour.


Danville Press Democrat
Danville, Ill.
The lecture was an extraordinarily strong one and was much appreciated by the audience which did not fail to give this splendid little gentleman their generous applause.


Quincy Daily Herald
Quincy, Ill.
The hand-colored slides used in the stereopticon and the beautiful word painting of cherry blossom land made a deep impression on the audience.


The Evening Sun
Paducah, Ky.
He spoke before a packed house and proved to be a speaker of absorbing interest.


The Altoona Mirror
Altoona, Penn.
He said in part: The siege of Port Arthur gave some erroneous ideas to the world.  That is, it led some Americans and others to think that we are going to fight America; that we are a war-like, bloodthirsty race.  Who called you Americans a war-like people when your thirteen colonies armed in the holy cause of liberty and stood united like one man under God's command, invincible to any force?  Certainly we are the Yankees of the Far East and possess an unconquerable spirit, but not a spirit of conquest!  We are a nation of artists and poets.  Did not a poet say that the tenderest are the bravest, the bravest are the tenderest?


The Anamosa Eureka
Anamosa, Iowa.
His lecture covered a large field of thought and one could not but have a profound respect for his people.  Many little touches of humor and pathos made the evening one long to be remembered.


The Warren Chronicle
Warren, Ohio.
There is only one thing which I hope will soon be made permanent, he said earnestly.  I refer to the understanding which exists between both nations.  Neither understand the other.  The strongest force which holds a feeling of friendship for the United States is Christianity.


Green Bay Press-Gazette
Green Bay, Wis.
The Japanese gentleman was a fluent orator and pleased the audience very much with his talk.  The lecture was highly instructive as well as clever and witty.


The Erie Dispatch
Erie, Penn.
Let America and Japan try to get a clear understanding of each other, pleaded Yamamoto.  The trouble is that each of us knows the bad of each other.  In our discussions we remember the bad and forget the good characteristics of each * * *.