2002年09月30日 月曜日
A Tenessee Woman in Wartime Japan
by Jane Pinckard
Books, Expats in Japan, Family and Relationships
In the course of my undergraduate thesis research I came across this marvelous book, Bridge to the Sun, by Gwen Terasaki. Her story is dramatic, romantic, and moving, and she writes in a very simple, understated style that only enhances the emotional effects of the events she describes. Her story begins with the courtship that weds her to her husband, a Japanese diplomat. Mr. Terasaki then becomes one of the embassy staff who have to translate and deliver the Japanese declaration of war on the United States.
Mrs. Terasaki chooses to follow her husband to Japan and spends the war there, not knowing the language and separated from her husband for long periods of time. She suffers the same hardships endured by citizens during wars everywhere - she chronicles her daily struggle to find food and fuel, for example. But she also experiences encounters because of her nationality. Some of her neighbors stop speaking to her, while others confide that secretly they are sympathetic to the Allies. In one particularly memorable scene, Gwen and a neighbor listen illicitly to banned American big band music on a phonograph, crying with nostaligia and longing for pre-war days.
Perhaps remarkably, she never expresses bitterness, but instead focuses on valuable lessons learned, human relationships formed, and the overriding bond between her and her husband. The book is a rare chronicle of an outsider's experience in Japan during a time when outsiders were most unwelcome, politically and socially. It is also, quite simply, an absorbing, well-written story.
Note: The 1985 edition is illustrated with pictures by her daughter, Mariko Terasaki Miller.
Posted by Jane Pinckard at 2002年09月30日 13:59
Comments
Jane,
From the opposite perspective (i.e. perspective of Japanese-Americans in the US during the war), you should check out <a href="http://www.spotteddogpress.com/bornfreeandequal.htm">BORN FREE AND EQUAL</a>, Ansel Adams' photos and commentary on Manzanar, the Japanese-American internment camp. It's been recently re-issued and the photos are gorgeous and tremendously sad at the same time. I'm a huge Ansel Adams fan and had no idea that he had done this kind of work.
Relevant <a href="http://www.metafilter.com/mefi/19305">MetaFilter discussion </a>as well.
Gen
I have read Bridge to the sun and enjoyed it very much i live in casper wyoming and am 12 my grandmother is Mariko Terasaki Miller.
my name is sara mayne miller my father is timothy willams miller i enjoyed bridge to the sun very much my grandmother is Mariko Terasaki miller.
Hi, Sarah, from your uncle here in Los Angeles. Just came across this page and thought I'd send you a little "incognito" greeting. Say hello to Benjamin, Alyssa, Aaron -- and last, but certainly not least (in the gut department) -- Rush.
I have enjoyed reading your mother's book, Bridge to the Sun, and also all the information via computer has been most interesting and a very clear picture of your father's important position in Japan before and after the war. Your mother was a friend of my 97 year old Aunt Carrie Treichel who lives in Johnson City, Tenn. They both spole about writing a book years ago, and both did. But, my aunt compiled cookbooks. I was in japan from l953-l955 and it was beautiful. I climbed to the top of Mt Fuji. You are to be admired and commended for all you have done for our country and internationally. Women are pulling our nation together and you are a good role model. I moved from western Nebraska in l998 to Roanoke, Virginia. You've had an interesting life. Sincerely, Ethel Williams
'Bridge To The Sun' is a wonderful book and movie. I met Mariko Terasaki Miller in Casper, Wyoming at a bookstore in the 1980's. Mariko is a dignified lady with a lot of grace. It was an honor to meet her.
My mother is a First Cousin to Mariko's mother, Gwen. My mother was Ella Belle Painter and is the daughter to Francis Orlena Harrold, a sister to Gwen's Father. It is good to know that Mariko is still around and Living in Wyoming. I would like to read the book again. How do I get one?...Ted P. McDonald, 209 Amohi Way, Loudon,TN 37774
I saw Bridge to the Sun last night on TCM. It was truly beautiful,inspiring and tragic.There was not a moment in which my emotions were not stirred.I must admit tears were flowing at the end.I live in the Caribbean and hope to obtain a copy of the book soon so that I can re-read it over and over again and savour each word.Once again it was just marvelous.
I just watched the film on TCM as well! And I too, am searching for the book, for it seemed like a really great story, and well, I missed the first part. (: Sucha pity the woman who betrayed Mr Terasaki shares my name though. :(
Hi,
I have just watched Bridge To The Sun,on tv,wonderful,what a woman,they must have loved each other a great deal.
I am trying to find out what happened after her return to the U.S,i think i may have to see if there is a book.
I saw the movie years ago and didn't think much about it until I read the book, recently. Only then did I realize it was a true story.
Their devotion to each other had to be great to endure the many hardships they endured in a most difficult time in our history.
Even if you saw the movie, you must also read the book. I purchased a paperback version about three years ago.
To Sara or Timothy Miller: do you know if Mariko ever planned to write her memoirs? I'm sure she has her own riveting story.
i SAW BRIDGE TO THESUN WHEN I WAS 6 YEARS OLD AND I REALLY LOVED THE MOVIE IT STUCK IMN MY MIND AND I NEVER FORGOT IT I SPEAK TO MY FRIENDS ABOUT IT ALL THE TIME AND I HAVE OBTAINED A COPY OF THE MOVIE FINALLY FOR MY COLLECTION IT IS A VERY DEEP AND TOUCHING STORY I TOO WOULD LIKE TO BUY A COPY OF THE NEW AND UP DATED VERSION OF THE BOOK FROM 1985 DONE BY MARIKO WITH PICTURES I SE THAT GEWN AND MARIKO RETURNED TO THE US IN 1949 I WAS WONDERING DID THEY EVER ACTUALLY RETURN TO JAPAN TO REUNITE WITH HER FATHER OR DID HE EVER MAKE IT BACK TO THE US BEFORE HIS DEATH IN 1951 2 YEARS SEEMED LIKE SUCH ALONG TIME TO BE APART FROM ONE ANOTHER