A Curious Coincidence

I talked with Columbia Basin College students about my presentation topic during the Portland trip. Before I talked with them, I worried about what students would think about my presentation topic because many people aren't in a light mood when they listen to the miserable history concerned with their own countries. Also many American people don't know about Okinawa and the Battle of Okinawa. My first partner was Mark. He is half American and half Japanese. His father is American and his mother is Japanese, and it means he has American and Japanese ancestors. His grandparents experienced World War II in America and Japan. I got great opportunity to talk with him and I had a great time at this college and our conversation was very useful for my presentation.

First, my presentation topic is Okinawa's history and I talked about the Battle of Okinawa. The Battle of Okinawa was fought between America and Japan during World War II, and Okinawa was a part of America 38 years ago. My topic is difficult to introduce to Americans but it's very important to understand Okinawa and Japan. I want American people to know the real truth about Okinawa, so I want to listen to American student's opinions about the war. Before this trip, I visited Mr. Kawahara who is a Japanese-American and experienced World War II in the camp in America. It was good for me to improve my presentation and also this conversation with the Columbia Basin College student was great for my presentation.

Second, he had listened to his grandparent's experiences about World War II in America and Japan and learned about World War II in Japan. He is interested in Japanese history and culture and he knows about Kamikaze and the Battle of Okinawa. It was very surprising for me because many students who study Japanese are interested in Japanese culture and history but they don't know about Okinawa and the Battle of Okinawa. He told me that Kamikaze was a very noble group and now there aren't many who can be suicide attackers like a Kamikaze to protect their families, unborn generations, and their countries of tomorrow in the world. Also, he said Japan hasn't had an army after World War II; it is very peaceful. I'm very happy because he understands Japanese history and the past war between America and Japan, and he puts a high value on Kamikaze and the fact that Japan doesn't have an army.

Finally, America and Japan had the same war, and we share sadness and repentance for the war. America and Japan are very different from each other but we share some history. Okinawa was a part of America, but many Americans don't know about it. Today, there are many American bases in Okinawa. World War II ended 65 years ago, but still the American army is involved with Okinawa and Japan. It's too difficult and hard to understand these circumstances without the knowledge about the Battle of Okinawa. I hope my presentation helps American people to understand the present of Japan and Okinawa. It is needed for us to keep a good relationship.

In conclusion, it was a valuable chance to talk about my presentation topic with him because his opinions and feelings are half American and half Japanese, so they aren't only American or Japanese. He thinks about World War II from both sides, American and Japanese. Many people can't think about it from both sides because we have only one background. His opinions are valuable help for me, and I learned a lot of things from his stories. I want to succeed with my presentation to help American people to understand our history.

Ayumi, Jill