B07, Hiroko Moriya ‘86, Grandfather, 1910
In May 1985, I interviewed my grandfather, who is seventy-five years old. He was born in 1910.
Q: What was your opinion of World War II?
A: Although I did not have to play a role in it, I was not in favor of it, of course. In fact, no one was. I was very surprised by Germany’s development of many advanced military weapons. I didn’t want to accept the fact that there was a war going on. I wished that I were somewhere else, in a more peaceful country. I was always hoping and praying that my family would remain unharmed. I felt very insecure.
Q: What was it like to live during the war?
A: There were many hungry and thirsty times. Yet, I was never annoyed or pressured by my family. They did not complain. My son and daughter (your uncle and aunt) were very good children. At that time, my son was about seven or eight, and my daughter was five or six years old. They were very quiet children, and also mature for children of that age, I would say. Even when we had to stay in the air raid shelter (bōkūgō), they seldom complained or cried. Both of them were quietly flipping through the pages of their books. However, since they were small children, they didn’t fully understand the situation. At times they appeared as if they were confused.
Q: How did you feel when the war ended?
A: Oh, my feelings were very complicated. I was very depressed that Japan had surrendered, and to see how awfully the country had been destroyed. Yet I was relieved. I finally felt that I got what I always wanted: “The war is finally over.” Immediately after the surrender, I felt that I never want Japan to be involved in another war ever again. I continue to pray for that. It took so long for Japan to rebuild after the war.
My grandfather talked about his personal feelings and true feelings. At the end, he added “If, by any chance, Japan is to have another war, I hope it will be after my generation and your generation.” And then he smiled.