Experiences of Foreigners in Japan After Pearl Harbor: A Memoir
In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, life for foreigners in Japan drastically changed. This memoir by Robert A. Fearey, a private secretary to the U.S. Ambassador in Tokyo, offers a unique firsthand account of life during this tumultuous period. Fearey's recollection provides insights into both the pleasant and distressing experiences of the expatriates in the diplomatic compound.
The Aftermath of Pearl Harbor
On December 8, 1941, the U.S. and Japan officially declared war on each other, resulting in a shift in the lives of foreigners in Japan. The day began with a communication from Shigenori Tojo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, informing the embassy of the war and outlining new instructions.
No. 136 – Strictly Confidential/Investigation VnMinistry of Foreign Affairs Tokyo December 8 1941
‘Excellency:
I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that there has arisen a state of war between Your Excellency’s country and Japan…’
Despite the ominous turn of events, there was also a sense of enforced routine, as seen in the accounts of the embassy staff:
“The functions of the Embassy and the Consulates will be suspended as of today.
2. Members of the Embassy and Consulates will be accorded protection and living facilities in accordance with international usages.”
– From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ instruction
Embassy Life During the War
Life within the embassy compound took on an atmosphere of surreal normalcy. Golf, a favorite sport of Ambassador Grew, continued to be a part of daily life. De facto leader Fearey reflects on their adherence to the rules:
Golf had always been Mr. Grew’s favorite sport; every morning he came down from the residence for a game. He still had misplaced confidence in my golfing skills and chose me as his partner for all the team contests.
Despite the tensions outside, the embassy staff played golf and participated in other activities, such as enjoying Ambassador Grew's wine collection. However, not all expatriates shared the same experience:
“Ohno then proceeded to read the following statement concerning the Embassy and its functions…”
– Shigenori Tojo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
This excerpt refers to the guidelines set by the Japanese government for the foreigners, which included being reminded to surrender their communications and abide by certain restrictions.
The Doolittle Raid
Fearey also describes his first-hand experience of the Doolittle Raid, an Allied attack on Tokyo on April 18, 1942. While ecstatic over the success of this raid, which aimed to boost American morale and destroy Japanese pride, Fearey was also curious about how an American bomber could have reached Japan:
“There we encountered Grew with the Swiss Minister Mr. Gorge. Grew said that he had been bidding the Minister farewell when they had seen and heard a number of large airplanes overhead.”
– Robert A. Fearey's memoir
Ultimately, they witnessed the Tokyo air raid firsthand, despite not initially understanding the significance of the event.
Repatriation and Journey Home
The journey home for those left in Japan was arduous. On June 17, 1942, the embassy staff, along with other diplomats and journalists, was transported to the Tokyo Railway Station and embarked on a long journey aboard the Gripsholm. This leg of the journey was filled with surrealism, as Fearey reflects on the memories of those who had endured harsh conditions:
“On June 27 1942 we passed between the mountainous west coast of Taiwan and two small green islands. Two Japanese submarines surfaced and traveled alongside us for a while.”
– Robert A. Fearey's memoir
The journey across the South Atlantic aboard the Gripsholm was a stark contrast to their previous experiences. Conditions were better, and many of the malnourished expatriates began to recover:
The voyage across the South Atlantic was uneventful. Life aboard the Gripsholm was in every respect in happy contrast with what it had been on the Asama Maru – outdoor games, swimming pool, movies, excellent food.”
– Robert A. Fearey's memoir
Fearey concludes with his arrival in Rio, where he was reunited with friends and served as a billeting officer for journalist Joe Alsop, who recounted harrowing experiences from the fall of Hong Kong before his return to the United States.
In summary, the memoir of Robert A. Fearey provides a profound and personal account of the resilience and adaptability of Americans in Tokyo during the World War II era. It highlights both the camaraderie and hardships faced by those left behind in a time of global conflict.