A half century has passed since Japan opened its doors to the world.
Well few people knew about this small island nation back then.
Brilliant Japanese scientists were all very actively working on
the front line within their fields in many overseas locations.
(Writer and photographer, Eliza Scidmore)
(Interpreter Takako Omimura) I had a dream of moving to America,
and eventually becoming a novelist during this period,
I was working as Miss Eliza Scidmore's interpreter and guide to many places in Japan.
Later, Japanese cherry blossoms were to cross the ocean and be delivered to America.
A scientist, Dr. Jokichi Takamine made this possible.
(Kaga Domain, 1858)
He was born in Takaoka, Japan but his family moved to Kanazawa when he was just one year old.
(Mt. Udatsu)
During the fifth year of the Ansei Era, in 1858, a very horrible incident occurred.
Is anybody hurt?
Don't fall out of line.
Everyone be careful.
We're almost there.
Keep it up everybody.
Jinroku, we won't be forgiven for this.
They'll kill us.
If we go on like this, we will starve to death anyway.
He's right. I want to eat rice.
We need to call out to the castle, let them know of our suffering.
If we appeal to our Lord, I'm sure he'll give us rice.
That's right.
If we want to live, we have no other choice.
Alright then. Is everyone ready?
Give us rice!
We're starving to death!
We are hungry!
My Lord, can you hear us?
What are these voices?
Where is it coming from?
The voice are coming from Mt. Udatsu.
(13th Lord of the Kaga Domain, Yasunari Maeda)
Matsuzaka!
What are those voices?
(Kaga Domain Adviser, Kingo Matsutaka)
Apologies, my Lord.
The farmers are calling out.
What is this about?
I hear them calling my name.
My Lord!
Don't just stand there. Go and arrest them!
Hurry.
The farmers sorrowful cries lasted two consecutive nights.
This event was called "The Crying Riot of the Ansei Era."
Genriku Takamine, Jokichi's father, was the Kaga Domain retainer physician.
Since Jokichi was a son of a doctor, Genriku felt that Jokichi should witness the night's incident.
So, he took Jokichi's small hand and headed to Mt. Udatsu.
Please give us some rice!
(Kaga Domain Physician, Genriku Takamine)
Look.
Jokichi,
(Jokichi Takamine, 4 years old)
observe carefully.
We are starving. Please give us rice.
(Rokuro Murat, 4 years old)
That boy...
Please give us rice!
We're starving.
Let's go.
Okay.
Cherry blossoms.
The Man By Which Cherry Blossoms Bloomed in America
(1870, Nanao Language School)
How many grandparents do you have?
Grandpa, grandma...
(Takamine, 16 years old)
I'm impressed, Jokichi.
This is Joji Sakurai.
(Joji Sakurai, 14 years old)
Later, he will be a chemist and be known as the father of modem chemistry.
But he was just a boy here studying English.
Everyone, my home country of England is an island just like Japan.
But we have trains that carry lots of people and cargo.
We also have large steel ships.
You should all learn English
and eventually travel to England to study physics or chemistry.
Only new knowledge and technology will help a country to develop.
Chemistry...
Joji,
Professor Osborne is going back home.
Yes, I heard.
That means we won't be able to study English.
You're right.
What are you planning to do Jokichi?
I'm planning to attend Ogata Juku in Osaka.
A private school? So you'll study medicine?
No, I want to study chemie.
Chemie? You mean chemistry?
When I was 10, my father sent me to Nagasaki to study English,
to become a great doctor.
Father, what are you making?
It's saltpeter.
Saltpeter?
It's the ingredient for gunpowder.
Listen, Jokichi.
We are a family of doctors.
You must grow up to be a doctor and save the lives of many people.
Just as Professor Osborne said,
It is chemistry that will push Japan forward. Not medicine.
But then...
I will disobey my father and I will pursue a career in chemistry.
And then,
I want to save many lives.
Chemistry, huh?
Joji, the world is vast.
The things we can learn are endless.
That's right.
Steam trains and big steel ships.
Yes.
Someday, I'll cross this ocean.
Yes!
A few months later
(Rokuro Murat, 16 years old) Jokichi, this is it.
Yes, it has.
It's time to go.
Take care.
What was that about?
Let's both work hard.
What's this about studying abroad?
You show-off.
And you are?
You don't remember do you? I haven't forgotten
about the night of the Crying Riot.
You're the boy I saw that night?
That night you came to watch as my mom and dad cried.
My dad was killed.
He was held responsible for the whole incident.
But you're enjoying life and looking down on us.
I will never forget that night.
Those cries from the heart led me to the decision of becoming
a chemist and not a doctor.
That tragedy will not go to waste.
Jokichi, are you all right?
I'm fine. I should go now.
Okay.
After studying in Osaka, Jokichi went to Kobu University, later to become University of Tokyo.
Then he moved to Glasgow in England to study.
(Department of Agriculture & Commerce 1st Research Laboratory) He returned to Japan and became a Government employee.
(1884, New Orleans World Expo) He was sent to the Word Exposition in New Orleanswhen he was 30 years old.
And met his future wife, Caroline.
Three years later, he married Caroline in spite of objections from his family in Kanazawa.
It is said that theirs was first international marriage in Japan.
The fertilizing situation in Japan back then was so bad,
that a farmers life showed no sign of improvement.
Jokichi successfully created fertilizers.
Later he resigned from the department of agriculture and established a company called the
(Tokyo Artificial Fertilizer Company)
Meanwhile, Jokichi was also interested in sake brewing
(Master Brewer, Kosuke Hijiku) He made the preservation of sake possible
by inventing a preservative agent for the drink.
Soon after, Jokichi was approached by an American company called Wisky Trust
to study the distillation of whiskey for them in the States.
He then moved to Peoria, Illinois and developed new whiskey distilling methods.
Because of his success, Jokichi was persecuted by the local malt
manufactures that used traditional methods of whiskey distilling.
Shortly afterwards, Jokichi was hospitalized due to a liver decease.
Around that time, Jokichi succeeded in extracting a digested enzyme.
He invented Takadiastase.
This digestive aid had revolutionary effects in a world leading pharmaceutical company Parke Davis.
Made an offer to Jokichi in relation to a business collaboration.
Furthermore, Jokichi came up with the idea of refining styptic from a cow pluck.
He succeeded in crystallizing adrenalin.
Many lives were to be saved because of these inventions.
(38 years later 1908, Yokohama)
- Welcome back. - Jokichi!
Caroline.
You're finally here.
Hello, Joji.
You look great.
So do you.
How are things at the university?
I'm not the professor type,
but teaching chemistry is rewarding.
I'm glad to hear that.
I'm hoping you can stay longer this time?
I'm not so sure.
You're always so busy.
Professor!
Mr. Shiobara.
(President of Mitsui Shoten,Matasaku Shiobara) (Professor the Tokyo University, Joji Sakurai)
I hope you had a good trip.
Taka-Diastase,
I hear sales are rapidly growing here.
(Jokichi's Wife,Caroline) (President's Sister, Jun Takehashi)
The Parke-Davis president was impressed.
It's a wonderful product.
I heard about your new discovery.
The crystallizing of adrenaline.
The discovery will save many more lives.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Ah, Japan!
This is indeed the air of my home country.
This was my first encounter with Dr. Jokichi Takamine.
(Rokuro's House, Kanazawa)
Takamine's name is everywhere.
That show-off. Who does he think he is?
It makes me sick.
(Gardener, Rokuro Murat)
Taka...Dias...tase
Ad...renaline.
Dad, do you know him?
Shintaro, stop reading such garbage and train your body.
But I prefer studying over exercise.
There's no need to study.
Grow up to be strong like your father and work hard for your country.
Don't be like Takamine. Don't work for a foreign country.
For foreign countries, the Japanese people
and its culture can be difficult to understand.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
The Japanese must be flexible and interact with different cultures.
People must have the ability to learn English, acquire new skills,
and be strong enough to compete in the world.
These are the people that will lead this country.
(March 1903, Washington D.C.)
The following year, I moved to America with Miss Scidmore.
Cherry blossom in America?
(New York)
Thank you for waiting.
Sorry to bother you when you are busy. My name is Takako Omimura.
Last year we exchanged greetings at the Port of Yokohama.
Ah yes, at the Yokohama Port...
I'm flattered that you remembered.
Sure...
Please have a seat.
I want to interview you about your great success in America,
and run that story in this magazine that we are publishing.
Topics like Taka-Diastase and adrenaline.
And... and...
Let's calm down a bit.
There's nothing special about me that I can share with others.
But haven't you faced difficulties?
It's not that.
I've just been blessed by continued good fortune.
Is that so? But...
Thank you for coming all the way from Washington,
but I ask that you refrain from writing my story.
But...
I am sincerely sorry about this.
I see.
Well...
I guess...
If you have any questions for me, I can answer them.
Then how about the conclusion of the Treaty of Portsmouth.
I heard you helped influence the Americans into favoring Japan.
Please tell me about it.
I should probably tell the truth
about the details of that war.
At that time, Dr. Takamine suffered from cirrhosis of the lives.
And he was in and out of the hospital. That was when the Japan-Russo war broke.
(Chief Secretary, House of Nobles Baron Kentaro Kaneko)
(Chairman, Privy Council Hirobumi Ito)
Baron Kaneko.
I need you to go to America for the sake of Japan.
To America?
We are going to war with Russia.
I just ordered Foreign Minister Komura
to notify Mr. Kurino in Russia of the breakdown of diplomatic relations with Russia.
War will be declared on Russia tomorrow.
To be honest, Japan lacks the money to fight against Russia.
But we must do everything it takes to end the war in victory.
Why am I to go to America?
We need an intermediary to help end this war as soon as possible.
This can only be the US President.
And so...
You have been close with Roosevelt since you both attended Harvard.
You need to persuade him at all costs.
(Foreign Minister, Jutaro Komura)
Kentaro... excuse me, Baron Kaneko.
The fate of this country rests on your shoulders.
I'm sorry you have to carry this burden by yourself.
Komura...
When we were students at Harvard...
I never imagined our destinies would lead us here.
Please help us in surviving this national crisis.
Things are more serious than I expected.
War costs are much worse.
The lack of money will soon lead to a shortage of ammunition.
(President, First National Bank Eiichi Shibusawa)
The expense of war is enormous.
They're expecting costs to reach twice our national budget.
I don't think even that will be enough.
Russia supported America in many wars.
Many Americans feel indebted to Russia.
I need to convince pro-Russian Americans to support the signing of a peace treaty.
I wonder if I can handle this on my own.
Baron, do you know of Professor Jokichi Takamine?
The inventor of Taka-Diastase?
He is an old friend of mine.
When you travel to New York, you should pay him a visit.
I'm sure he can help you out.
(February 1904, Hospital in New York)
If we lose this war,
Japan will perish.
Without a doubt the victims will be
the innocent civilians.
When blood is shed, somebody must stop it.
(Japanese Consulate, New York)
This is Roosevelt's Declaration of Neutrality.
Declaration of Neutrality?
"Both Japan and Russia are in amity with America.”
"Therefore, any speech or action that will take either side..."
"Is strictly prohibited.”
Which paper published this declaration?
Every newspaper in America.
How can this be?
Am I expected to ask the President
to support Japan after he made this declaration?
But take a look at this.
It's from last month's New York Press.
"Japan is no longer a country of imitation.”
"Within a few decades,”
"Japan will become a world leader of originality.”
Prof, Takamine contributed this article at his own expense.
Wonderful!
Fantastic!
We finally meet.
Indeed.
Thank you for coming to visit.
Both Mr. Shibusawa and Mr. Takahashi advised me
to pay you a visit.
Korekiyo Takahashi said that?
You are well known in the US, not only in chemistry,
but also within the economic and financial circles.
He believes that you will be of help to me.
Baron Kaneko,
how do you see the public opinion of the Americans?
The situation is extremely difficult.
Sadly,
most Americans feel the same way as those men in the elevator.
We must raise Japan's status
and create a favorable image of the Japanese people among Americans.
With your help, we have nothing to be afraid of.
Dr. Kitazato, can I have a moment with you?
(Bacteriologist, Shibasaburo Kitazato)
Yes.
There is someone I would like to introduce to you.
Who is it?
Ah, thank you for driving by.
Professor, thank you for the invitation.
Let me introduce you. This is Baron Kaneko from Japan.
This is Prof. Shibasaburo Kitazato.
The discoverer of diphtheria antitoxin? It's an honor.
I heard of your great service.
Let me help in any way I can.
I appreciate it.
Dear, the Morgans have arrived.
Please excuse me.
Baron,
you did a fine job in Washington.
Speaking of which,
a wonderful thing happened.
Yes?
Upon my arrival, Roosevelt spoke to me.
He said the declaration of neutrality was just for diplomatic front for Russia.
But in his gut he felt different.
Is that so?
He also said that.
Japan will win this war.
He said we must win no matter what.
We owe that to your longtime friendship.
I immediately wired Minister Komura in code.
He was delighted to hear the news.
He must be.
But difficulties still await us.
I plan to conduct lectures through my Harvard connections.
I'll go anywhere in America to assert Japan's position.
Keep me posted on the lecture locations.
I will do what I can to assist you.
That is very encouraging. Thank you very much.
Mr. Takamine, let me introduce you to the Morgans.
You mean the Morgans, the great romance of the century?
Yuki, living in a foreign country is full of difficulties.
But this is a country of great freedom.
Thank you very much.
Yuki became a geisha girl when she was 14 and In 1901 she met George Morgan and married him.
She moved to the States just when the anti-Japanese campaign was escalating.
The couple then moved to France. And the international love affair became sensational.
(Japanese Consulate, New York)
Running a war on a shoestring budget is reaching its limits.
Can we really acquire all the money we need?
(Vice President, Bank of Japan Korekiyo Takahashi)
Mr. Takahashi, is there anybody you can ask?
A German-born Jewish man from Kuhn, Loeb & Company.
Do you mean investment banker, Jacob Henry Schiff?
Professor, do you know Mr. Schiff?
I asked for his advice on my firm's asset management.
Then let me arrange a meeting.
I would be very grateful.
Mr. Takahashi.
When a Daruma doll falls it springs back up.
Daruma?
We've done everything we possibly can.
Let us push forward like we are Daruma.
Of course.
So many Japanese soldiers are dying as we speak.
Not only Japanese,
but Russian soldiers too.
It is very ironic that
your adrenaline is saving, not only Japanese soldiers,
but Russian soldiers as well.
Regardless of any debate about war,
you have saved many lives...
That is why I want to end it quickly.
Ending the war as seen as possible
that is my only wish.
To make peace with Russia,
we must succeed, without fail, in acquiring enough foreign loans.
The day of soliciting foreign loans has come as it turned out
the amount of foreign currency rate was five times that of a targeted goal.
(Baltic Fleet leaves Kronstadt)
In 1905 Japan destroyed the Baltic Fleet during the naval battle in the Sea of Japan.
In September the treaty of Portsmouth was signed and it brought the the Japan-Russo war to an end.
However.
Komura, we know you're in there.
Come out!
Come out here!
The Japanese people who had believed in Japan's smashing victory
in the war were not convinced by the content of the peace treated signed by Jutaro Komura.
This lead to rebellious demonstrations and riots in various places throughout Japan.
My dear! Why have things come to this?
You've devoted yourself to this country. Why must you be called a Russian spy?
I...
will not make any excuses.
Please bear it.
Absurd and conflicting
wars sacrifice the lives of many people
and bring misery.
We must never let such a thing happen again.
Um...
I know this sounds abrupt, but
I want cherry blossoms to bloom here.
Cherry blossoms?
Yes.
Miss Scidmore contributes many articles to this magazine on Japan's beauty.
She hopes to see cherry blossoms planted here
and introduce its beauty to the American people.
It's a bridge of peace that connects the hearts of Japan and America.
May I ask you to help me fulfill this dream?
That is truly a spectacular dream.
The thing is, I am planning on building a house along
on the riverside of Manhattan.
Yes?
From the window of my house, I always wondered
that if I could see a row of cherry trees along the Hudson River,
it would be truly amazing.
Cherry blossoms symbolize the Japanese spirit.
A full bloom in America
will indeed symbolize the friendship between Japan and the US.
Yes.
I understand.
Let's do our best to make this dream come true.
Thank you very much.
Around that time, a young man landed on American soil.
Listen.
Your lengthy research will make us go bankrupt.
We can't afford to wait for you forever.
We need to see results! Results!
We are counting on you!
Jokichi... Takamine.
Inventor of Automatic Loom Sakichi Toyoda
His name was Sakichi Toyoda. He invented Japan's first weaving device.
But he encountered apposition from those around him in the field of research investment.
He came to the states hopeless and defeated.
Ah Mrs. Takamine.
Is Professor Takamine home?
No, I'm not his wife.
Then...
I just came to visit the professor.
I'm truly sorry about that.
My name is Toyoda Sakichi.
Hello. I'm Omimura Takako.
Hello.
Please come in.
Thank you.
Incredible...
I was also surprised when I first saw this.
It's unimaginable.
Yes it is amazing.
It's surprising that he adheres to Japan to this extent.
It is because I am Japanese.
I designed the inside of my house like this so that Americans.
Professor, I'm sorry for the sudden visit.
My name is Sakichi Toyoda.
I learned of your success and found the need to visit you.
I am Takamine.
How can I help you?
Well, if you can hear me out?
My, you're a tenacious man.
Have a seat.
I have developed several inventions.
But when I try to research further,
it requires a great deal of funding.
This is true.
Funding and inventing are like
water and oil.
Water and oil, huh?
You're right.
This world is full of contradictions.
For example, my father was a doctor.
But he also worked with explosives.
Explosives?
KNO3.
Potassium nitrate.
He was making the ingredients of gunpowder for artillery.
As his job, he was
saving lives and taking lives at the same time.
This is indeed oil and water.
My long years of research were
not only about the expenses.
There were many contradictions and confusions.
Many discoveries I made for the future of mankind
provoked people's wrath.
There was even a moment when, in just one night, I lost everything
I worked hard to accomplish.
That was a time,
when my heart cried out
To become what I am now required so many failures as well as
endless difficulties.
I went through so many hardships before getting here.
But please remember.
Don't ever abandon your inventions.
Inventions are like a bird.
Take good care of it and it will grow up strong,
and take flight into the big sky.
I see.
I think I was irresponsible
towards my own inventions.
There is no person that has achieved great success with ease.
That is why we take on these challenges.
Keep on challenging.
Did Professor Takamine give you any good advice?
Yes.
I feel a bit better.
I'll continue following my dream.
I'm glad for you.
I hear you want to become a writer.
What are you writing about?
I've always wanted to write about Professor Takamine.
About the Professor?
Actually, he turned me down the first time we met.
But I haven't given up.
Right?
That's right.
(The Japan Club, New York)
Professor Takamine?
Here you go.
Thank you for coming.
I'll show you around.
This little girl's good.
Check!
Who's that?
Hide yo Noguchi, bacteriologist at the Rockefeller Institute.
Hide yo, isn't it a little early to be drinking? Perhaps you should refrain a little.
Oh, Professor Takmine. You know what this is?
It's the source of my energy. Isn't that right?
Let me introduce Sakichi Toyoda from Japan.
I'm Toyoda.
It's a pleasure.
How about a game?
Of course.
Mr. Noguchi.
Mr. Takamine is very active in trying to introduce Japanese culture to Americans.
Isn't it wonderful.
I guess so.
But I'm not so sure.
There are many sides to the Professor.
Many sides?
From what I can tell,
I think he's a monster.
A monster?
Come on, it's a joke.
Check. I win.
(The White House)
A meeting was held and President Roosevelt was deported and an individual who would
over take over his political measures was President William Taft, who was elected.
First lady, Helen Taft, had the same dream of having cherry blossoms blooming in America.
About the cherry blossoms.
As a symbol of friendship between Japan and the US,
why not have Tokyo send cherry trees to the US capital, Washington?
It's a great idea, but...
Don't worry about the costs.
I'll take care of it all.
Professor.
Consul General...
Please have the Foreign Ministry
contact the mayor of Tokyo regarding this matter.
Understood.
However, the grand project of planting Japanese cherry trees in the States would not be an easy effort.
The nursery trees that arrived at the port of Seattle were infected
by various insect pests and all 2000 trees had to be incinerated.
The failure of the nursery tree shipment made the headline of the newspapers on the following day.
Some headlines even accused Japan of intentionally sending infested trees to America.
After achieving such success in the US, maybe I felt like I knew everything.
But it seems I knew nothing.
I didn't realize how strict US quarantines are.
Perhaps I was being too idealistic.
( Tokyo Imperial University.)
"Infested cherry trees from Tokyo."
"Vicious insect-infested cherry trees sent to Washington.”
"The Washington Park manager claims that..."
Jokichi, don't tell me this is the end.
Hang in there.
It's because he tried to plant cherry trees trees on foreign soil.
Bragging that he's a chemist.
He's such a disgrace.
Hatsu, more rice!
Right away.
What's the matter, Shintaro?
Not hungry?
Is it a stomach ache? I'll get you medicine.
That won't do a thing.
Besides, Taka... Taka...
Taka-Diastase.
Yeah, that. That fool named a medicine after himself.
How self serving can he be?
You're wrong.
Taka means "the finest” in Greek.
It's not from his name.
Where are you going?
Bug hunting.
I've never seen Shintaro like that.
I was only 39 years old back then.
It has already been 15 years.
Can those cherry blossoms
really be blooming?
Hatsu, where's Shintaro?
Now that you mention it, he's late.
Rokuro, come quickly!
Uichi, what's all the racket?
Shintaro fell off a cliff and is in the hospital.
What?
- Which hospital? - Sueyoshi Hospital.
Move it.
Doctor! Doctor!
Is Shintaro all right?
Are you Shintaro's father?
Don't worry.
He was bleeding heavily.
A few years ago, he may have died.
But now, we have a good hemostatic.
Thanks to Professor Takamine.
Takamine?
Do you mean Jokichi Takamine?
Yes.
Shintaro will be okay, right?
Yeah.
I will never forgotten that night.
Those cries from the heart led me to the decision of becoming
a chemist and not a doctor That tragedy will not go to waste.
The tragedy will not go to waste?
Father...
Mother...
Shintaro, you're awake.
Shintaro.
My leg...
It was bleeding so badly.
I thought I would die.
Don't worry.
There's a good medicine.
A very good one.
You'll be fine.
Thank you...
Thank you.
(Peoria, Illinois)
I want cherry blossoms to bloom here.
It's a bridge of peace that connects the hearts of Japan and America.
Can those cherry blossoms
really be blooming?
The cherry blossoms!
They're blooming.
They're blooming...
The symbol of friendship between the US and Japan...
Consul General.
This has become a very unfortunate situation.
But we did not send infested cherry trees on purpose.
It was a mistake caused by my ignorance.
But...
Once again, let me cover all costs.
I'll double the amount to 4,000, no,
6,000 cherry trees this time.
Professor...
I promise to succeed this time.
Okay then, Professor.
If you could please help us?
Agricultural Chemist Yoshinao Kozai
I'll see what I can do.
Thank you. I'm grateful.
Did you hear?
Japan is trying to send cherry trees to America again.
If they fail twice, they're doomed.
It's impossible. To prevent a infestation they can't send mature trees.
That's right. It'll take years.
That chemist Takamine is crazy.
He's not like that.
The word "Taka"
means "the finest.”
The other day he came home drunk again.
- Same here. - He only cares about his dinner and bath.
Good health is all that matters. We shouldn't ask for luxuries beyond that.
Rokuro is so faithful. You two are still love birds.
That's not true. He'll surely be late tonight.
Hatsu!
It's so hot.
Are you sick? Do you need medicine?
Don't be silly.
Pack my stuff.
I'll be traveling.
- Where to? - Masa in Akashi.
Your upper class man?
The No.1 cherry blossom expert in Japan.
Hurry up!
Out of my way, old lady.
Okay pops.
I'll be going then.
Please take care.
Father, good luck.
Leave it to me.
Look after mother.
2nd Attempt to Ship Cherry Trees to the US
Rokuro, you need to be more thorough.
You need plenty of wet moss.
Yes, sir.
Takamine, remember me?
I'm Rokuro from the Crying Riot.
Your medicine helped my son escape death.
I sincerely thank you.
These trees were painstakingly grown by us Japanese gardeners.
Promise that they will bloom proudly in America.
Mr. Toyoda, there's a pizza place on 3rd Ave.
I hear it's delicious. Why don't we go.
I'm so Sony.
I'm meeting Professor Takamine.
The Professor?
Why don't you join me?
Professor, that was amazing.
Oh, come now.
Sakichi, I hear you're returning to Japan.
What?
Yes.
There's so much I want to do.
I will continue to invent things that I hope will improve people's lives.
Professor, may I ask a question?
Sure.
What are you currently researching?
I am not researching anything at all.
Shall we have a drink?
My last research,
was the crystallizing of adrenaline, I was 46 years old.
That was 10 years ago.
I heard of your many hardships.
Yes, it was difficult.
You could even say it was grueling.
That's when Mr. Uenaka came from Japan to be my assistant.
Keizo Uenaka, right?
While I couldn't succeed after many attempts,
Uenaka applied the Vulpian reaction to try and crystallize adrenaline.
Keizo succeeded in just six months.
(Research Assistant, Keizo Uenaka)
Professor, we did it!
It's ready?
- You did it? - Yes.
Well done. Well done.
We did it.
Finally.
But if you hadn't initiated the research,
nothing would have been accomplished.
Perhaps you are right.
But this experience taught me that
I will always need to be on the cutting-edge.
The research life of a chemist is absolutely grueling.
I came to realize that perhaps I have reached my limit.
I apologize for sharing such an embarrassing story when Toyoda is about leave.
Takako?
"Everyone makes mistakes."
"The future can be unfolded only after conquering those mistakes.”
This is what you said.
Yes...
Oh... I'm sorry for speaking out of line.
It's okay.
Takako has a point.
You've overcome many hardships and paved a pathway for others.
You've created the Japan Club to cultivate young talent,
to entrust your dreams to the next generation.
Professor.
Thank you very much.
I'm so glad I came to America.
To hear you say that
certainly makes me happy.
Take care!
(February 14, 1912)
Write to me!
Good luck!
After three years, the day has finally come.
Rokuro, we did a great job, right?
We grew first rate cherry blossom trees.
This time, they are certain to succeed.
The cherry blossoms we painstakingly grew will, without a doubt, flourish in America.
In full bloom!
6,000 young cherry trees.
(President of Yokohama Nursery, Hamakichi Suzuki) (NYK Yokohama Branch Manager, Kyuichiro Nagai)
We are to deliver every tree safely.
Mr. Nagai, it's all up to you now.
These trees are filled with years of effort from so many people.
I will do everything I can to ensure success.
Banzai! Banzai!
Takamine! Us gardeners are sending you our pride and joy!
Take care of them!
We're counting on you.
Make them bloom!
The cherry trees arrived in Washington DC on March 26th.
The next day the first lady invited several concerned
guests and planted the tress and if she could hardly wait.
All 6000 trees were not only free of insects, but all the trees were in perfect form.
This great achievement was a collective effort of the concerned people
who nurtured the nursery trees night and day for the last three years.
Thank you! Thank you!
After the ceremony in Washington, a grand tree planting ceremony was held in New York as well.
During the ceremony, General Woodford, the chairman of the festival committee stated this...
"Unlike England, France or other countries, Japan dispatched no vessel in general to America,
instead it sent us the cherry blossoms, the symbol of peace.
"Beautiful cherry trees in America.”
Cherry blossom diplomacy, huh.
(Early Summer, 1913)
The next year, Dr. Takamine returned to Japan to conduct a lecture circuit.
Jokichi.
Welcome home.
You look good.
Professor.
Welcome back.
"Joji."
"Mr. Shibusawa is waiting for you."
I made plans to go back to Japan at the same time as Dr. Takamine.
It had been a long time since I saw him last. I re-united with Sakichi Toyoda there.
The Professor will deliver a speech to government and business leaders.
Right now Europe is tied up in political conflict.
It's making things hectic here in Japan.
Professor Takamine will certainly be playing an important role in all this.
The Professor is truly remarkable.
Yes.
Takako?
Are you still trying to write about the Professor?
Yes, still trying.
What about you?
I've taken an interest in the automobile industry.
Wonderful! I can’t wait to ride in one of your automobiles.
It's going to take some time.
But there are many young protégées I can pass my dream on to.
You're right.
- Mr. Toyoda. - Yes?
Let's honor the memory of meeting Professor Takamine
and continue pushing forward.
Yes, of course.
The cherry blossoms here are beautiful.
Oh, really?
Takamine, war expenses are on the rise again.
Is that so?
Mr. Shibusawa, I understand the country's situation.
But education has expanded since the Meiji restoration.
Over 3,000 people are studying chemistry.
They lack the funding to implement new ideas and
do not have the facilities to do research.
Joji.
There are only government research facilities.
But only bureaucrats can use them.
How can technology and the future of the Japanese people
develop under these conditions?
Takamine, what do you think?
Yes...
If Japan has enough money to manufacture even one warship,
then we should be able to provide
educational and technological research facilities.
It is a necessity.
Jokichi Takamine and Joji Sakurai.
Swom friends from childhood.
Indeed.
Only the skills of its peopled can build a country.
Both of you understand this more than anyone.
I envy you.
I wish I had a friend who I can relate to and trust, like you two.
Why don't we have a drink?
Mother, more rice.
Shintaro, you seem to be in high spirits today.
Professor Takamine is coming to school today.
Takamine? What for?
For a lecture.
He's having a lecture today.
Takamine is speaking?
A week ago I read an article about his lecture at the Imperial Hotel.
It was incredible.
What's so incredible?
"A warship ages the more it's used, but
the human brain develops the more it's used.”
Building human resources is the key to development.”
Hmm...
Thus, the RIKEN institute will be created.
Hmm...
Stop this "Hmm" nonsense.
Shintaro, time to go study.
- I'm going now. - See you.
(Ishikawa Prefectural Kanazawa 1st Junior High School)
- I'm sorry to keep you waiting. - Good morning.
This is Professors Takamine, today's lecturer.
I'm Takamine.
Pleased to meet you.
Hatsu, take out that thing. That thing that was made for the wedding.
My suit. My best clothes.
Yes, yes.
"To the Youths of Future Japan” Professor Jokichi Takamine
Please welcome today's lecturer,
Prof, Jokichi Takamine.
You are baby birds that will fly into the big sky.
Since opening up our country, Japan has rushed to where we are today.
It's time to focus our attention on the world.
Shintaro.
You must cross the ocean and learn as much as you can.
The world...
I myself embarked from here, Kaga.
America is not all that far away.
Embrace your dreams and pursue your studies.
Our country Japan
will cat eh up to US industries.
The possibilities are endless.
Don't be afraid to explore. You must be brave.
The most important thing is not losing hope even if you fail,
and having the strength to stand up again.
The future ahead of you is bright.
I'm sure the next Jokichi Takamine is here in this room.
Takamine!
Remember me?
Yes, I remember.
I'm glad.
Thanks to you, splendid cherry trees are blooming in America.
I'm grateful.
Really?
They bloomed?
Indeed.
The cherry blossoms bloomed?
Thank you.
- Thank you. - No, thank you.
Thank you.
The cherry blossoms are blooming.
Takako.
Can you accompany me for a moment?
Me?
A long time ago, my father brought me to this mountain.
I think I was about four.
This is where I witnessed it all.
Takako.
You mentioned that you wanted to write an article about me.
Yes. My feelings haven't changed at all.
If possible, I want to write not just an article, but a book.
To let people know of your accomplishments, your words, and thoughts.
Then, may I ask you to do so?
What?
I have a feeling you can discover a side of me that even I don't know.
Please write your book.
Yes!
Takako,
Using chemistry, a chemist is capable
of saving the lives of many people all around the world.
That has been my belief.
But in the future ahead of us,
will this still be possible?
I saw him cry here for the first time.
In Japan at that time, momentum was gaining toward military significance Dr. Takamine's wishes.
The bond Japan had made with American peoples hearts to dialogue was in danger of being cut-off.
Many lives might soon be sacrificed.
Perhaps, the doctor will still hear people's cries and agony.
Return to Japan?
And quit living in America?
Yes.
Aren't you being selfish?
27 years ago,
That's what I said when you told me you wanted to go to America.
Your artificial fertilizer business
was just getting off the ground. The timing was too early.
But you insisted on making whiskey in America.
Yes. You had every right to give me candid advice.
My actions were definitely selfish.
But your decision was correct.
After moving to America, you achieved great success.
Your accomplishments were truly world-class.
I can't take all the credit.
So many people supported me.
You're the only capable person
who can become the bridge between Japan and the US.
Mr. Shibusawa.
Please stay in America for 10 more years for the sake of Japan's future.
Professor, it's been a long time.
Sorry we started early. Please have a seat.
Baron, you look great.
You too.
Mr. Uenaka...
I invited him to come.
Professor.
Congratulations on your many achievements.
Not at all.
So have you.
Wow, this is delicious.
Without a doubt, this is the taste of home.
This sake tastes unbelievably good.
It's as if I've tasted this for the very first time.
Baron, you are so easily moved.
But he's right. This is goos sake.
This brings back fond memories.
We were always so busy.
We were too busy.
It's too early to slow down. We still need your help.
The fight has only begun.
Yes, you're right.
Although, I feel as if Japan is heading in the wrong direction.
I sense this as well.
I guess we must continue working hard for this country.
This is the path
that we took before
Yes it is
The acacia flowers
are in full bloom
The assembly finally voted to establish the RIKEN institute.
This country will have a research institute that can compete with Europe and the US.
This is wonderful.
Thanks to the hard work of you and the others.
I did nothing.
When you spoke at that junior high,
the students reminded me...
Of the young you.
You had a spark in your eyes imagining an undiscovered world.
They had those same eyes.
They will succeed.
I know that someday, they will follow in your footsteps.
Yes.
I hope so.
Later, Dr. Takamine returned to New York and continued
his private diplomatic activities as the uncrowned ambassador of Japan.
In 1922, he passed away at the age of 68.
One day, a young man landed on American soil.
It was Shintaro, the gardener's son. He had become 25 years old.
News sprouts have sprung up and are definitely preparing to spread across the world.
Toru Ichikawa