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Bax -> (1/14/2003 10:19:27 PM)
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May 17, 1942
Dear Noriko,
As my sister, you should know that I do not have the time to write to you very often. Things are usually very busy here at headquarters, and it usually too late for me to write you after I send a letter off to mother and father.
In the past few days, however, things have been quite calm around Rabaul, so I have managed the time to write to you. Please understand that everything I say to you must be kept secret.
To quickly inform you of the events of the current struggle against the Allies, let me say that it has become a war of air power and sea power so far. We have used our navy to quickly transport troops from enemy base to enemy base, capturing them with great speed. So far, I think we have the enemy confused as to what our plans are. That being said, it has been difficult to bring the Americans into the decisive naval engagement that will once and for all open the door to Australia. The great American admiral, Toro, has demonstrated skill in sparing his precious aircraft carriers from destruction at the hands of our warriors. His cowardly actions brings him dishonor. I don't know how he can live with the shame of avoiding open conflict. These Americans are truly difficult to understand. Their way is not the way of Bushido!
While we still attempt to destroy his carriers, we have established a strong base at Lae, and our Army bombers have been making life miserable for the enemy transports at Port Moresby. In fact, our commanders must be highly confident in our fliers, as they have sent them deep into the enemy's ports on the East coast of Australia to attack shipping there.
Uncle Toshiro wrote to me from Army headquarters at Truk, and he has told me of a massive buildup of troops and supplies there. Certainly it looks like something big will happen in the next couple of months. But where will we strike next? I do not know for sure, but it is almost certain that we cannot allow the Allies to retain possession of Port Moresby and the enemy strongholds of Luganville and Nomea. Another friend of mine keeps writing to me that he thinks we will eventually invade Australia itself! That thought is too glorious to comprehend right now, especially since the Americans still have a potent naval striking force in the area.
I am sorry for all this talk about the war. I seems so long ago that you and I would sit and talk about poetry and music, while father and mother discussed things that are of no importance now. Do you still play the piano that father bought us? I continue to play my trumpet when I can find the time, but as I said before, life around here is very hectic.
Dear sister, you are so young. Please remember to keep up with your studies and take care of mother for us. I worry about her so.
In closing, I have written a haiku for you, so that you know how much I think of you, and long for the time when we will meet again....
Butterflies on wing
May breezes warm and gentle
music surrounds us
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