Dear All,

I hope this message finds you well. Time has flown by, and it is already December.

Since last year, I have been working on a book about Captain Kinashi and his remarkable story. He commanded a unique submarine called the I-400, an extraordinary vessel twice the length of Germany’s U-boats. This submarine could carry three aircraft that launched via a catapult and was equipped with oxygen torpedoes known for producing minimal wake.

Captain Kinashi achieved great success in the Pacific. In one battle, he sank an aircraft carrier, destroyed over 30 planes aboard, and even sank a destroyer. Furthermore, he inflicted severe damage on a battleship. Some attribute this to sheer luck, but had Captain Kinashi not been present, these three ships might have returned safely. I believe he deserves applause for his remarkable achievements.

Upon his return to Japan, the Navy celebrated his accomplishments with great acclaim. He was then dispatched to Germany, where he achieved further success. However, on his way back, his submarine was sunk off the coast of Taiwan by an American submarine. Three lookout crew members fell into the sea; one survived and later lived in Hiroshima. I learned about this survivor from the Asahi Shimbun and attempted to contact him, but he declined to meet. Feeling it would be unjust to let Captain Kinashi's efforts be forgotten, I resolved to write this book myself.

No one wishes for war. However, when the time comes, one must fight to protect one’s country. While preparing for such moments, it is equally important to avoid war whenever possible. Reflecting on history, we see cycles of war and peace, leading to countless losses. To prevent such tragedies, we must strengthen our defenses.

Today, we live relatively comfortable lives, but times of economic difficulty may come. It is crucial to think about how to navigate such periods. As we age, our bodies weaken, and health challenges arise. We must strive to overcome these difficulties. Generational changes bring societal shifts, and we must cultivate the ability and determination to adapt.

Currently, Japan faces a labor shortage. Hospitals, schools, and small businesses in essential sectors are struggling. Automobile companies, for instance, face delays of up to seven months for deliveries due to labor shortages and reliance on overseas parts, leading to substantial profit losses. Even major companies in Germany are closing their operations, and this trend might spread, posing significant challenges.

Bitcoin has recently shown considerable profits after substantial past losses. While I am cautiously optimistic, my inherently worrisome nature makes me apprehensive about its stability.

Japanese swords have also risen significantly in value. Recently, at an art auction, I was astonished to see a Chagall painting sell for 90 million yen. Such fluctuations in the economy warrant careful attention.

Lastly, I wish you all good health and happiness. To the grandparents, please cherish one another. To parents, enjoy harmonious moments with your children. Take time to bring joy to your family, perhaps by visiting a warm inn on a chilly day. To the children, embrace kindness, liveliness, and simplicity. Learn to endure hardships and grow into resilient individuals.

Let us all strive for a better future for Japan’s politics.

Yours sincerely,
Kazunari Tsuruta