Recently the Prime Minister of Japan addressed both Houses of Congress in the United States in a speech of solidarity and friendship. Fumio Kishida started by remembering the years he lived with his family in Queens, NY. His speech was abundant with words of affirmation for the friendship between Japan and the United States. In a variety of ways, he repeated the message, “We are with you.”
Just 83 years ago, President Roosevelt stood at the same podium, also in front of both Houses of Congress, and declared war on Japan just one day after they attacked the US at Pearl Harbor. FDR gave the rousing speech that began, “Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”
Prime Minister Kishida, a native of Hiroshima, made reference in his speech to the subsequent devastation after the US dropped an atomic bomb on his beloved city in August of 1945. One moment of Kishida’s speech was particularly heart-stopping when he said, “As a Hiroshima native, I have devoted my political career to bringing about a world without nuclear weapons.”
As I took in his speech, I could not help but see the irony, as well as the difference a few decades can make. Is there a lesson here?
Over time, leaders of both countries have adopted successful strategies to bring them together. Once mortal enemies, both countries are now the best of friends. This sort of turn-around is the result of skillful leadership.
As leaders in our respective spheres, we must recognize that many times unity is born from the pain of division. True leadership lies in the ability to transcend differences, bridge divides, and forge a path toward a brighter tomorrow. As I look over my leadership, I see many instances where different people or groups who could have easily been on an opposing side from me, became the best of allies because of intention and mature strategy.
On a side note, about 10 years ago, my brother and I visited Japan. It was a great trip in which we met wonderful people and enjoyed great sushi. Add it to your bucket list if you like to travel.
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