“Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” – Proverbs 25:25
More and more, I have come to understand the great truth of such words. Both in our own lands, as well as those far away, we may oft be more aware of the woes and troubles beset upon us than of our good tidings.
It can be easy to take blessings for granted, and hard to look past curses. Such speaks to the pressing importance of counting our blessings daily, since they can be so swift to pass from the forefront of our minds.
With that said, there is something particularly special and inspiring when one hears good news from a faraway land. Where good news from close to home can provide me with a sense of relief, good news from distant friends puts a different kind of smile on my face.
It is the joy I have for others and their goodwill. It is the peace that comes from the Lord caring for those I care for, but who are out of my reach. It is the inspiration that lifts me up to do more where I am, so as to repay the kindness shown me by those far away.
With that in my mind, my heart has been especially warmed by the Japanese people as of late. Good news from our friends across the Pacific has not been lacking, and it has stirred me to write once more in appreciation of all the history they have given us Americans.
I give thanks to the Lord or Armies for our friends in Japan, and I pray we Americans would be the best partners we can be to them.
Cherished Times Abound
Today is the first of April, in the year of our Lord, 2026. And it is a good day indeed.
As a gift for the 250th birthday of the United States of America, Japan recently donated an additional 250 cherry blossom trees to the gardens in Washington D.C.. According to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, cherry blossoms help us symbolize both the arrival of spring, and the bond between America and Japan.
The gesture was first reciprocated by Americans with the gifting of dogwood trees in 1915, under the Taft Administration. While the name “dogwood” might seem course, the tree itself is a gorgeous counterpart to match the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
Reflecting upon the ties between America and Japan, it warms my heart in remembrance of the story of Solomon’s reign over ancient Israel, particularly Israel’s dealings with Tyre in that time, as recorded in 1 Kings 5. In Israel’s recognition of the architectural prowess of the Sidonians, the two nations cooperated to build a temple for the Lord of Armies.
As different nations with our separate peoples, cultures, and lives, this brings about in us different strengths at different times. Japan – with limited access to energy but greater access to rare earths amid its volcanic islands – and America – with greater access to energy across our vast holdings but having to source much of our rare earth metals – often find natural partners with each other.
Of course, having resources each other needs does not make for good alliances by itself. Obviously, that same dynamic did once lead to horrific conflict between us, and I feel that often overshadows the truly miraculous relationship America and Japan have had during the more than 150 years of history we now share.
Strange Beginnings
That relationship had quite an unusual and tumultuous start. Though, in hindsight, it is an endearing story for our warrior cultures. Matthew Perry infamously forced his way into Japanese harbors with a small fleet of warships and claimed to come in peace, though many would say his manner of appearance was meant to intimidate.
Of course, Japan was known for killing foreigners on sight at the time – a policy arguably born of an abundance of caution due to British actions in China in the Opium War. So, one could speak in defense in Perry’s approach, given Japan’s reputation.
Whatever the motivations of both nations at the time, much came from what ensued. More notable in this case is the Iwakura Mission of 1871. In this effort, Japan sent over 100 of their best minds to America, and later Europe, to learn all they could about modern science, technology, and engineering. They were successful, jumping the nation of Japan out of the Middle Ages and into the modern era in a just a few decades.
New Light to Shine
Then, even in the midst of the immense darkness shadowed over our peoples by the Pacific War of WWII, our Lord worked through the faithful to show how truly darkness cannot overcome light (John 1:5). Some of the most endearing stories to come out of that time are of Japanese warriors who were taken prisoner aboard American ships.
The American fellows treated their wounds, fed them with all the delicacies they could afford, and treated them as much as their own as they could under such circumstances. As a result, many of those Japanese warriors became fierce advocates for America back home after the war, pushing back against anti-Western propaganda. Even new evangelists for the Christian faith were born from these interactions who would then go on to preach the Gospel in Japan.
May God look favorably upon those Americans who were willing and able to fight those Japanese warriors into submission, and then kind and caring enough to treat them so well afterward. Indeed, may our Heavenly Father also remember with fondness those Japanese souls who softened their hearts from bitterness and carried such goodness forward into the future. And may we all live our lives in such a manner, likewise worthy of God, the calling He has bestowed upon us all, and the life He lived and died for us.
A Neverending Story
Good news from a faraway land continues to come as it does from our friends in the Land of the Rising Sun. Where homebuilders in both America and Japan have struggled in their domestic markets for different reasons, Japanese homebuilders have found some refuge in America as of late, which may help keep them afloat while they sort out their local troubles.
In America, the cost of raw materials and interest rates can complicate new construction for domestic firms. In Japan, their aging population and extremely low birthrate has caused similar woes. Yet, for Japanese firms in America, their greater experience with prefabricated structures and lower interest rates at their Japanese headquarters present an opportunity for both peoples to help one another in amidst trying times.
To some, such matters may seem odd, unrelated, and frivolous to mention. Where is the allure in interest rates, construction materials, and market conditions? What do such things have to do with our shared story as two nations?
Well, day-to-day, are not our lives impacted in ways so great by things seemingly so mundane and small? And what if we struggle in those daily toils? What happens then? Does not our story grind to a halt until we find a way through? Indeed, I say. Indeed.
A group of Americans in costume, depicting Japanese characters at a Cherry Blossom Festival in California. Such festivals are typically during Spring, and can be found across the United States.
- Photographer unknown (source)
And so, helping one another in even the smallest matters, is often how we do prepare to help one another in great ways for times to come. For great things are built upon the small, and the grandiose does rest upon the stability of the mundane.
After all, if we cannot help each other with simple things, how could we ever hope to be of use in those troubles so great? We could not, of course. We most certainly could not.
Just as Japanese festivals can be found in America, so can the inverse be found in Japan. This photo is from “American Day” is Misawa. The “American Festival” is also popular in Tokyo.
- Author Unknown (source)
As the Lord would commend, to those who have done well over a little, they shall be trusted over much (Luke 19:17). Therefore, let us not shirk our duties over small matters, but do them wholeheartedly, and thank the Lord for all such tasks.
With that said, may we all do the best we can in all we have to be good friends, partners, and servants to those whom the Lord has made available to us. May we Americans be good partners to Japan. And may we all be thankful for the opportunity. Amen.
Good friends, far away
Always near, with us, they stay
Our hearts, one, today
No time breaks us down
No chaos sure to be found
Our joy surely bound
At once, we began
America and Japan
Two, and now, one clan
Our Lord, we thank Thee
For us, who You made to be
And all we now see
Where now will we go?
We are never sure to know
But we will follow
Our hope is but this
To face ev'ry dark abyss
With love ne're amiss
Make us both good friends
Faithful unto any ends
Love that never bends
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