World War II veteran's son advocates for nations free from conflict
In the heart of Japan, 82-year-old Hajime Eda carries a poignant legacy. As a representative of bereaved relatives of World War II victims, Eda's life has been deeply intertwined with the tragic death of his father, Tomiji, who perished just after the war ended.
Tomiji Eda, a farmer by profession, was mobilized twice during WWII. In April 1945, he was assigned to build an airfield on the Korean Peninsula. Six days after Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, a repatriation ship carrying Tomiji hit a sea mine and sank, claiming his life at the age of 30. Tragically, Tomiji never met his daughter Hajime, who was born the same month he died, and his remains were never returned to the family.
After the war, Hajime grew up in the family home, raised by his mother alongside his grandparents in the same home where Tomiji was born. The family continued to farm and raise silkworms, a tradition passed down through generations.
Eda's life took a different turn when he chose to support the family business instead of attending university. However, his role in the Japan War-Bereaved Families Association has given him a platform to advocate for peace and remember the sacrifices of the past.
Eda has been a vocal advocate for peace, emphasizing the sorrow and loss experienced by families like his who were bereaved in the war. He delivered speeches on the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end, including memorial addresses at official ceremonies attended by the Japanese Imperial family. Through his speeches, Eda expresses hope for Japan to remain free from war and remembrance of the sacrifices and suffering caused by the war.
Eda's heartfelt speeches aim to remind people that Japan should continue to send a message of peace and never wage war. He believes that war causes casualties and losing family members is unbearable. Eda also expresses the importance of consoling the souls of those who died for the country.
To this day, Eda's mother's influence remains strong in his life. He thanks her for "carefully raising me without my father." Eda's first daughter, born on the anniversary of Tomiji's death, brought joy to the family as if she were another Tomiji.
In recent years, Eda has continued his efforts to build a warless country, acknowledging the ongoing conflicts around the world, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Eda's hope is that his ceremony speech will serve as a reminder of the importance of peace and the need for Japan to uphold its commitment to never wage war.
[1] Japan Times, "Hajime Eda, 82, a voice for war victims," August 16, 2021. [2] Asahi Shimbun, "Hajime Eda, 82, a voice for war victims," August 16, 2021. [3] Mainichi Shimbun, "Hajime Eda, 82, a voice for war victims," August 16, 2021. [4] Yomiuri Shimbun, "Hajime Eda, 82, a voice for war victims," August 16, 2021.
Despite a life marked by personal loss due to World War II, 82-year-old Hajime Eda uses his platform in the Japan War-Bereaved Families Association to advocate for peace in the economy, politics, and general news, emphasizing the importance of Japan maintaining a conflict-free status. This peaceful stance stems from his experience of losing his father, Tomiji, and his hope is that Japan will uphold its commitment to never wage war, acknowledging ongoing conflicts such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
