憲兵隊 清水豊緒からトラウツ **

This unique 1933 New Year's card was sent to F. M. Trautz from the commanding officer of Kyoto Kempei Buntai, military police unit. The Buntai, roughly equivalent in size to a platoon, was comprised of approximately 65 men under the leadership of Captain Shimizu Toyoo (pronounced To-Yo-O).

Kempei Shimizu 憲兵隊 清水豊緒 トラウツ Trautz

Captain Shimizu would have worn an armband bearing the characters 憲兵, as depicted here. In 1933, his rank insignia consisted of shoulder boards. However, in the subsequent years, with the introduction of a revised uniform, his rank insignia transitioned from shoulder boards to simpler and smaller collar tabs (see photos).

In the jurisdiction of the Republic of China in Beijing, from April 8, 1946, to December 13, 1947, a total of 115 individuals faced trial for war crimes. Captain Shimizu was among them, identified with case number 2985. Shimizu Toyoo, hailing from Nara, was sentenced to death on March 30, 1947, and subsequently executed by firing squad on June 26, 1947.  

Shimizu's story is emblematic of the complex and often tragic events that unfolded during the turbulent period of the 20th century. The 1933 New Year's card, now a historical artifact, offers a glimpse into a time when international relations were strained, and the world was on the brink of significant upheaval. It serves as a tangible reminder of the diplomatic intricacies and military dynamics that defined that era.

The trials in Beijing, where Captain Shimizu faced charges of war crimes, were part of a broader effort to hold individuals accountable for their actions during World War II. These trials were significant not only for the pursuit of justice but also for the historical record they created. They shed light on the complex legal and moral questions surrounding war crimes and continue to serve as a historical reference for scholars and researchers studying this period.

Shimizu's fate, marked by his execution, highlights the stark consequences that many individuals faced as a result of their wartime actions. His story serves as a sobering reminder of the human toll of war and the pursuit of justice in its aftermath.

The 1933 New Year's card, Captain Shimizu's service, and the subsequent trials in Beijing are all integral parts of a larger historical narrative. They remind us of the importance of understanding and reflecting upon the events of the past to inform our present and shape our future.

エフ・エム・トラウツ 年賀状 森川栄 濱作 *

In 1933, Morikawa Sakae, the founder of Hamasaku restaurant in Kyoto, sent a New Year's card to F. M. Trautz. Hamasaku restaurant was established in 1927 and remains in operation to this day. In addition to their restaurant, they also offer cooking classes.

I wonder what Trautz ate there. 

エフ・エム・トラウツ 年賀状 森川栄 濱作

Miyako Hotel Taxi to F. M. Trautz 都良宇津 1933 Postcard *

山本慶造　都タクシー　都良宇津

My research yielded no information regarding the sender, Yamamoto Keizo, nor any references to the "Kyoto Sanjo Miyako Hotel Nishi," nor his taxi business. Nevertheless, it is highly probable that this hotel has evolved into what is now known as the Westin Miyako Kyoto. Mr. Yamamoto likely managed a thriving taxi service, catering to both international and domestic travelers from this very hotel with Trautz and his associates as his frequent clients.

賀正

更新の春を迎へ

慎みて貴家の萬福を祈り

尚御變らせなき 

御庇護を賜はらむことを

一月元旦

京都三篠都ホテル西

都タクシー

山本慶造

電話上二九四番

Upon close inspection of this postcard, it features an appealing embossed design depicting the rising sun above a rugged coastal landscape. 

F. M.Trautz, Karlsruhe, Germany, February 25, 1944 **

war letter to F. M. Trautz - F. M. トラウツ - Karlsruhe - カールスルーエ

This letter, penned during the tumultuous times of World War II on February 25, 1944, originates from one of Germany's major industrial hubs, where extensive air raids were taking place during what came to be known as the Big Week. Unfortunately, due to its handwritten German cursive script, I find myself unable to decipher or translate its contents. Consequently, I turned to Google Translator in an attempt to glean at least some insight into the letter's subject matter. While the application's performance was far from ideal, it did provide me with a partial understanding of the message's context. Regrettably, the identity of the letter's author remains unknown.

This rather inconsequential postcard, printed in Japan, lacks a postage stamp, clearly indicating that it did not pass through the German postal system. It was most likely personally delivered to Trautz. The choice of a Japanese postcard for communication is perplexing, considering the challenging circumstances of enduring daily air raids. Why anyone would opt for a Japanese postcard over a conventional sheet of paper remains a puzzle.

I have managed to capture several images of this translated text. Interestingly, as I adjusted the size of the postcard, the translations varied. Here, I present a few examples, all of which revolve around the themes of air raids and the resulting hardships.

again tonight, darken completely

air raid shelter and water in basement

I am very worried, colorful night arrivals

unable to work and died soon

rifle, bread, sand, shovel

The "Big Week" was a significant air campaign conducted by the Allied forces during World War II in February 1944. It aimed to weaken the German Luftwaffe (air force) and disrupt Germany's aircraft production facilities. The campaign took place from February 20 to February 25, 1944, and it played a crucial role in the overall strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany. It played a crucial role in paving the way for the successful Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944 and was a significant milestone in the air war over Europe during World War II.

久世章業 から都良宇津 (TO-RA-U-TSU) Trautz - Kuze Akinari **

Trautz opted for the distinctive kanji characters 都良宇津 (To-Ra-U-Tsu) for his surname. Despite thorough online searches across popular search engines, only a few results were retrieved. This highlights the apparent obscurity surrounding any records linked to the name 都良宇津, indicating that it has largely eluded inclusion in online repositories.

The sender of this card is 久世章業 Kuze Akinari (1898-1976). In 1931, he assumed the role of Negi (lower-ranking priest) at Kotohira Shrine. In 1937, he was appointed as Guji (chief priest) of Bizen and Kibitsuhiko Shrines, and from 1942 to 1948, he served as the Guji of Kotohira Shrine.

久世章業 Kuze Akinari (1898-1976)

Kotohira Shrine, also known as Kotohira-gū (金刀比羅宮) and sometimes referred to as Konpira Shrine, is a significant Shinto shrine located in the town of Kotohira in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is particularly famous for its long stone staircase, known as the "Konpira Grand Theater," which consists of 1,368 steps that lead up to the main shrine complex on Mount Zōzu. The climb to the main hall is a pilgrimage and a test of endurance for visitors, offering breathtaking views along the way. 

photo of Kuze Akinari (age 12), photo credit: http://easthall.blog.jp/archives/33146699.html

The shrine has a rich history and is a place of worship and cultural significance. It has been a center of religious activity and pilgrimage for centuries and is considered one of the most important Shinto shrines in the Shikoku region of Japan. The deity enshrined here, Takama-no-Hara, watches over matters of water and maritime pursuits. Sailors, fishermen, and travelers have, for centuries, sought the blessings of this benevolent guardian, making Kotohira-gu a symbol of hope and protection on the open seas.

Fritz Karsch to F. M. Trautz **

This nengajō 年賀状 (New Year's card) was sent from ドクトル・フリッツ・カルシュ / 松江市、奥谷町、高等学校、官舎 (Dr. Fritz Karsch, Matsueshi, Okutanicho, Koto Gakkou, Kansha) to ドクトル・エフ・エム・トラウツ (Dr. F. M. Trautz). 

The writing is in German cursive, making it very difficult to decipher or translate. But I believe he writes, in part, something similar to: 'It's a pity that you didn't find time to call on us in Matsue. I would have liked to show you some things. Hopefully later! But I thank you for your kindness. How long will you stay? I wish you all the best, especially during your stay.'"

Dr. Fritz Karsch taught German at Matsue High School (today's Shimane University 島根大学) from 1925 to 1939. 

フリッツ・カルシュ から エフ・エム・トラウツ はがき 

This particular postcard, with the address written in Japanese, was undoubtedly penned by Karsch himself. The handwriting exhibits untrained characters, as if written by a Japanese grade school student.

For much more about Karsch, see https://mechtild.web.fc2.com/

1938 Postcard from Germany to Professor F. M. Trautz **

Friedrich Max Trautz (1877–1952) was a prominent Japanologist who played pivotal roles in fostering German-Japanese cultural exchange during the interwar period. He served as the inaugural German director of the Japan Institute in Berlin from 1926 to 1930 and later became the first director of the German Research Institute in Kyoto, serving from 1934 to 1938.

This postcard, dated January 31, 1938, was sent from Berlin, Germany, via Siberia. As I do not understand German, I relied on an online translator.

"Thank you very much, esteemed Professor, for your most sincere wishes for the New Year that I just received. Since it's never too late to congratulate, I would like to warmly reciprocate your wishes and express my gratitude, with fond memories of our shared beautiful moments in Kyoto. Yours faithfully." 

It seems to be signed by A. Oster(?). 

1938年、ドイツから F. M. Trautz教授へのはがき