Friday, November 10, 2023

Unusual 1933 Message from Nawa Yoichi to F. M. Trautz **

In 1933, Nawa Yoichi, the President of Morita Seisakusho Company and Director of Blaon Arai Suido Company (森田製作所(株)社長, ブラオン鑿井水道(株)取締役), sent a unique New Year's card to F. M. Trautz. What set this card apart was not its design but the enigmatic message inscribed upon it.

名和陽一 Nawa Yoichi 

Nawa's message was rather unconventional, as it contained paradoxical phrases that seemed to juxtapose the conventional sentiments of a New Year's greeting. "Kado matsu ya meido no tabi no ichiru zuka medetaku mo ari medetaku mo nashi" presented the idea of both happiness and unhappiness in the coming year. Similarly, "Long Life = Short Life" and "Wealth = Poor" challenged the traditional wishes for longevity and prosperity. The message concluded with the philosophical assertion, "人ハ只自然ニ生キ規則正シク活動スルガ本来ノ面目也," emphasizing the harmony of living in accordance with nature.

It leaves us to ponder what thoughts must have crossed Trautz's mind when receiving this cryptic New Year's message. The juxtaposition of traditional well-wishing with an intriguing philosophical twist makes this card a fascinating historical artifact, offering a glimpse into the unique perspective of Nawa Yoichi.

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