1933 Well Wishes from 手塚良道 to Doctor F. M. Trautz **

1933 Well Wishes from 手塚良道 to Doctor F. M. Trautz

This card was sent from Hakushima Nakamachi, Hiroshima by 手塚良道 (Tezuka Yoshimichi, 1889-1961), and is addressed to トラウツ博士殿. The term 博士殿 (hakase-dono) is a respectful way to address someone who holds a doctoral degree in Japan. "博士" (hakase) means "doctor" (as in a PhD), and "殿" (dono) is an honorific suffix that conveys respect, similar to "sir" or "madam." The combination 博士殿 (hakase-dono) would thus translate to "Dr. Trautz" in a very respectful manner.

Tezuka, who also used the pen name 豊溪 (Hōkei), was a notable Japanese author and educator who made significant contributions to the study and teaching of Chinese philosophy and literature. In 1914, Tezuka graduated from the Chinese Philosophy Department of the Faculty of Letters at Tokyo Imperial University, one of Japan's most prestigious institutions of higher learning at the time. The Faculty of Letters offered a wide range of humanities and social science disciplines, including the study of classical Chinese texts, Confucianism, Daoism, and other traditional Chinese philosophical schools of thought.

Tezuka authored several influential works, including:

儒教道徳に於ける君臣思想 (Thoughts on Lord and Vassal in Confucian Ethics): This book explores the Confucian concept of the ethical relationship between rulers and their subjects, which is a cornerstone of Confucian political philosophy.

新制女子漢文 (New System of Chinese Literature for Women): In this work, Tezuka adapted classical Chinese literature for women's education, reflecting his progressive views on the accessibility of knowledge and the importance of women's education.

支那精神 (The Spirit of China): This publication delves into the cultural and spiritual essence of China, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of Chinese ethos and its historical development.

支那思想史略 (A Brief History of Chinese Thought): This book offers an overview of the evolution of Chinese philosophical thought, highlighting key ideas and figures that shaped Chinese intellectual history.

Tezuka Yoshimichi's contributions to the study of Chinese philosophy and literature, along with his efforts to make this knowledge accessible to a broader audience, have left a lasting impact on the field. His works continue to be recognized for their depth of insight and scholarly rigor.