The following excerpts are from letters to pioneers to Japan and Korea, 1948–1957
[Letter of January 21, 1948]
To Mr. Robert Imagire
He (the Guardian) notices in your last letter that you sound discouraged. But he feels you should look on the bright side of the work in Japan, and realize that, after so many, many years of complete inertia, the old Bahá’ís have been found—at least some of them—and contacts reestablished. You are able to serve there, new people are hearing of the Faith, and the prospects for the future work there are promising. It is a great pity that a pioneer effort, organized and financed, cannot be carried out there. But the present Seven Year Plan takes all the American Bahá’í resources, and at present Japan must depend on volunteer teachers like your dear self, who of course are not as free as a full time pioneer would be.
In regard to the various questions in your last letter; because of the difficult conditions under which you are serving there and the state of the country and immaturity of the believers you should not be too rigid. You should try and meet on the proper Feast day, but if it is not possible meet as close to the date as you can. Likewise, it would be desirable to observe the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master, etc., at the correct times, but it is not essential to do so. With such a small group of Bahá’ís who have no proper literature except the Esslemont book, and need to deepen in the Teachings, you should be very patient and not ask them to do things before they see the wisdom of it.
Membership for Bahá’ís should be based on their understanding the station of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Guardian and the function of the Administrative Order. To do this it is not necessary for people to first read the Will and Testament and the Dispensation. The essentials can be explained to them, and the rest is a question of faith; if they believe, they can be accepted as Bahá’ís. It is premature now to say any “laws” of the Aqdas must be followed. But the Bahá’ís should be encouraged to keep the Fast, use an obligatory prayer, obtain the consent of parents for marriage, and live up to the Teachings in general.
He certainly feels one of your first duties is to deepen the understanding of the Faith in the minds of the believers there.
You should certainly try to make new contacts but until you have a nucleus of active believers there he feels a lot of publicity is premature.
As to translations, this is certainly very important, but he would not suggest that at present with the limited facilities at your disposal, that you translate whole books. Make selections of subjects that will interest the Japanese; some prayers, some of the chapters from “Some Answered Questions” on things of general interest rather than the purely Christian topics; some of the excerpts from “Gleanings”. In other words try and get together a selection from our Teachings that covers a wide range of subjects and is representative of our beliefs, and translate these at first. Whole books can be undertaken in the future.
He feels the teaching and translating work can go hand in hand as you teach with new material translated.
Your services are very deeply valued by our beloved Guardian, and he assures you he will pray for you and all the Japanese Bahá’ís in the Holy Shrines.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
The zeal, devotion and courage which you exhibit in your activities in the service of the Cause in Japan are truly meritorious and evoke my deepest admiration. Your mission is indeed historic, and your pioneer achievements an example to the rising generation. Persevere in your high endeavors, and rest assured that the Beloved will bless your exertions and will aid you to fulfil your heart’s desire.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(January 21, 1948)
[Letter of October 16, 1948]
He (the Guardian) is delighted over the progress the Faith is making in Japan, and feels greatly attracted to the Japanese believers, who show a spirit of sincerity and faith which augurs well for the future development of the work there.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dear and valued co-worker:
Your outstanding pioneer services are indeed worthy of the highest praise, and I am deeply grateful to you for the work you have accomplished. The firm establishment of a spiritual assembly in Japan and its consolidation, as well as the formation of small groups and isolated centers, will no doubt act as a magnet that will draw the inestimable blessings of Bahá’u’lláh. Persevere in your historic task and rest assured and be happy.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(October 16, 1948)
[Letter of December 20, 1949]
To Mrs. Barbara Davenport
He (the Guardian) urges you to encourage the friends (in Japan) to observe our Bahá’í laws and ordinances, deepen themselves in the administration, and realize they are followers of a Faith—not a mere movement.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(December 20, 1949)
[Letter of September 17, 1950]
To Mr. Robert Imagire
He (the Guardian) is so pleased to have dear Miss Alexander there. Her devotion and loyalty, her love and knowledge of the teachings will be a comfort and inspiration to the believers there (in Japan).
The Guardian was also very happy to see eight Japanese names on the Tokyo Assembly. Although the help and advice of American believers is of great importance, it is excellent that the majority are Japanese and are assuming responsibility for the affairs of the Cause in their native land.
He feels great strides forward have been made, and trusts still greater progress lies ahead. He was delighted to hear the Japanese friends and particularly the women, are actively teaching and giving lectures.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dear and valued co-worker:
The services you are rendering the Faith in Japan are indeed remarkable and unforgettable. I am filled with admiration for the spirit that animates you and for your splendid accomplishments. Persevere in your historic tasks, and rest assured that the Beloved is well pleased with you. I will continue to supplicate in your behalf the Master’s richest blessings, that He may fulfill your heart’s desire in His service.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
(September 17, 1950)
[Letter of February 27, 1951]
The news of the progress being made by the Japanese Bahá’ís in teaching and in reaching people of importance, pleased him (the Guardian) greatly; and he urges you all to persevere, and never lose heart. In his visits to the Shrines, he will supplicate that Bahá’u’lláh may confirm your efforts, and enlarge the scope of your activities.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(February 27, 1951)
[Letter of September 21, 1951]
He (the Guardian) feels by all means you should plan to remain in Japan and buy a home, if possible. Your presence there has marked a turning point in the work in that country.
It will interest you to know that there are Bahá’ís now in Formosa and Indochina, and we hope an English believer will be able to go out to Hong Kong later. Lights are going on in Asia.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(September 21, 1951)
[Letter of November 12, 1952]
He (the Guardian) was most happy to hear of the progress being made in Japan, particularly in the new centers being opened to the Faith, such as Yokohama and Kofu. He was also very happy to know that Miss Alexander is now teaching in Kyoto.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(November 12, 1952)
[Letter of May 25, 1953]
To Mr. and Mrs. Donald Witzel
He (the Guardian) was deeply touched by the two letters by the two new believers of Korea, and the spirit of loving devotion which they portray. He wishes you to assure them of his prayers in their behalf. He hopes they will be inspired to intensify their teaching efforts, so others may be quickened by the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh, and an Assembly be formed in Korea.
He wishes you and the friends in Tokyo to keep in close touch with the friends in Korea. In fact, he wishes the Tokyo Assembly to undertake, as one of their direct responsibilities, the assistance of the work in Korea, sending if possible one or two pioneers to Korea. This will keep the Center in Korea, (and even enable it to develop into an Assembly), until such time as more American pioneers are sent to Korea.
The Guardian greatly values the services of the friends in Japan. He hopes they will now treble their efforts in the teaching field. Now that the Ten Year Crusade has been so auspiciously launched, the divine confirmations are descending; and the friends should seize this opportunity to spread the Faith to all corners of the globe. Especial opportunity devolves on the Japanese Bahá’ís and pioneers, as one of the goals of the Crusade is the establishment of a National Assembly for Japan.
The Guardian will pray for the success of the teaching efforts of the friends in Japan; also for the services and development of the Faith in Korea.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(May 25, 1953)
[Letter of July 10, 1954]
To Mr. Noureddin Momtazi
The Guardian is deeply appreciative of your devotion and sacrifices for the Faith. The gift which you have made of $3,000 toward the purchase of the Hazira in Tokyo is a further sign of the dynamic spirit which animates you in all of your services.
The Guardian attaches the utmost importance to the Hazira of Tokyo, as this is to become the Headquarters of the National Assembly when it is elected.
The Guardian feels the time is now ripe for the Faith to spread very rapidly throughout Japan, and he wishes that all of the preliminary steps be taken for the development of the Faith as it goes forward. Thus he is anxious that the Hazira be purchased this year if possible.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(July 10, 1954)
[Letter of October 19, 1955]
To Mr. William Maxwell
The Guardian has received very glowing reports of the wonderful accomplishments of the Conference[37] in Japan. He feels that this conference marked a new point of development of the Faith in Japan, as well as the entire general area. The spirit of confirmation is reaching all those who arise to serve the Faith; and he is sure divine blessings will come upon everyone who attended the Conference and took part in its deliberations, and who will now go forth to win new victories.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(October 19, 1955)
[Letter of November 23, 1955]
To Mrs. Carolyn Dary
He (the Guardian) urges you to make a special effort to visit the friends in other places where you stop, no matter how short the time, as the news of the progress of the Faith in general will encourage and hearten them. Especially in places such as Japan, the friends need to be urged to persevere with their teaching efforts, so as to have more Spiritual Assemblies in the future to support their National Body, when the time comes for its formation.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(November 23, 1955)
[Letter of May 3, 1956]
The recent news from Japan is most heartening—eight Assemblies in all. Even though our dear Bahá’í sister, Miss Alexander may be exhausted from years of labour, the harvest is so rich that it compensates for any inconvenience or suffering.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(May 3, 1956)
[Letter of March 18, 1957]
To Mr. John McHenry III
He (the Guardian) is very happy that you can arrange your affairs so as to return to Korea... The phenomenal progress the Cause has made in that area (Korea) is practically exclusively due to the services of the young American Bahá’ís who are in the Armed Forces. Indeed, it is a great victory won by Bahá’í youth.
(signed by R. Rabbani)
(March 18, 1957)
[Letter of August 18, 1957]
To Mr. William Maxwell
The Guardian was happy to learn that you are still in Korea and that you are able to continue in the teaching work of that important country. He knows that wherever you are you will carry forward the pressing requirements of the Faith with vigor and enthusiasm but he feels that Korea and even Japan particularly need the help of yourself and other American pioneers at this time.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(August 18, 1957)
[Letter of October 18, 1957]
To Mr. Eugene Schreiber
The Master was most hopeful of the spread of the Faith in Japan. Now that His Promises are being fulfilled, the friends must be very happy. Likewise this happiness must translate itself into renewed devotion so that the Call of God may be raised in all parts of that important country.
The Guardian is praying for the success of the teaching work in Japan.
(signed by Leroy Ioas)
(October 18, 1957)
14: Shoghi Effendi Writes to Emperor Showa of Japan
Emperor Showa (Hirohito) of Japan had the longest reign (December 25, 1926 to January 7, 1989) of any reigning sovereign in Japan. He was respected as a scholar; being an eminent marine biologist, and he was beloved by his people.
Following the custom in Japan, the reign of a new emperor is given a specially selected name. After that emperor dies he takes on the name of the reign. Consequently, Emperor Hirohito, as he was known during his reign, is now known as Emperor Showa.
At the time of his coronation in the fall of 1928 seven specially bound Bahá’í books were presented to His Majesty. The books which were sent in the name of two American Bahá’ís were presented by Dr. Rokuichiro Masujima, who was a friend of Miss Alexander and who was close to the Faith. He had access to the Imperial Household.
Shoghi Effendi was asked to write something to be sent with the books. The message sent to accompany the books was “May the perusal of Bahá’í literature enable Your Imperial Majesty to appreciate the sublimity and penetrative power of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and inspire you on this auspicious occasion to arise for its worldwide recognition and triumph.”
The books arrived after the coronation ceremonies so the presentation was delayed. On May 22 of the following year Dr. Masujima received a letter from the Minister of the Imperial Household that the seven books had been presented to the Emperor that day.
During World War II the palace did not suffer destruction so undoubtedly the books and message are still there with the other coronation gifts.
In 1930 the great Bahá’í teacher Miss Martha Root visited Japan. She sent two gifts to the Emperor; a small Persian rug and a sheet of Holy Writings written in Persian script in the form of a beautiful bird. Accompanying the gifts was a cable from Shoghi Effendi: “Martha Root care American Embassy Tokyo. Kindly transmit His Imperial Majesty, Tokyo, Japan on behalf of myself and Bahá’ís world over, expression of our deepest love as well as assurance of heartfelt prayers for his well-being and prosperity of his ancient realm.”
Japan, after recovery from the devastation of World War II, shows the prosperity that the Guardian prayed for, and the Emperor, active and healthy until the end had a very long and fruitful reign.
15: Message from the Universal House of Justice to the North Pacific Oceanic Conference, Sapporo, Japan, September, 1971
To the Friends of God Assembled in the Conference of the North Pacific Ocean.
Dearly-loved Friends,
On the eve of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the opening of the Formative Age of our Faith we call to mind the high hopes often expressed by the beloved Master for the spread of the Cause in this region. His mention in the Tablets of the Divine Plan of many of the territories represented in this Conference, and the faithful and devoted services of that maid-servant of Bahá’u’lláh, the Hand of the Cause Agnes Alexander, who brought the Teachings to these shores in the early years of this century.
In these days we are witnessing an unprecedented acceleration of the teaching work in almost every part of the globe. In the North Pacific Ocean area great strides have been made in the advancement of the Cause since that historic Asia Regional Teaching Conference in Nikko just sixteen years ago. The next two years witnessed the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska and of the Regional National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia. To the Convention in Tokyo at Ridván 1957 the Guardian addressed these prophetic words:
“This auspicious event, which posterity will regard as the culmination of a process initiated, half a century ago, in the capital city of Japan ... marks the opening of the second chapter in the history of the evolution of His Faith in the North Pacific area. Such a consummation cannot fail to lend a tremendous impetus to its onward march in the entire Pacific Ocean...”
Since that time National Spiritual Assemblies have also been firmly established in Korea and Taiwan.
Hokkaido, the site of this Conference, first heard of the Teachings less than fifteen years ago, and the first aboriginal peoples of this land accepted Bahá’u’lláh just over a decade ago. Now you are the witnesses to the beginnings of a rapid increase in the number of believers. Peoples in other islands and lands of the North Pacific, including the Ryukyus, Guam, the Trust Territories, the western shores of Canada and Alaska and the Aleutians are also enrolling under the banner of the Most Great Name, and next Ridván yet another pillar of the Universal House of Justice is to be raised in Micronesia. We are heartened at the prospect that from indigenous peoples of this vast oceanic area, the Ainu, the Japanese, the Chinese, the Koreans, the Okinawans, the Micronesians, the American Indians, the Eskimos, and the Aleuts vast numbers will soon enter the Faith.
The final hours of the Nine Year Plan are fast fleeting. Praised be to God that you have gathered to consult on ways and means of assuring complete victory so that from these outposts the Teachings may spread to those nearby lands where teeming millions have not as yet heard of the advent of this Most Great Dispensation.
The sweet perfume of victory is in the air, and we must hasten to achieve it while there is yet time. Vital goals, particularly on the homefronts of Taiwan and Japan, remain to be won, and everywhere the roots of the faith of the believers must sink deeper and deeper into the firm earth of the Teachings lest tempests and trials as yet unforeseen shake or uproot the tender plants so lovingly raised in the islands of this great Ocean and the land surrounding it.
As you and the friends in the sister Conference in Reykjavik bring this series of eight Oceanic and Continental Conferences to a triumphant close, our prayers for the success of your deliberations ascend at the Holy Threshold. May God grant you the resources, the strength, and the determination to attain your highest hopes and enable you to open a new and glorious chapter in the evolution of His Faith in the North Pacific area.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
Afterword
The first printing of this book was done in 1974. As it contained new material, that is, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and letters of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, many of which had never been published, and because its theme was Japan, it proved to be a successful addition to the Bahá’í literature throughout the Bahá’í world. It was translated into Japanese and has been one of the standard books in that language.
The Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Japan regularly has requests for the English edition although it has been out of print since the late 1970s.
When the compiler considered a second edition she decided to refer back to the original material for possible changes, to add new material, and also add more details such as the names of translators (when available), thereby hoping to increase the historical value. Very little of the original has been eliminated.
All of the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Miss Alexander and to Bahá’ís in Japan have been included. Only some of the Tablets written to Japanese, who, at the time, were living in the United States have been included. It was difficult to choose which of Shoghi Effendi’s letters to Miss Aexander should be included.
The Guardian had requested that she write to him often so their correspondence was extensive. She actually received many more letters than are printed here.
Most of Shoghi Effendi’s letters (which, of course, also means those written on his behalf) to the early Bahá’ís of Japan and to the institutions of the Faith in Japan are printed here.
It was felt that certain communications from the Universal House of Justice would add to this important subject, hence the expansion to later years.