Heritage

The following articles are taken from issues of the Japanese Science Fiction Magazine

DIMENSIONS IN SPACE AND TIME:

ONGOING PuRSUITS.

Shota Akimaya talks to Science Fiction Author and Political campaigner Hayata Hashimoto about the recent incidents that are continuing to unfold

Shota Akimaya: Welcome to Dimensions In Space And Time can you tell us why you were detained at Washington Airport under The Patriot Act, or am I over reacting?

Hayata Hashimoto: Well like any good story there is always two sides, sometimes more. I had been asked to attend a conference of Writers, Producers, Actors and more noble individuals, to speak out against the recent terrorist events that are taking place in Japan, that we know have been orchestrated by The North Korean Government!

S, A: Which they continue to deny!

H.H.: Well that's their opinion; Anyway I had arrived to read a passage from The Bible in response to the three North Korean Christians, who were executed by their Government for speaking out against recent bombings in Japan. I had found an appropriate passage from the Beatitude about the purpose of forgiveness, since everyone knows about my devotion to The Christian Faith. When I had checked in so to speak, I was asked by a polite, yet authoritarian woman, what was my purpose in coming to the States? So I explained to her, she then told me to wait whilst she called security!

S.A: And then what happened?

H.H: Two well dressed men appeared, one black, one white, they asked me to accompany them into a small room,

S.A: Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't there a group of supporters there, from what might be entitled various concerns!

H.H: There were people there who had lost friends and relatives in The 9/11 incident, and the July 7^th bombings in London England. And there were those that had been either directly or indirectly affected by Hiroshima and Nagasaki. And of course those who had been equally affected by the terrorist events that are being orchestrated by The North Korean Government, And of course those with what I will refer to as equally empathic concerns! They were concerned how events were unfolding and I had been sent an Email asking if I was prepared to address them, I had replied saying I would be honoured! However before I could respond I was taken into this room and told that I could be accused of incitement, because The North Korean Embassy in New York had issued a letter of protest, saying my visit was an incitement of hatred against their Government and it's people! And it was implied direct action could be taken!

S.A: Are we talking attacks on The United States via what has become known as weapons of mass destruction?

H.H: I believe that was the implication! Anyway I was told that there was a possibility of certain dedicated individuals reacting most strongly, and that it would be best all round if I left by the side entrance! I was then taken into a waiting car and allowed to get out a short distance from where the conference was taking place!

S, A: Which you attended!

H.H: Yes, and I'm pleased to say the people who met me at the airport were able to attend the conference when all had been settled!

S.A: Let's leave recent events for a moment and talk about your childhood influences that led to you becoming an author, apart from your upbringing as a Christian, you were and still are a fan of the Victorian English Author and Atheist H.G Wells, whom you quote as uttering praise on the teachings of Jesus Christ, can you remind us what was said by Mr. Wells?

H.H: It was said that: The Doctrine of the Kingdom of Heaven, which was the main teaching of Jesus, is certainly one of the most revolutionary doctrines that ever stirred and changed human thought.

S.A: Which as a Christian you would obviously agree with!

H.H: Of course!

S.A: Can you remember the first H.G.Wells story you read, or rather the one that had the biggest impact on you as a writer?

H.H: It would have to be The Time Machine!

S.A: Can you tell us why?

H.H: It was more to do with the ending, after the story itself had been resolved, he decides to travel 30 million years into the future and sees a dieing earth consisting of what little remains before the sun finally ceases and nothing is left to remain. In Well's future, No hope, No God, No afterlife!

S.A: Because it was written by an Atheist, Though one who respected the teachings of Jesus Christ!

H.H: Most people do!

S.A: And I believe you wrote what could be entitled a Christian Science Fiction Story about tine travel as an alternative to Well's ending!

H.H: It wasn't as good, however it made me feel I had achieved something, I was nine at the time!

* * *

More excerpts will follow at appropriate intervals.

Headline from Japanese Newspaper Yumiuri: Published two years ago.

Economic Sanctions By China On North Korean Government, Could Lead To Unforeseen And Disastrous Circumstances We are warned.

By our Political Correspondent Ms Aoi Enatsu,

There are those who consider The North Korean Government to be what is called the last true bastion of real Communism. And With the Russian Economy in a mess amidst further upheavals within The Ukraine, and The Middle East itself becoming more unstable, “Some would say due to further interventions by The United States” there are those that believe they have a right to fear they may somehow be next!

Nobody is suggesting The Americans are going to bomb North Korea,,or to be more precise Nuke them as they did with Hiroshima and Nagasaki, however there are other ways!

Like all Dictatorships North Korea is a closed society, it's people are controlled by its unelected leaders who have complete control of all Press and Media related outlets, including mobile phones; It has issued restrictions on the use of The Internet, And whilst The United States is busy elsewhere they apparently have nothing to fear, or do they? North Korea is suspicious of the West and especially The United States, these can be reasoned thus:

In 1910 Korea was ruled by Japan

In 1948 When Japan surrendered North and South Korea had become two separate Governments both claiming they had a legitimate right to be recognised.

on 25^th June 1950 North Korea invaded South Korea thus starting what became known as The Korean War, 27^th June President Trueman orders American forces into Korean territory supported by The United Nations and Britain!

On 4^th of August to 18^th September 1950 The battle of The Puan Perimeter took place, in which The United Nations forces were suffering defeat against advanced North Korean forces and South Korea was suffering heavy defeats, However despite being backed by China financially, North Korean troops suffered immense supply shortages,

23^rd September 1950 Despite small break throughs in The Puan Perimeter North Korean troops are unable to withstand any further attacks and are forced to retreat unconditionally.

North Korea believes The United States is putting financial pressure on China to help bankrupt its economy! It has been confirmed that China does not support North Korea having a Nuclear Weapons!

North Korea has been put back on the list of State Sponsored Terrorists by THe United States after being briefly taken off by The Bush Administration in October 2008.

North Korea is now at war with Japan and has sent over various weapons of mass destruction and committed acts of terrorism, especially on going Chemical war and Sarin Gas attacks!

On other pages How much was Japanese Science Fiction influenced by The Atomic Bomb? and are the new breed of Japanese Science Fiction Authors being influenced by the situation with the North Korean Government? An interview with Japanese Science Fiction Writer Hayata Hashimoto, taken from excerpts given in The Science Fiction Magazine Dimensions In Space And Time can be found inside.

Interview reassumes.

S.A: Did you read your stories to anyone?

H.H: Oh yes, My Parents and my Grandparents whether they wanted me to or not, persistence is the sign of a good writer! (smiles).: My Grandparents would tell me about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki where they were born, they said people did not always help each other because they were frightened for their own safety. My Grandfather compared it in someways to H.G.Wells The Tine Machine!

S.A: Without the devouring of human flesh!

H.H: Yes, thankfully, although there were very disturbing scenes, people were running around with appalling injuries such as their faces and skin burnt by radiation, many had limbs blown off or suffered blindness, something ironically similar in The Time Machine if you think about it!

S.A: And did it cause you to think, most Japanese Authors were influenced by The Atomic Bomb, I don't suppose you were any different!

H.H: No, although being young I was into Creature Features, You know, the Godzilla versus Tokyo kind of films, that all Japanese people knew were a metaphor for the United States bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki!

S.A: Did the action get in the way of the message, so to speak?

H/H: I think when your young, it does, although that isn't always a bad thing! My Granddaughter who is nine watches a cartoon series in which a group of young Japanese Spies, take on every week a villain who lives on an undisclosed island and launches attacks against the people of Japan! Mostly the attacks are in the form of gasses that for some reason turn into monsters, I have always considered this a mixed homage, if you get my view!

S.A: Let's talk briefly about other forms of Japanese Science Fiction spurned out of the dropping of The Atomic Bomb, one film springs to mind “that I know is your favourite” is the film Blood Type Blue by the Japanese Film Director Kiachi Okamoto made in 1978. Can you explain a brief synopsis for your younger readers!

H.H: Well the story is about a group of people who are discriminated against, because having witnessed UFOs their blood turns blue. The film is sat at Christmas and is a metaphor for the prejudice suffered by those affected by the radiation, from the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki by The United States!

S.A: Isn't it true your Grandmother suffered discrimination, because she had contacted radiation cancer that fortunately was treated!

H.H: Yes, She was told to get out because people feared them both to be contagious, and she was even refused medical treatment at various stages, My Grandfather told me they were even spat at and had things thrown at them, many people suffered similar discrimination, although a lot of people were kind as well. It is because they were afraid, “As Christ said, Father forgive them for they know not what they do!

Interview will continue at appropriate intervals,

Article from The Washington Post:

North Korea Increases Attacks On Japan With A MIxture Of Military Activity And Continued State Sponsored Terrorism,

By our Foreign Correspondent Charles Answorth,

The terrorist backed state of North Korea has come a long way from the bombing of South Korean Flight 858 by two North Korean Agents on the 29^th November 1987. Not satisfied with Cyber attacks and trying to prevent the screening of The Interview, a film funded by The Sony Film Company, it has gone back to a more Sadistic and almost Genocidal form of state sponsored terrorism against its's enemy Japan, including terrorism and Sarin Gas attacks and even suicide bombings;

It is said North Korea changed its policy and watered down its state sponsored terrorism after the KAL Flight bombing because it feared upsetting its paymasters, namely Russia and China, though mostly China, And now that The Soviet Union has collapsed, and China is further restricting aid to North Korea it has come to the conclusion that terrorism is the only way it can survive!

North Korea is situated not far from Japan, 649 Miles separated by the sea of Japan. So far it has launched attacks against various Japanese Cities by sending over short range missiles of the non nuclear variety, It has emphatically denied responsibility, claiming it is the work of dissidents backed by The United States influence on economic sanctions that they claim are causing people to become disloyal to the Peoples Democratic Public Of North Korea. However this has been dismissed by The United States Government's Press Office as a fabrication of the truth! Yes, stated a spokesman, there have been protests in North Korea as economic sanctions continue, however they have been callously dealt with as in the case of the two Christian women and one man who were publicly executed on Koran state television. This was strongly condemned by many, including the Japanese Science Fiction Writer Hayata Hashimoto at a conference in Washington! The conference was to highlight the possible threat of a nuclear attack!

Interview continues:

S.A: There are those who believe the cold war helped prevent any threat of nuclear war, and that now after the collapse we are in a more unstable situation, as a member of the peace movement where do you stand on that debate?

H.H: I think there is a case for it, and also one against! The case for is that the Russians were more stable and would not risk the total annihilation of the Earth for political gain, nor for that matter would the United States! However there are many who are committed, we have seen this with 9/11 and we know therefore that not all people are afraid of the consequences, be they religious or otherwise!

S.A: Does that include the non-religious state of North Korea!

H.H: I believe so, North Korea is an old style Communist State, In someways you could argue its leaders follow its teachings religiously!, I also believe they fear persecution for war crimes, should their people ever rise up!

S.A: Do you think that is what the United States is trying to achieve?

H.H: Yes, and whilst I support them, I do not want North Korea to become another controlled state, but allowed to make its own choices!

S.A: Your Daughter is married to an American Soldier, how does he feel about what you do?

H.H: We get on quite well, sometimes when we watch sport he sides more with me, My Daughter prefers Dramas, My Granddaughter cartoons!

S.A: Let's talk about comparisons in cartoons, I refer to United States Nuclear War survival cartoons made during the Cuban incident under President John F.Kennedy and the ones being shown today by Anime!

More excerpts will continue at appropriate intervals!

There now follows a Government Safety film on how to survive an attack. This has been made in cartoon form!

Words appear white on black:

What is Sarin Gas And how Should We React?

So far there have been twelve Sarin Gas attacks against the people of Japan and it's Government, here is Hiroto of the Anime cartoon children's T.V.Series. Space, Battle For The Earth to explain!

Scene shows typical looking young Japanese boy in cartoon form, dressed in post nuclear type space outfit, resembling some kind of Japan where Hiroshima and Nagasaki were not stopped at by The United States during the second world war, However in this one it is clear that the enemy is North Korea! Boy speaks to camera in obvious Japanese(Sic):

“Greetings, I am Hiroto, and this is my Sister Rin! Together we battle to save the Earth from invasions from beyond the galaxy!”

Girl speaks:

“But sometimes, the threat comes from within!”

“Yes, that is true, Sarin Gas, is the biggest threat to our safety, however the ways to deal with it are similar to some of the threats we have faced from beyond the galaxy.”

“So, we are now going to show you how to protect yourself from a Sarin Gas attack!”

Scene shows cartoon gas canister, words come up in Japanese as Rin narrates:

Sarin gas is odourless and colourless, that means it has no smell and no taste, it also cannot be seen! Sarin gas attacks are sometimes not recognised because of this, however mild symptoms include: Sweating, and small pinpoint pupils, headache and excessive urinating and nasal mucus, as well as diarrhea, plus abdominal pains and extreme high or low heart rate and blood pressure! larger dosages can lead to respiratory failure, Paralysis and death! If you believe you have been affected by Sarin gas here are some steps you can take!

Scene cuts to cartoon of suit next to cartoon of skirt and blouse, Rin continues to narrate:

1: Remove your clothing as soon as possible. Do not pull over your head, instead cut with any sharp objects to limit contact with the skin! Sarin can remain on clothing for up to thirty minutes, do not let anyone touch these clothes as they too may become contaminated!

2: Wash yourself thoroughly:

3: Alternatively if nearby, seek medical treatment immediately!

4: If Sarin has been swallowed, please refrain from vomiting yourself, or inducing vomiting of stated victim, also make certain victim is given no liquid! Again please seek medical advice immediately!

5: If you suspect a Sarin attack is about to take place, get away from the area as soon as possible and if you can please alert the authorities! Sarin is heavier than air, therefore the threat is greater at low level area., Although if you believe you have the symptoms, even in a high rise area, seek medical advice immediately!

6: Lock all doors and windows to prevent further exposure to the gas, secure all airways if possible and call for medical help immediately!

7: Antidotes to effects caused by Sarin gas include: Atropine and Praidoxime these can be purchased from emergency medical centres in the event of an attack!

8: Sarin is known as a nerve agent,, that means it is designed to kill humans, as well as our alien friends who help us to protect the galaxy from invasions; Atropine is a counter to nerve gas attacks and has to be administered as soon as possible! Within thirty minutes to an hour, although instantly is recommended!

9: Emergency numbers in Japan are 119 for Fire and Ambulance. The Police can be reached on 110. If you are phoning from abroad the area code for Japan is: 01181 then your phone number remembering to not include the 0!. Most Tokyo Operators can speak English! 119 can also be used to report terrorist attacks!

Scene cuts to Hiroto and Rin in a pointed space ship as if for tunneling: Hiroto, states:

“And now we must continue to protect the galaxy, while you do your part at home!” “Goodluck, Space Agents!”

Ship flies off to the sound of cartoon theme tune.

Interview continues:

S.A: You wrote some episodes for the cartoon series: Space, Battle For The Earth! Did you have anything to do with the film explaining how to survive a Sarin gas attack?”

H.H: “No, they did not ask me for some reason!”

S.A: “Do you think it is because of your political and religious views?”

H.H: “You'll have to ask them, although I believe they wanted someone qualified on the subject of Sarin gas! It was done with help from The Ministry Of Health in Japan!

S.A: When people look back at those old United States films made during the cold war on how to survive a nuclear attack, they consider them very naive, especially when you consider the devastating effects of a nuclear bomb. Do you think we are being naive and also over confident about dealing with the effects of a Sarin gas attack!”

H.H: I believe we can never be too prepared! However I fear, that as North Korea becomes more economically unstable, the situation is likely to get much worse!

S.A: Hayata Hashimoto, that is the first part of our interview, we will continue the concluding part next time!

H.H: Thank you, I'm looking forward to it!

Interview will continue at appropriate intervals.

Article in China Daily:

North Korea Urges China to Stand With Them Against Westernised Threat Against Democracy!

By Su Li:

North Korea has called on China for more financial assistance as it's economy continues to struggle, and not to side with The United States! The President of North Korea said that to do so could have worldwide devastating results! The President of the United States and The Prime minister of Britain have referred to this as a veiled threat of desperation, and urged China to stand firm in the fight against state sponsored terrorism!”

Hayato Hashimoto had brought this copy of China Daily being curious about the article, and also somewhat apprehensive, As a Science Fiction Writer in many ways he considered himself similar to his favourite author H.G.Wells when it came to guessing the future, although thankfully none of it had come true, which was a good thing, since although he also wrote for a children's cartoon series most of his novels were somewhat Dystopian, even if good did finally triumph over evil! It had been almost a month since the interview and the concluding part was in a few days! He considered this as he drove towards the Atomic Bomb Museum where he sometimes went to look around and even talk with friends he had met there! People who had survived the nuclear attacks administered during the second world war by The United States, as well as those who had survived attacks by North Korea! The two had become somewhat intwined and Japan's fears had somewhat returned!

It was also near his Granddaughter's school. He sometimes took her there to look around, and to go for ice-cream and cake whilst he told her stories, Some true, some fiction, some both, though always with a thought provoking meaning to guide her!

“Something everyone should heed.! He stated, noticing up ahead that there appeared to be people staggering about with what appeared to be vomit coming out of there mouths, some were on the floor and he knew immediately that it was another Sarin gas attack, launched by North Korea in desperation to protect it's economic and political regime! Uncertain as to what to do, and concerned about the safety of his Granddaughter, he turned his car around to get out of harms way of the gas, then pulling over to a curb, he dialed the school on his mobile to inquire about the safety of his Granddaughter! There was no answer, he tried two more times then concluded the school was not going to respond, so having The Headmaster's mobile in case of emergencies he dialed that, and stated: “Hello!

The Headmaster recognised his voice and explained that the children and staff had been evacuated and taken to the nearest hospital! Apparently there had been no time to contact anyone, however the authorities were doing that as soon as they got the chance!:

“Is anyone being allowed to visit the hospital?”

“Well I'm there, they gave me some Atropine, however there are people in radiation suits and no one from the public has been seen!”

“Can you ask them?”

“They're very busy, I don't think they-, hold on!” Sir, excuse me, are any families being allowed to visit””

There was an impatient silence then the headmaster returned and stated:

“He said not yet, in an hour's time perhaps if the hospital says it's safe!”

“And do you know if the authorities have contacted the families yet, because I haven't received any calls;

“I believe they will contact them personally, however they'll probably phone back if they don't get a response!”

“Thank you! I'm going to see my Daughter and her husband now! If anything happens please call my number and theirs as well!”

“Yes, I will, don't worry?”

“Do you know what state she or anyone is in?”

“They are not giving out any information at the moment, however, if they do I'll let you know!”

“Thank you, goodbye!”

Most of the multistory blocks of flats in Nagasaki are white, they are built on slopes and Nagasaki is renowned for its mountains and scenery, some of it being built on the sight of the Atomic Bomb, however after all these years, no signs remain, although there are places to visit such as the Atomic War Museum so that people do not forget. Though now other images had replaced them, images of the war with North Korea, infact there was graffiti on some walls comparing those who died in Sarin gas attacks to those who died in the atomic bomb! This however did not spoil the scenic green grass covered mountains or the more oriental looking roof tops amidst the more westernised looking buildings. He stopped his car, it is usually quite difficult to do so because of the slopes in Nagasaki though obviously not impossible! Getting out of his car he made his way to the block of flats and ran up till he got to the fifth floor, he then pressed the intercom and stated:

Davids, Akeme, It's me, there's been an attack at Li Su's school? Can I come in!

“Dad, wait a minute!” stated his Daughter, before opening the door with her husband next to her, his face showing concerns and instantly recognisable as American, his wife wore a yellow dress and had her black hair done up at the back, her eyes are brown ands her hair is deemed glossy to match her rather attractive oriental appearance.

Her Father embraced her, then shook hands with his son in law whilst half embracing him with a reassuring pat on the back!”

“Has anyone phoned you?” Inquired Hayata Hashimoto.

“No, stated David, not yet!”

Interview reasumes.

Ongoing Pursuits part two: Shota Akimaya concludes the interview with Science Fiction Author and Campaigner for peace Hayata Hashimoto.

Shota Akimaya: Hayata Hashimoto, thank you for agreeing to the concluding part of this interview for Dimensions In Space And Time Magazine. It's been a month since we last met, how is Li Su?”

Hayato Hashimoto: “She's very well thank you, the gas attack was more in the economic area so to speak, I think they were trying to effect us financially because of China siding more and more with the Americans!”

S.A: “So, everyone in the school's alright?”

H.H: “Yes, some are still being kept in, however my Granddaughter was fortunate enough to be allowed home!” After that is we we went out for what she calls nice cake, with ice cream!”

S.A: And what is that?

H.H: Steamed Mango Sponge cake with Anko! The ice cream was vanilla!

S.A: Very traditional. Speaking of tradition, it is coming up to the time of remembering the dropping of The Atomic Bomb, will this have any more significance to you after what has recently occurred?”

H.H: Because of the indirect attack at my Granddaughter's school, there will be a special memorial service at the St. Mary's Cathedral Urikami.

S.A: This was famous for being used as a target for the dropping of the atomic bomb, ironically by an all Christian United States Air crew, how do you feel about this?

H.H: I have forgiven them long ago, just as I have forgiven those in North Korea!”

S.A: Including those who killed your Christian colleagues?”

H.H: “Yes”

S.A: There are those who say the Japanese were, to put it bluntly sadistic and even acted in an Anti-Christian way, that Christ would have disproved of, what is your opinion of that?

H.H: I think they are right, as a Christian I Abore all violence and I especially Abore the misuse of my faith for wrongful personal gain!

S.A: There are those who believe the Americans would not have used the bomb, if the Japanese had not attack them, and that this was really used to show their strength, by testing out their capability as part of The Manhattan Project!

H.H: Well Roosevelt did say our boys will not fight in any foreign wars, although I think if no one fought at all, then we would have the world Christ wants us all to have!

S.A: And as a Science Fiction Author, can I ask you to do what H.G.Wells might have done ,and prophesied what you think might be the outcome to this war?

H.H: I think we have to realise that, condemnation whether you are right or wrong, never solves a problem when dealing with an individual that is being forced into a corner. In this case I refer to economic pressure and food restrictions being forced on North Korea! Don't get me wrong, I am opposed entirely to The North Korean Government and it's politics, it's just that the more we force them into a corner, the more they retaliate, we've not only had to deal with Sarin Gas attacks, but acts of terrorism and even Suicide Bombers! I have spoken with my Daughter's husband and he tells me everyone wants a solution before things get worse!

S.A: And we end up with perhaps Nuclear Weapons being used?

H.H: That is one of my biggest fears, that and the safety of my family and everyone else!

S.A: And people can Email you, or write to you if they have any concerns or want to get in contact for any reasons?

H.H: Yes, And can I also say, that all are welcome to give their support, provided it is in the name of peaceful protest!

S.A: You may; Hayata Hashimoto thank you for agreeing to be interviewed by me for Dimensions In Space And Time, Science Fiction Magazine!

H.H: You're all very welcome, it was most interesting!

Note:

Hayata Hashimoto will be giving a speech on behalf of all victims of wars and acts of terrorism at The Hiroshima Peace Memorial next month, you can contact him or this magazine for further

details!

THE END