Episode 2
July 14th
A Vietnam veteran tells his perspective of war, describes his father, and the journey of returning their war souvenir to Japan.
Episode 3
July 17th
The daughter of a WWII veteran is haunted by the war trophy her father brought home and describes her joy of helping it return to its owner in Japan.
In case you missed it...
Intimate Story Introduction: https://youtu.be/2NCcdwHCvEA
Episode 1: https://youtu.be/gfqmj_jQmvM
As little as $5.00 each month
(about the cost of one cup of coffee!)
will assure OBON SOCIETY is able to help
more families long into the future.
https://obonsociety.org/eng/page/support#paypal
![Introducing our "Intimate Stori...]()
For many years we have been aware that the peaceful work of OBON SOCIETY involves much more than merely the return of personal items to bereaved families in Japan. Most people do not realize it but our work frequently must deal with PTSD and lingering grief, and the scope of our work is often at the forefront of international relations and post-war reconciliation.
Now, with the upcoming 75th Anniversary of the end hostilities between America and Japan, it is time to reveal the broader scope of our work. To illustrate this we have directly contacted families who sent us items to return and we asked them to tell us their story.
We recorded their conversation and have edited each interview into a three-minute clip that we will present for you to see and hear. Soon, for the first time ever, you will be able to hear from the sons and daughters of WWII veterans as well as the grandchildren, nieces and nephews as they reveal their memories and family histories revolving around the WWII veteran in their lives. One week you might hear from an Iraqi War veteran talking about his grandfather and the next week the daughter of a Bataan survivor. Each story is unique and deeply personal but all share the same link of the family wanting to return to Japan the "war trophies" their relative brought home and to live in peace.
We call this series, "OBON SOCIETY: Intimate Stories". Starting July 10th we will publish two interviews every week throughout July and August, and maybe beyond.
NEW: If you would like to hear a brief story of how this project came about click this link to hear from the President of OBON SOCIETY as he describes this upcoming series.
https://youtu.be/2NCcdwHCvEA
NEW: If you would like to watch our brand-new video titled "Give Peace a Chance" you will see the most comprehensive account of our activity ever recorded.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmDlE-eZjncOBON
OBON SOCIETY: Intimate Stories
Episode 1
Cathy Hoff
On Friday, July 10th we’ll introduce you to Cathy Hoff. Her father served in WWII and was one very tough guy. During our interview, Cathy told us he was awarded two purple hearts but afterward contacted us to alter that statement. She said her brother, a Vietnam veteran, immediately corrected her and proudly declared...."Dad was wounded four times! He had four Purple Heart medals!"
![Marvin Strombo, US Marines r...]()
Marvin Strombo, US Marines returned his flag to Japan.
We uploaded our video called "Give Peace a Chance". Three and half minutes video, hope you enjoy it!
Below link is our video:
https://youtu.be/NmDlE-eZjnc
![田中文雄様「寄せ書き日の丸」]()
田中文雄様「寄せ書き日の丸」
米国ノースカロライナ州在住のミシェルさんがOBONソサエティに返還依頼された日章旗は、無事に田中政幸様（息子）のお手元へ返還されました。
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/…/tokyo…/news/20200629-OYTNT50124/
One of our most fervent supporters, Marvin Strombo, has passed away. Three years ago, OBON SOCIETY tracked down the family to whom Strombo's good luck flag had belonged to. Marvin Strombo traveled to Japan to return it to the family in person. His story is a heartwarming story and legacy of return, reconciliation, and peace.
https://missoulian.com/news/local/another-missoula-wwii-hero-dies-marvin-strombo-was-96/article_d291abd6-d3b3-51d3-af04-98a0d1abb966.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_Missoulian&fbclid=IwAR0IllUKIJVkopByIwN8zjaJBtJcLNYuRp_SAwF_J0barfPrnTNKepuy2SE
This article from the Daily Bulletin tells the story of John Hart, a museum board member, who started the search for the origin of Asaji Kawai's yosegaki hinomaru.
https://www.dailybulletin.com/2020/05/04/last-relic-of-slain-japanese-soldier-to-be-returned-to-family/
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お父様の日章旗と共に撮影された続光代さま（左）と娘さん
細田仙次郎様のアルバムの１ぺージ
お父様の日章旗を持たれている神原津恵子さま
