James B Alexander

The Sun Always Rises. James B Alexander

Minato was a normal young Japanese youth, thrown into the hardships of war, which faced those living in Japan. Circumstances of survival, would challenge his whole community . He was the eldest son in his family and was expected by heritage and decree, to follow in his father and grandfathers footsteps. Wartime in Japan was fraught with many unusual challenges and Minato would be faced with decisions and expectations not normally placed on the shoulders of one so young. As the community sought to handle the requirements placed on it by the wartime government, people found hardships unbearable. Minato would play a huge part in assisting in securing meagre supplies. But for one who was a pacifist, he detested his country bringing such hardships on its people. His family were orchardists, and in wartime the continuation of farming their holdings, became ever harder. Kinto their hard working draught horse, was Minato's pride and joy. When it became obvious he would eventually be taken by the Government for meat for the forces, this started Minato on a path to save the animal. Through this unadulterated love of all living creatures, Minato would be drawn into the war in a most unusual and complex way. His life for one so young would change. It would challenge his own perceptions of honor, loyalty and duty. He would become a solitary individual and like others before him, seek to bring his country's conflict to an end. Seeking sanctuary in the mountains, Minato would survive the rigours of cold, snow, and isolation . He would challenge himself and learn what life really meant. When the war ended he would resume normal life and rise to advisory levels in the field of Horticulture. But Minato carried a secret deep in his heart. It wasn't till after his death, his sons uncovered the truth, which their father had kept secret from all his kin. He was a man of many different beliefs, and as complicated as any human being. Minato Aziawa was a man thrown into situations as a youth, he had never dreamt even existed. He had lived a long and rewarding life, but one so complex and absorbing. Haru and Dijo Jnr learnt what being the sons of such a man, meant in a society as complex as Japan's. Minato had fulfilled a destiny, which may have been pre- ordained, just through the blood he was born from.