Yamamoto’s Decision: World War II Play from Sherwood Ross

ACT THREE, SCENE SEVEN

Setting: Yamamoto’s home.
Time: December 1, 1941.

(Reiko is in kitchen when Yamamoto enters wearing coat and business suit. He removes coat, brushing off snow as he advances toward Reiko.)

Reiko:So you’ve come to say goodbye. With all the rumors, I thought you had sailed.
Yamamoto:(Putting down his coat, rubbing hands for warmth.) Soon enough. Where are the children?
Reiko:Ice-skating. You only just missed them. (Yamamoto sits on the chair closest to the door and removes his shoes.)
Yamamoto:I wanted to see you before…
Reiko:Of course. (Her back to him, she goes to kettle and pours unsteadily. Yamamoto follows and loops his arms around her waist. She puts the cup down and we can hear that she is crying.)
Yamamoto:Please don’t.
Reiko:When I saw you in your civilian suit, I thought for a moment you had quit.
Yamamoto:Less noticeable this way. (He turns her around to face him and attempts to kiss her on the mouth but she averts her face and he only kisses her cheek.)
Reiko:I can’t believe you would do this thing. (She takes out handkerchief and daubs at her eyes.)
Yamamoto:Listen-
Reiko:Thanks to you, I’ve got sons living under my roof who want to join the Navy and kill people.
Yamamoto:The Emperor is counting on me.
Reiko:I heard he sent you a case of sake. I’d say he’s buying you cheap. When you studied at Harvard, you used to write me how much you liked the Americans.
Yamamoto:I still do. But they cut off our scrap metal.
Reiko:Not our scrap metal. Their scrap metal. They know we use it to bomb Chinese. (Beat) I have a cold feeling you’re not coming back.
Yamamoto:When we courted, I warned you the Navy makes great demands on a man.
Reiko:What about on a woman? I slept alone for years while you showed your magic tricks to the Boston girls. Say, how would you like it tonight if I hired a geisha to play the samisen for you? And to rub your back and another for, you know, what all you men like?
Yamamoto:(He turns, crosses kitchen and sits down heavily on chair, puts his tea cup on the table, and puts his head in his hands for a moment, then looks up wearily.) I will ask Akio to look after things when I am gone.
Reiko:Oh?
Yamamoto:I understand he paid you a visit.
Reiko:That’s more than you’ve done lately.
Yamamoto:I have no objection if –
Reiko:How dare you! There’s nothing to object to. Nothing!
Yamamoto:If, by chance, something happens to me out there –
Reiko:(Viciously.) It’s not just a chance. I know you. You’ve made the decision to seek death. This war will be your final service to your country. (He shrugs.) Why have I wasted me life with you? So many years apart – not even a peaceful old age together.
Yamamoto:An American admiral once said, ‘My country, may it always be right, but my country right or wrong.’ I, too, must defend my country.
Reiko:How you’ve changed from the student who admired Abraham Lincoln because he opposed the Mexican War. Now you drink the wine of an Emperor who has made himself a divinity. Our children recite, “to die for the Emperor is to live forever.” It’s common in a lunatic asylum for a man to think he’s God – but it’s only in Japan where everybody else agrees with him.
Yamamoto:The fleet needs me.
Reiko:But you don’t need them. You’re a respected international figure. Any country will take you in. (Beat) I had an awful nightmare you were killed.
Yamamoto:It will be an honorable death.
Reiko:With a bullet through your head? You could have a peaceful death here when your life ends naturally, with your family about you. Set your children an example of true courage. You could die listening to a soft rain falling on your roses.
Yamamoto:(Rises, puts tea cup on table.) I’ll miss you.

Reiko:Last night, I dreamed I carried your ashes to the heroes’ shrine. It was so real! Millions of people lined the streets mourning for you.
Yamamoto:That’s no true dream.
Reiko:(Not looking at him directly.) True or false, our life has been over for years. Go to Yoko. But even if you survive, don’t come back. (Yamamoto is hurt but remains silent.) I know you want to say goodbye to the children. Your ice skates are still hanging outside. Go down to the river and tell the boys what wonderful skaters they are. That would mean a lot to them.
(Reiko: allows him to kiss her cheek. He puts his shoes on slowly, perhaps playing for time. The he takes his coat and walks heavily out the door. She sits down on a chair by the table and stares straight ahead.)
Blackout

ACT THREE, SCENE EIGHT

ILLUMINATED SCREEN: (Photograph of downtown Tokyo.)

Time: December 2, 1941.
Setting: A Tokyo café near the train station.

(A few tables and chairs, suggesting interior of restaurant. A train whistle sounds. Yamamoto enters café door at right, civilian dress, carrying a briefcase. Akio, who has been waiting for him, rises and they shake hands.

Yamamoto: seats himself across the table from him. A Waiter runs up but before he can ask for their order, Yamamoto: gives it to him.)
Yamamoto: Bring us a bottle of your best Scotch and sushi.
Waiter: No Scotch: Canadian?
(Yamamoto: nods. Waiter exits. The two men stare at each other for a moment, nodding their heads.)
Yamamoto: Still angry?
Akio: Seething.
Yamamoto: Heard any more from the Kempetai?
Akio: (Lying) Ah, no. I suppose I have you to thank. (He extends both hands across the table. Yamamoto accepts it and they clasp hands for a long moment.) So… it’s really happening.
Yamamoto: (Nods, glances at his watch. Akio glances at his watch.) Advanced units already beyond recall. My train leaves for the anchorage in forty-five minutes.
Waiter: (Waiter re-enters practically at a run, with bottle of whisky and two glasses.)
Complimentary, your honor. I know who you are. No charge.
Yamamoto: and Akio
Thank you. (Waiter hangs back, pulls out pen and an autograph book.)
Waiter: Sir, I am a great admirer– would you sign my autograph book? My own son is in the Navy. (Yamamoto scrawls his name in the book.)
Akio:Don’t I know you?

Yamamoto:Oh, what ship?
Waiter:‘Red Castle.’ (To Akio) You gave me your scarf, admiral.
Yamamoto:‘Red Castle’ has got a good skipper. Pilots trained to perfection. He’s in good hands.
Akio:Isn’t your name Akio?
Waiter:(Beaming) Yes, the two Akios. (Waiter bows.)
Akio:(Extending his hand) We must shake. (They shake.) Right!
Waiter:Sir, it’s been a while since I’ve heard from my son. Would you know where he is?
Yamamoto:He serves his country. That’s all I can tell you.
Waiter:(Nodding) Then you’ve told me everything.
Akio:We’re rushed today. Our lunch?
(Waiter: runs off. There is an awkward pause. Akio fills their glasses and they touch them together.)
To all our good years together — and fifty more. (They empty their glasses and Akio refills them. Yamamoto removes an envelope from his breast pocket and offers it to Akio, who puts his hand up defensively.)
Akio:Oh, no, not that. Let somebody else.
Yamamoto:I want you. Besides the will, there’s a key to my safe deposit box. Enough casino winnings in there to last for years. Look after Reiko and the children for me.
Akio:(Akio: pushes Yamamoto’s hand away.) You’re indestructible.
Yamamoto:No fairy tales. I expect to die on the bridge of the “Nagato.”
Akio:(Yamamoto puts envelope into Akio’s suit pocket.) If you could swim that whirlpool back home where so many drowned, you’ll survive this, too.
Yamamoto:If our attack succeeds, the Americans will scour the Pacific for me. (Waiter hurries in and puts two plates of sushi before them and leaves.)
Akio:The Minister says they might come to terms… (They eat rapidly.)
Yamamoto:More in character for them to fight savagely. Look what they did to the Germans at Chatteau-Thiery. I hope my sons are never in the position the Waiter’s son is going to be in next Monday.
Akio:If we’re bombed, our children will go to the countryside, like the British.
Yamamoto:In the evil days that are coming, we can expect to see Tokyo burned to the ground three or four times. The Emperor’s Mother just left the palace. She’s furious with him.

Akio:Tokyo is sure to be a prime target. Stalin bombed Helsinki. Hitler bombed London. The British are plastering Germany. Why shouldn’t the Americans do the same here?
Yamamoto:Sometimes I wonder about all those Europeans cheering in the streets in 1914: How many dreamed one day they would end up hanging on some barbed wire with their guts hanging out, eaten by rats? (Looking at his watch and signaling Waiter.) It’s almost train time.
Akio:You’ve hardly started eating—
Yamamoto:My chef on the Nagato specializes in French pastries. (Tapping his stomach) My own guts are starting to hang out. (Waiter runs up. Yamamoto is standing, stuffing his sushi into a napkin. He picks up his briefcase, opens it on the table, and stuffs napkin inside, snaps it shut.)
Yamamoto:Our check!
Waiter:No charge, your honor. (He produces the autograph book again.) Ah, Admiral, would you sign one more?
Yamamoto:(He takes the Waiter’s pen and scribbles.) Sure, and don’t worry, that son of yours will be all right.

(Waiter bows and looks gleefully at autograph and steps back bowing, toward the kitchen door at left, but lingers, without leaving, watching the two men who are preparing to leave.)

Akio:I’ll walk you to the train.
Yamamoto:(Shakes his head.) Rumors of trouble. Let’s say goodbye here. (They embrace.)
Akio:Uh, is there a message for Yoko?

(The two men are still close, embracing, when a vacant look comes over Yamamoto’s face. The action in the restaurant stops and off at the left we see Yoko behind a scrim.)

Yoko:Darling, take my hair down with your own hands.
Akio:Is something wrong?
Yoko:Darling, take my hair down with your own hands.
Yamamoto:(Image of Yoko fades out.) No, nothing…
Akio:I said, ‘Is there a message for Yoko?’ Did you hear me?
Yamamoto:Tell her to find a fishing village where we can grow old and ugly together. (Lightly) Say, it’s not even a hundred years since Admiral Perry intruded on our island. How different it might be if America had left us alone in our feudal splendor. Now, it falls on me to return Perry’s visit.

(Yamamoto slips on his coat, opens the door, and is about to leave when the Assassin bursts in.)

Assassin:Admiral Yamamoto! Take me with you.

Yamamoto:Splendid! We’ll find plenty of opportunities for you to die. (To Akio) My friend from the Cherry Blossom Society. He refused their orders to kill me, so I’m adopting him. (Putting his arm around Assassin) Say, how would you like the thrill of starting a world war? (Assassin grins.) Won’t that be something to tell your Cherry Blossom Master. (Yamamoto starts for the door, but Akio grabs his sleeve.)
Akio:Isoroku, the Americans are sure to call this surprise attack a war crime.
Yamamoto:Admiral Dewey did as much to the Spaniards.
Akio:No he didn’t! That was a declared war. This is by surprise.
Yamamoto:It won’t be. Tokyo will break off diplomatic relations beforehand.
Akio:And if they don’t? You’ll be compromised.
Yamamoto:Bad luck for a gambler, eh?
Fumio:(Enters) Sir, please hurry. We’re late.
Yamamoto:(Claps Fumio on the back.) Oh, and good luck for Fumio here! (Indicating Assassin) I’ve decided to make this young man my new personal aide. I’m changing your orders. You stay here and keep that good eye on Tojo: for me.
Fumio:What? Sir, I must protest!
Yamamoto:If Tojo gives the Navy any trouble, you run on over there and punch him in the nose. Oh, and see that Yoko: doesn’t overwork Tokuko. She’s got to let her go for a walk in the Ginza now and then. (Fumio storms out). Yamamoto: (laughs. He embraces Akio again and leaves with Assassin. Akio returns to the table, picks up the whisky bottle and takes a gulp.)
Waiter:(Approaches Akio, bottle in hand, sadly.) Our samurai, they are sailing off to paint the world with our blood. And my son will be on the flight deck…! (Grabs Akio’s shirt.) We little people, what you masters will do to us…. They’re sure to attack the carriers, aren’t they? (Akio gently removes the Waiter’s hands from his shirt. Waiter wails.) They’ll kill him!
Akio:Yes, they’re sure to go for the carriers. So, let’s go have a drink. Come with me. The two Akios will drink together again. There’s a cliff where I used to take my wife when we were courting where you can see the Pacific stretch away until it’s just a blue curve of color that blends with the sky. Come on. We’ll watch until the whitecaps sparkle under the moon.

(He puts his arm around the Waiter’s shoulders and they start off slowly left, the Waiter almost too weak to walk. Beat)

Ah, Isoroku, I am going to miss you!

(As they exit slowly, the sound of drumbeats as from a funeral procession are heard, spaced a few seconds apart. They grow louder. We hear about twenty. Blackout. Set of Yamamoto’s home is illuminated across stage. Reiko, dressed in mourning white, enters from right slowly holding a small urn of ashes, which she places gently on the table. She removes her coat and sits down wearily, facing the urn and audience.)

Reiko:How ever did I ever get through this day? My legs feel like straw. Strange, how his funeral turned out like my dream—millions of people in the streets. I should be proud he is only the second commoner to get a State funeral but he could have been alive today if not for them. And what a joke when I realized the procession was going past Yoko:’s place. I heard they sent her some ashes, too. I wonder did she look down from her window at me and think, ‘Oh, there’s that homely cow he married,’ eh? I suppose they used the funeral to signal the public the war is not going so well for us any more. I don’t hear them play the “Battleship March” on the radio. Well, his aides warned him, ‘Don’t go on this inspection trip to the front. The Americans have broken our code and they know when your plane will arrive.’ He went anyway, of course. Better to die in battle than strung up on the gallows after the war like a dog in some prison.

(Smiles, shakes her head.)

You know, the Navy is putting out the story when his plane crashed he was thrown onto the sand and they found him sitting up ramrod straight, his hand gripping his father’s sword, his eyes staring across the ocean toward Japan. Some story! How they squeezed all the cheap propaganda they could out of him. Now his uniform is in a museum to glorify this war. But war is not so glorious, is it? The American planes took him by surprise, just as he surprised the Americans at Pearl Harbor. And isn’t that what war is, surprise attacks, dirty tricks, no mercy?

(She picks up box of ashes and stands.)

Ah, well, they have not got quite all of you. They left a little for the milkmaid. I like to think this is the part of you that loved life and drinking with friends and party tricks and playing poker and making love to exotic women. How sad for Akio they would not let him out of prison to attend. His heart must be very heavy. As for my heart, well, you cannot break what was broken in the long ago. So I will take my trowel and spread these ashes around the roots of his rose bushes, because spring is here again, time for our Japanese soil to renew itself.

(She opens the box of ashes and looks inside.)

Oh, Japan! Oh, Japan!

THE END

Sherwood Ross

Sherwood Ross is an award-winning reporter. He served in the U.S Air Force where he contributed to his base newspaper. He later worked for The Miami Herald and Chicago Daily News. He contributed a weekly column on working for a major wire service. He is also an editorial and book publicist. He currently resides in Florida.