Webmaster
This web site on Kamikaze Images combines my interests in Japan-U.S.
relations, computer technology, and Japanese language, society, and history.
This project builds on my previous studies for an MA in Advanced Japanese
Studies from the University of Sheffield in the U.K. In 2004, I created this web site
as the final project for my MA in Liberal Studies at Wesleyan University
with a concentration in computerized communications. In January 2020, I completed at Wesleyan University the thesis for my MPhil degree in Liberal
Arts with a concentration in Social Sciences. The thesis topic was "Last Writings of Japan's Special Attack
Corps Members," which analyzed translated writings on the
Kamikaze Images web site section on
Letters, Poems, Diaries, and Other Writings.
I first became interested in Japan's kamikaze pilots in April 2000 when I
visited the museum at Yasukuni Jinja, located in Tokyo near the Imperial
Palace. At that time the museum had a special exhibit of last letters
written by kamikaze pilots. The letters contained a variety of sentiments,
including resolve, patriotism, and love for family. Surprising to me, they
did not reflect fear or bitterness. Some letters brought tears to my eyes,
and many visitors wept as they read the moving letters. I bought a couple of
books of these letters, translated a
letter by Ensign Masahisa Uemura, and put it up on
my web site. After that time, I did not pursue my interest in kamikaze
pilots until
2003, when I started thinking about the topic of my final project for my
degree from Wesleyan University.
I am also interested in the history of the Friendship Dolls exchanged between Japan and
the U.S., and I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit and give
presentations at many Japanese
elementary schools and kindergartens that still have Friendship Dolls sent from
American children in 1927. I used to maintain a web site about the
Friendship
Dolls and their continuing role in promoting understanding, peace, and
friendship between children and adults in Japan and America.
I retired in November 2019 as an Associate Director of Accounting at Pratt & Whitney, a leading
manufacturer of jet engines. Previous positions were at United
Technologies, Dresser Industries (merged with Halliburton Company in 1998), and
Arthur Andersen. I am a CPA and have several other professional certifications. I also have a BA in
Economics and an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Northwestern University.
Bill Gordon
e-mail address: wgordon@wesleyan.edu
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