Author's Note: This story is my interpretation of a part in Koushun Takami's novel. It's based both on the American translation and an unofficial Japanese-to-English one.
THE APRIL SPEECH
[the following is a transcript of a speech given by the Dictator of the Greater East Asia Republic, on the afternoon of April 20th, 1947]
My beloved fellow people, we go forward in revolution and establishment. [two-minute interruption due to applause] Now, everyone. [one-minute pause.]
The West, who wounded us so deeply, continue to gain support world-wide. As I speak now, the shameless imperialists are threatening our beloved homeland. Their aim is to destroy the freedom and independence of the Asian peoples. They have exploited and tricked the people of our sibling nations, nations that should have been part of our commonwealth by rights – corrupting and brainwashing them with depraved western ideals, to use them pawns for their imperialist tactics. [unanimous cries of indignation] And they would jump at the chance to attack our Republic, invade the sacred soil of our home islands and destroy our people. [angry shouting from the crowd.]
And so, right or wrong, the Battle Experiment Program is absolutely necessary in these dire circumstances. Of course, I grieve at the thought of thousands of youths losing their lives at the ripe age of fifteen. At this loss of our nation's youth, even I will not be able to hold back tears of blood. But if their lives serve to protect our independence, then the blood and flesh they shed shall become part of our beautiful soil passed down to us by our gods, and so, can they not be said to live with us in eternity? [a surge of applause and cheering; one-minute interruption.]
As you are all aware, there is no military draft in the Republic anymore. The Army, Navy and Air Force all consist of patriotic souls, young volunteers every one of them, who join out of a desire to protect our homeland. Day and night, they put their lives in danger on the frontlines. So I would like you all to consider this Program as a conscription system unique to this country. As an island nation, our military is outnumbered by the imperialist armies. Since the scientific results from this battle simulation will be vital to our defense forces, it will ensure our people's safety. I cannot stress the importance of the Program enough. As of now, the national anti-military movement has fiercely opposed the Program's creation, but we did not let them have their way. It is not for agitators and traitors to defile our Republic. [unanimous cheers]
Now I speak to you, not as the leader of a nation, but as a father. I encourage the families of the participants in the Program to view their children's selfless sacrifice as a civic duty. To defend our homeland. In spirit, they will live forever, and I ask all of you to honor them in thought and deed. [the applause takes on a continuous roll]
[recording ends]