“A Song for Nagasaki: The Story of Takashi Nagai,” by Fr. Paul Glynn, S.M.
Ignatius Press, San Francisco, 1988, 267 pages, Grades 10 and higher.
Sometimes a virtuous person must take a stand that is very unpopular. This frequently happens during periods of great stress. Dr. Takashi Nagai was one such person. As Japan became increasingly militarized during the 1930’s, he began to have serious misgivings against the foreign policy of his nation.
Additionally, after several important conversions, he commits a great cultural affront to his family by becoming a Christian. But since Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, His followers will sometimes stand in opposition to current fads and opinions. Nagai’s life is both a sign of contradiction and beacon leading to the truth. Father Paul Glynn tells us about the remarkable life of Dr. Takashi Nagai in this outstanding biography, “A Song for Nagasaki: The Story of Takashi Nagai.”
Takashi Nagai is born in southern Japan. The two major cities nearby are Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Raised in a household based on filial beliefs of Confucius, young Takashi is loath to challenge traditional Japanese society. But European science is sweeping across Japan and upon graduating high school, he enrolls in Nagasaki University. He studies intently and becomes a physician specializing in radiology.
As the Sino/Japanese War erupts, Nagai is called to the war front. There he is forced to confront the meaning of life and the political purposes of Japan’s military leaders. He has no religious faith and loses himself in drunkenness and sexual immorality.
On leave from the war, Nagai meets a Christian woman in Nagasaki, named Midori Moriyama. She is one of the descendants of the “Hidden Christians” in Nagasaki. These faithful Catholics had endured more than 250 years of violent persecution from the Japanese government. Takashi is moved by her sincere faith and joyful life. After reading the French philosopher, Blaise Pascal, he realizes that his atheism and belief in scientific progress cannot fill the huge hole he feels in his heart.
With the help of the beautiful Midori, Nagai submits his prideful will into the hands of Christ and converts to Catholicism. They are soon happily married. But Japan’s evil military leaders soon launch a second war with a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Dr. Nagai warns the students at Nagasaki University of the terrible sufferings that will be inflicted upon Japan during WWII. They are shocked and stunned at his “disloyal” statements. Throughout the war, Nagai continues to improve X-ray techniques in Nagasaki and develops radiation treatments for those suffering from tuberculosis.
At the same time he continues to grow in grace and holiness. Then on Aug. 9, 1945, while at work in his hospital, the atomic bomb explodes, destroying most of Nagasaki and killing thousands. Over the next five years, until his death from radiation sickness, Takashi Nagai will become a symbol of light conquering darkness throughout Japan and the world.
What did Dr. Nagai do to accomplish this? How does his entire life become one with Jesus on Calvary? Why in the midst of all the evil that enveloped the world in 1945 does his life so brilliantly give an example of authentic love? What role does the Blessed Virgin have in his work? How does grace transform Takashi Nagai? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library or purchase this outstanding biography.
In my opinion, this is a moving story about a man deserving canonization. The history of Christianity in Japan and the great faith of the “Hidden Christians” is accurately told. Readers will learn of the political struggles in Japan during the 1930s and 1940s which led to such disastrous consequences for the country. As well, Glynn poignantly writes of the tender love between Takashi and Midori Nagai. This is simply a marvelous book that will edify and enlighten readers.
