Dear Yuichi:

I am having a difficult time in adjusting to the date of the new year . Evidently, I want to stay behind the times and have the years pass more slowly as I grow older.

Thank you for giving me the address corrections for Sam and Nakajima. Johan Johansen said he would be glad to meet with you when you come to Oslo, but he wanted me to warn you that the condition (health) of his wife sometimes makes it impossible to leave her or to see friende. This makes it difficult for him to make difinite plans ahead of time ( in the future ).

Tom Wade told me I was not in the Tojo video, but that you were in it. He did not give any details about it. You are becoming a well known television personality. I am happy that my interview was not shown. I was surprised to learn about Sansom's part in the executions. I did not know about it. I had to stay in another room while he was being interviewed. Now I am anxious to see the tape and learn more about it. I doubt they will send me a copy. Sansom will send me a copy; if they send him one.

I did send Bob Kelly a copy of the Zamperini video within a week after you sent me his address. I have not heard anything from him. I was surprised to learn Lou signing to make a movie.

I believe you are correct in saying the Kamikaze attackers were a product of the rigid bureauracy in the Japanese military. "Blind obedience" is the only way mass suicide could be achieved.

My book is due to be delivered from the printers on the 15th of this month. I will have to go to the publisher's office and autograph as many copies as possible before they are sent to the buyers. I dread this chore, but it must be done. My shaking hands makes writing rather difficult. The Nimits Museum will be dedicating the President Bush Gallery on February 5th. This is a building which has been remodeled and it will nearly double their exhibit space. One section will contain a permanent POW exhibit. I have given some items for it; such as, kendo stick which Watanabe used on me, photographs, letters sent to and from me while in Omori, the note a Navy pilot dropped to us saying we would be release the next day and several smaller items. President Bush is scheduled to be there as will be Bob Martindale signing books. I do not expect that there will be many people there because there has been a delay in getting out the notices of the dedication.

I am hoping I will be able to get to Europe in April, but it is too early to make plans.

Sincerely
Bob
Robert R. Martindale