Japanese War Survivors Find Peace and Purpose in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
During times of great hardship and suffering, it is often the smallest gestures of kindness that can make the biggest impact. This was certainly the case for Akira Yafuso, a high school student in Okinawa, Japan, who encountered two missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Despite his initial reservations, Yafuso was invited to an event at their church, and to his surprise, he found himself drawn to these messengers rather than perceiving them as enemies.
Yafuso’s journey began in the aftermath of World War II when he lost his father at the tender age of three. Consumed by a desire for revenge, young Yafuso regarded all Americans as adversaries. However, the American missionaries he met that day on the streets of Okinawa challenged his perspective. They exuded happiness and spoke with kindness and respect in fluent Japanese, leaving Yafuso intrigued by their message.
Intrigued by the missionaries’ stories about Joseph Smith’s First Vision, Yafuso’s curiosity was piqued. He recognized the sincerity of their words and felt a deep sense of importance emanating from their message. And so, Yafuso began meeting with the missionaries daily after school, engaged in thought-provoking discussions that solidified his faith.
Just a month later, on a stormy January day in 1959, Yafuso was baptized. Despite the missionaries’ suggestion to delay the ceremony due to inclement weather, he insisted on proceeding. With the assistance of three determined missionaries, Yafuso immersed himself in the ocean, solidifying his commitment to his newfound faith.
Yafuso’s dedication to his beliefs only grew stronger in the following years. He pursued higher education at the Church College of Hawaii (now BYU-Hawaii) with the help of American servicemen. These individuals also played a crucial role in constructing meetinghouses in Okinawa, providing support and fostering unity among the local Latter-day Saint community.
Kensei Nagamine, another survivor of the war, had a similar transformative experience after encountering the missionaries. Like Yafuso, Nagamine had lost his father and older brother during the war. Initially met with opposition from his family, who could not fathom embracing a religion tied to the United States, Nagamine refused to be deterred. Despite attempting to evade their watchful eyes, he would climb out of his window to attend Church services.
Moved by the missionaries’ teachings on the plan of salvation, Nagamine felt a deep connection to their message. Although he never learned English, Nagamine continued engaging with Latter-day Saint youth activities and eventually received the missionary discussions from sister missionaries. In 1958, he was baptized at the age of 21.
Both Yafuso and Nagamine eventually assumed leadership roles within the Church, guided by their unwavering faith and commitment to service. Nagamine served as the first district president and later as the stake president in Okinawa. Yafuso followed in his footsteps, serving as Nagamine’s counselor and succeeding him as the second stake president.
The profound impact of their experiences is encapsulated in the heartfelt letter Nagamine wrote on behalf of the Okinawa Latter-day Saints to the First Presidency. Filled with hope, Nagamine expressed their desire for a temple on the island, emphasizing the joy they derived from their knowledge of the Restoration of the gospel.
In recent years, their aspirations have materialized. Okinawa is now home to a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a symbol of peace and a testament to the resilience and dedication of its members. The island, scarred by the tragic events and sacrifices of World War II, stands as a testament to the power of healing and the profound impact of faith.
Through their engagement with the Church and their service to the Gospel, Yafuso and Nagamine have found solace and purpose in their lives. From the depths of unimaginable pain and loss, they have emerged as beacons of hope and examples of forgiveness and love.
The story of these Japanese war survivors resonates with individuals across cultural and geographical boundaries, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is the potential for light and redemption. Their journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the ability to find peace and purpose amidst chaos and despair.
