On this day in 1911, the Japanese government executed twelve anarchists, including radical journalists Kanno Sugako and Kōtoku Shūsui (shown), as part of a widespread crackdown on left-wing activism. Among those executed were Uchiyama Gudō, a Buddhist priest and socialist who spoke out against the Meiji government for its imperialism and advocated for conscripted soldiers to desert en masse.
The pretext for this crackdown was the "High Treason Incident", a plot to assassinate the Emperor of Japan. The incident began when police searched the room of Miyashita Takichi, a young lumbermill employee, and found materials which could be used to construct bombs, concluding that there was a broader conspiracy to harm the imperial family.
On the basis of this plot, the Japanese government rounded up leftist activists from all over the country. 24 of the 26 defendants actually brought to trial were sentenced to death, despite the evidence against nearly all of them being circumstantial.
Among those executed anarcha-feminist journalist Kanno Sugako (some sources say she was executed on January 25th). At the age of 29, Kanno became the first woman with the status of political prisoner to be executed in the history of modern Japan.
Prior to his execution, Kōtoku Shūsui etched this message on the wall of his cell: "How has it come about that I have committed this grave crime? Today my trial is hidden from outside observers and I have even less liberty than previously to speak about these events. Perhaps in 100 years someone will speak out about them on my behalf."
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This isn't to anyone, but it will feel nice to express it: My furry friend was diagnosed with cancer today. He will need more tests but it seems he will have to leave us in a few short months. He's my first pet as an adult. I had a few reptiles as a child. We adopted him 5 years ago. I'm devastated. It's not a huge surprise - he is a senior and has had health issues - but he's been my anchor to this world for these 5 years. For 5 dark years in which my world was turned over countless times (including another recent loss to cancer), he's never failed to remind me that there is still light all around us. I didn't know I could learn so much from such a little guy. I'm thankful to have a little more time with him - for so long as he is comfortable enough to enjoy spending it with us. Now I must commit all he has gifted me to memory, because soon that is all I will have left.
I try to roll with the punches but it feels like they're coming from all directions these days. If anyone out there feels the same right now, please know that you are not alone.
That really sucks. My dog had a scary lump recently. He is alright. Its a common thing with his breed apparently but there was a bit there where I was getting worried. It sucks to have to think about him not being around some day but the thought comes to mind every few days now.
Me too, which I thought I would have been better prepared! But vulnerability trumps preparation and this came at a bad time, I guess.
I wish you and your pup many more joyful years together!