In the summer of 1937, Guo Moruo left Japan and embarked on his way home, when the skies of East Asia were covered in gunsmoke, leaving behind a foreign wife and five young children.
Eleven years later, his Japanese wife set foot on Chinese soil, which was the eve of the birth of New China.
In an ordinary house in Dalian, an elderly woman sits quietly in front of the window, staring into the distance. She is Tomiko Sato, who was his wife, what has Tomiko Sato experienced in the past 11 years, and where will her future go?
Tomiko Sato and Guo Moruo: Transnational Love and Struggle
In the early morning of July 25, 1937, the summer night in Beijing was still sweltering. Guo Moruo wore a kimono, which was not common in Chinese society at the time, but rather revealed his cultural background and a certain degree of identification with Japanese culture.
He walked into the study, and in the dim light, wrote a blank for his wife, Tomiko Sato, and his four sons and a daughter.
Guo Moruo walked lightly into the dormitory, he lifted the mosquito net, and gently imprinted a kiss on Tomiko Sato's forehead. The kiss symbolized some kind of deep goodbye, after which he silently left the dormitory and went out.
This day is not only a turning point in Sino-Japanese relations, but also a watershed in Guo Moruo's personal destiny. Shortly after Guo Moruo left home, the police came to his residence.
Due to tense international relations and growing nationalist sentiments, Tomiko Sato's status as a Japanese makes her a special object of attention. Without superfluous explanations, the police directly arrested her on the charge of "espionage". When Tomiko Sato was taken away, the whispers of her neighbors contrasted sharply with the indifferent attitude of the police.
Since then, Tomiko Sato's life has fallen into extreme difficulty. Due to Guo Moruo's absence and the impact of the war, her family's financial resources are broken, and she is accused of "espionage", which makes every day of her life full of uncertainty and fear.
Her detention coincided with a deterioration in the family's living conditions. There is almost nothing left in the house except the walls. In those days of scarcity, their livelihoods depended on the small amount of yams, which she had planted with the help of her neighbours during her release.
The difficult circumstances of life did not bring Tomiko Sato to its knees. In a small, empty house, she struggled to maintain the family's basic needs, though such efforts were often futile. Her children, albeit young, are becoming aware of the difficulties faced by their families, and Tomiko Sato must find a balance between making ends meet and supporting her mindfully.
Tomiko Sato's arrest and release have been repeated so many times that each arrest has left deep scars in her and her children's hearts. Despite this, she never gave up hope completely.
Tomiko Sato and Guo Moruo's tragic encounter
In the early spring of 1948, the weather in Hong Kong gradually warmed up, but the sea breeze was still cool. Tomiko Sato, with her two children, Shuko and Zhihong, embarks on a journey to Hong Kong.
After a long boat journey, the group finally arrived in this city where prosperity and chaos coexisted. When she learned the news that Guo Moruo was in Hong Kong, she did not hesitate and decided to meet him.
Soon after they stayed in Hong Kong, they found the small building where Kwok Moruo lived, located on a mountain road in Kowloon.
The interior of the small building is simple and the furniture is not much, but it is kept quite neat. Guo Moruo and Yu Liqun, as well as several of their children, live here.
When Tomiko Sato and the children arrived, Guo Moruo was sitting in one corner of the living room reading, while Yu Liqun was taking care of the children on the other side.
Guo Moruo saw Tomiko Sato and got up to greet him. Although they did not say much, they still had a courtesy greeting and a brief greeting. Yu Liqun also introduced himself and the children to Tomiko Sato, and although the atmosphere was slightly awkward, it also maintained a superficial harmony.
Tomiko Sato then took Shuko and Zhihong on a tour of the building. The children showed a child-specific curiosity about this novel environment, especially seeing other children of their age. Shuzi and Zhihong soon play with Guo Moruo and Yu Liqun's children, and their laughter gradually dissolves the awkward atmosphere of the first meeting.
During this period, Tomiko Sato and Guo Moruo had a few brief conversations, discussing some family matters, including the children's education and future arrangements. These conversations, while brief, reflect the emotional bond they have not yet broken.
A Blend of Culture and Identity: Tomiko Sato's Life in China
With the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the political climate and social structure of the entire country were undergoing profound changes. Guo Moruo made the decision to go north to Beijing, while Tomiko Sato moved from Taiwan to Dalian under the party's organizational arrangement.
This move was not only a change in geographical location, but also a major turning point in Tomiko Sato's life, as she officially became a Chinese citizen, became a member of Chinese society, and received the treatment of vice minister.
When Tomiko Sato arrives in Dalian, she is greeted by a typical northern city, very different from her previous living environment.
The accommodation arranged for her by the government is a spacious apartment with suitable furniture and amenities to ensure that she can start her new life comfortably.
Tomiko Sato's eldest son and husband also came to Dalian with her. With the help of the party, they found work at the Institute of Chemical Physics in Dalian.
The institute is an important institution in the field of science and education in the region, with several research departments focusing on various cutting-edge technologies and theoretical research in the field of chemical physics.
Kazufu's work here not only provided financial support for his family, but also gave them the opportunity to work with other scientists in scientific research and technological development.
In addition, Tomiko Sato's other children have also come to China. Some of them chose to stay near Dalian, while others moved to other cities to settle down according to their career plans and life choices. Although geographically dispersed, the family maintained a close spiritual bond, and they frequently communicated by letter or phone to share the progress of each other's lives and work.
Tomiko Sato's daily life in Dalian is gradually getting on track. She often participates in various cultural and social activities organized by the local government or community, and gradually becomes familiar with and integrated into the local community. These activities not only helped her learn about Chinese culture and social customs, but also gave her the opportunity to meet many new friends and colleagues.
In the spring of 1978, Beijing's climate was still a little cold, with the north wind blowing through the old streets and buildings. Tomiko Sato, an elderly woman, set off from Dalian and stepped on the train to Beijing alone.
Her destination is a hospital in Beijing, where her once-loved one, Guo Moruo, is now at the end of her life.
After Tomiko Sato arrived in Beijing, she went straight to the hospital. The corridors of the hospital echoed with muffled footsteps, and the faint smell of disinfectant hung on the walls. Arriving at the door of Guo Moruo's ward, she took a deep breath and slowly pushed the door open.
In the room, Guo Moruo was lying on the hospital bed, his face was haggard, and the light of life seemed to be much worse than before, but when he recognized that it was Tomiko Sato, a complicated light flashed in his eyes.
There were no words when the two old men met, only their eyes met. Tomiko Sato walked to the side of the bed and stood quietly for a moment before sitting down on the chair next to her. Her arrival did not bring much conversation, but rather a kind of silent companionship.
In such moments, all the past, whether sweet memories or painful betrayals, is transformed into a deep tolerance and understanding.
Outside the hospital window, the spring wind gently blows the curtains, and the sunlight shines through the thin clouds in this simple ward. This scene is calm and affectionate, two people who once loved deeply, now get along in such a way, there is no intense emotional expression, only a bland as water companionship.
In Guo Moruo's hospital room, time seems to be slowing down. Tomiko Sato adjusts the vase next to the bed from time to time, or gently arranges the futon for Guo Moruo. Although the two rarely talk to each other, these subtle actions demonstrate her silent care and support. The outside world is still noisy, but the atmosphere in the ward is extraordinarily peaceful and warm.
In the following days, Tomiko Sato would come to the hospital almost every day, sometimes just sitting by Guo Moruo's bedside and accompanying him through this difficult time. Although doctors came and went, and Guo Moruo's condition sometimes improved and sometimes worsened, Tomiko Sato always maintained her composure and strength.
In the end, Tomiko Sato chose to leave during a period of temporary stabilization of Guo Moruo's condition. She knew that her body was also in its last years, and the long journey was a big burden for her.
Political Engagement and Honor: A Destination in Old Life
In 1983, Tomiko Sato's life had gone through countless ups and downs. This year, she was elected as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), an honor that not only represents her personal status in political and social activities, but also recognizes her dedication to the cause of Sino-Japanese friendship over the years.
In the CPPCC meetings, she actively participated in the discussions, and despite her advanced age, she still maintained a high level of concern and participation in social affairs.
On Tomiko Sato's 90th birthday, the United Front Work Department and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference held a grand birthday banquet for her.
The birthday banquet was held at a prestigious hotel in Beijing and was attended by many important figures from the government, diplomatic and cultural circles.
The venue was filled with flowers and gifts, and the atmosphere was solemn and cheerful. Leaders and colleagues delivered speeches at the banquet to commend Tomiko Sato's efforts and achievements in promoting Sino-Japanese relations over the years, especially her spirit of perseverance in friendly exchanges during difficult times.
In 1989, Tomiko Sato's efforts received further international recognition when she was awarded the first Asian-African Peace Prize. This is an important award that recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of peace and development in the Asian-African region.
The award ceremony was held in Beijing and was attended by many international delegates and foreign envoys. Tomiko Sato stood on the stage at the time of the award and accepted this high honor, and her achievements not only won respect for herself, but also added luster to the cause of Sino-Japanese friendship.
Throughout her life, Tomiko Sato has loved the land of China, and she regards China as her homeland. In 1995, Tomiko Sato passed away peacefully in Dalian at the age of 101.
In accordance with her last wishes, she donated all her savings to China, and the money was mainly used to support educational and cultural exchange projects to continue to promote friendly relations between China and Japan.