Small Man of Nanataki; the True Story of a Japanese Who Risked His Life to Provide Comfort for His Enemies

by Liam Nolan

Small Man of Nanataki

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing in this man’s story that looks victorious. He suffered for his faith at the hands of his countrymen even as he suffered as part of their vanquished army. His home and family were decimated by the most destructive weapon ever used by man. He lost everything. Yet, he is gloriously victorious. And that is what shines throughout this story more brightly than in many other books I’ve read. For he constantly looks to God who loved him, a small man from Nanataki, enough to die for him.
He has such a shining Christian testimony. His whole life demonstrates the compassion of Christ for those who are lost and suffering. It’s a testimony that cost him much. Being a Christian in Shinto Japan was hard enough, but his faith stirred him to act to save the lives of those deemed ‘enemies’ of Japan. So, he became an enemy to those on both sides of the war. It is also a beautiful example of Christ’s faithfulness to us. For it points clearly to Christ as the only one who sustained him with eternal hope through the darkest of days.
This book isn’t easy to read, but it is worth reading. Christ’s love knows neither cultural, national, or military boundaries, and this is a powerful picture of what that love calls us to do for others. It is a call to take up our cross and follow Christ no matter what those around us may do or say. You will be encouraged if you read it. I strongly recommend you do so.

[Brenda Cregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle of this book reads: The true story of a Japanese who risked his life to provide comfort for his enemies.

This book was on a list for a summer course I was taking on Critical Literacy.

I could not help crying for the goodness of this man's soul...and because I have such a long way to go.

Liam Nolan, the author, was a journalist, I believe. He delivers the story in a journalistic manner.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is inspiring reading. Kiyoshi (Uncle John) Watanabe, a Japanese interpreter (he knew English) with the Japanese army in occupied Hong Kong aided the enemy, British and Canadians, in prison camp, hospital and internment camp because he loved God and saw them as people in need. He was a Lutheran pastor. His wife and a daughter were killed in Hiroshima. He found life hard but still loved and served God.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story! What an amazing, humble man.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

War dehumanizes. Makes us into self preservationists. War allows wrongs to seem necessary or even right. Watanabe tried to do the right thing in impossible situation, not only did he save lives, but he helps to remind us that love is stronger than hate.

[Drew Mashburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational true story of a Japanese man's faith in midst of WWII Japan. He was loyal to Japan while struggling with the cruelty war brings out in his fellow countrymen.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Small Man of Nanataki" is a war story with a difference. Japanese POW camp interpreter Kiyoshi Watanabi seeks to aid the dreadful plight of the prisoners despite the danger to himself.