The Light and Shadow of History
History is often told from the perspective of the victors.
In modern Chinese history after the Xinhai Revolution, while Miyazaki Toten, who supported Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionary movement, is widely known, the stories of those who remained loyal to the Qing Dynasty are rarely told.
Today, we introduce the life of Kodaira Soji, a figure hidden in the “shadows of history.”
Devotion to the Qing Dynasty
Born in 1876 in Hotaka Village (present-day Azumino City), Nagano Prefecture, Kodaira Soji began his significant role in late Qing China when he served as an interpreter during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900.
He contributed greatly to establishing China’s first modern police system, earning high praise for his capabilities. However, his life reached a turning point when the Qing Dynasty collapsed during the 1911 Xinhai Revolution.
In 1912, when Prince Su, a prominent Qing figure, fled from Beijing to Lüshun, Kodaira chose to serve as an important administrative officer in the prince’s household.
This was far more than just a professional relationship.
Bond with Prince Su
Prince Su praised Kodaira with these words: “Your devotion to me surpasses even that of my own flesh and blood.”
These words reveal a deep bond of trust that transcended the typical master-servant relationship.
Kodaira became a pillar of emotional support for the exiled prince, accompanying him in mountain climbing, composing poetry, and playing Go.
Guardian of Cultural Heritage
Kodaira’s true value was demonstrated in his role as a cultural preservationist.
In 1928, he published “Collection of Prince Su’s Poems,” preserving the prince’s poetry for future generations.
Additionally, the white pine seeds he brought back from the Forbidden City in 1931 were carefully nurtured by his hometown acquaintances.
In particular, the sapling raised by Kiyomi Mochizuki was donated to Hotaka Shrine and grew into a magnificent tree.
The tree grew so splendidly that Emperor Showa, upon learning its history, honored it with a biwa song.
Scholarly Achievements
Kodaira was not only a practitioner but also left significant scholarly achievements.
In 1940, he authored “The Manchurian Exile of Emperors Song Huizong and Qinzong,” making a valuable contribution to Chinese historical research.
This work stands as important evidence of his deep historical knowledge and passion for research.
Activities in Manchukuo
After the establishment of Manchukuo in 1932, he served in important positions under the Puyi regime and engaged in cultural affairs.
Until his return home due to illness in 1940, he consistently dedicated himself to protecting East Asian culture.
Towards Historical Reexamination
While there is a saying “victory makes one a loyal subject, defeat makes one a rebel,” historical truth is not necessarily found only in the victors’ narratives.
Kodaira Soji’s life is the story of a Japanese individual who, in turbulent times, stayed true to his convictions and devoted himself to cultural preservation.
Legacy and Memory
The cultural artifacts he collected are now preserved in the Liaoning Provincial Museum, and his achievements continue to exist in various forms today.
Though he may not have stood in the spotlight of history, doesn’t Kodaira Soji’s life teach us the importance of viewing history from multiple perspectives?
The white pine tree that still stands at Hotaka Shrine in Nagano Prefecture continues to quietly watch over us as a symbol of his passion for cultural protection and the cultural bonds between Japan and China.