Attempting a Cross-Cultural Relationship in Post War Japan

Cross-Cultural relationships in Post-War Japan

Each of the cross-cultural couples depicted in Joshua Logan's 1957 film Sayonara must contend with political, social, cultural, and personal barriers. The United States Army has strict and official policies that forbid relationships between American soldiers and Japanese women. Moreover, the American government will not permit the Japanese brides of soldiers to become U.S. citizens. Despite these laws, about 10,000 American soldiers have already married Japanese women, in spite of the daunting paperwork and social stigma involved. In fact, these soldiers also have to deal with severe restrictions on their stations and reassignments. These sanctions are designed specifically to deter soldiers from pursuing cross-cultural relationships, and also threaten to separate already married couples. These political barriers accompany the pervasive personal prejudices and social sanctions against cross-cultural relationships. For example, both Major Lloyd Gruver (Marlon Brando) and Hana Ogi (Miiko Taka) hold tight to their prejudices until they fall helplessly in love with each other. The lead relationship in the film between Major Lloyd Gruver and Hana Ogi develops to reveal how couples can successfully overcome their own pride, prejudice, as well as the scorn they receive from other people. Moreover, Lloyd and Hana Ogi face losing their jobs and livelihood if they pursue their relationship. Joe Kelly (Red Buttons) and his Japanese wife Katsumi (Miyoshi Umeki) face the same difficulties that Lloyd and Hana Ogi do, but they deal with their cultural barriers differently. The various conflicts these couples face include the officially sanctioned rules, familial and social pressures, language and cultural barriers, and inner pride and prejudices.

At first, Major Gruver is filled with prejudices that prevent him from accepting cross-cultural relationships. Lloyd's prejudices against cross-cultural marriages come mostly from his Army indoctrination. He expresses his disapproval of Joe Kelly's wedding to Katsumi, but agrees to be the best man at the wedding because he values their friendship. This is the beginning of the breakdown of Lloyd's prejudice. At the beginning of the film, Lloyd seems content to be engaged to the General's daughter Eileen Webster (Patricia Owens). The two of them are well-suited for each other and the General and his wife favor their relationship. However, it becomes apparent that Gruver isn't truly in love with Eileen. Lloyd overcomes his prejudices also because Hana Ogi's physical beauty and grace astounds him. Likewise, Hana Ogi was as prejudiced against Americans as Lloyd was against the Japanese when they first met because her father was killed by an American bomb. However, she can't help but fall for the charms of Major Gruver. One way in which Lloyd and Hana Ogi overcome their cultural differences is through dress and language. Hana Ogi speaks perfect English and often wears Western-style clothing when she is not performing. Likewise, Lloyd wears a kimono after he falls in love with Hana Ogi, and he picks up some Japanese. Lloyd also learns a considerable amount about the Japanese tea ceremony and other rituals that help the couple break down the barriers that exist between them. Although both Lloyd and Hana Ogi are dedicated to their careers, hers as a dancer and his as military personnel, their love for each other causes them to reevaluate their lives. The couple has the entire United States Army and Immigration policy against them, as well as the Japanese hostility toward Americans lingering from the Second World War. The regulations against cross-cultural relationships are so strong that soldiers are even prevented from being seen in public with "indigenous females." However, Lloyd Gruver overcomes these obstacles by developing deep respect for Japanese culture. Hana Ogi opens his eyes to Japan, as when she shows him the "married rocks."