前のエピソード――Part IV (2-3) Returned to Japan and Damage Suit Worked as a nurse's aide

　Outcome of the inquiry

　It has been long since Hisako left Japan. Hisako’s life centered on her happy family had been harmonious. They were religious and cared for each other. Hisako and Kazuo had come to their fatherland from the society where robberies are usual. But here again a cruel reality awaited them. Kazuo lived as the head of Suzuki family in his father's place until his death. But why did he have to die? Every time I read a faded old document of the case this question occurs to me. The truth remains unknown. But then Brazilian ambassador Mr. Orland's strong backing (he said that the Brazilian government cannot remain silent) and the efforts of young lawyers were still alive in my memory.

　For the past 28 years I have been concerned about how the case finally ended after all. Hisako had told me that she had lost the case, but it was not certain how. As I wrote this memoir the desire to know the result myself became ever stronger.

　To begin with, I telephoned to Brazilian Embassy. Yong Japanese female took the receiver and asked what I wanted.

　" I would like to ask you of an ambassador, whose name was Mr. Orlando."

　"Why?"

　"My Brazilian-Japanese friend and I have talked with him some thirty years ago."

　"It is absolutely impossible. It never occurs that the ambassador should ever talked directly with mere outsiders."

　"But we did!"

　"No, the ambassador does not simply meet private citizens." And she was too reluctant to continue further. She cut up the line before I sked anything.

　This was a shock to me. Are they trained to any enquiries like this way? It betrayed my thankful feelings to the ambassador and then helpful staff.

　Next I sent a draft of Boa Tarde Hisako by e-mail to lawyer Kobayashi before making a telephone call.

　To my great relief, Mr. Kobayashi was still working there as the eldest of 12 lawyers.

　On the phone, he first asked "Did I meet you once, and where?"

　"I have visited your office with Hisako-san. I met you and lawyer Ito by the arrangement of Brazilian embassy."

　After this certifying question he said, " Yes, I remember the case and you two well." But he did not remember our faces after so many years. He said the suit ended in 'defeating settlement'." When I asked whether she had received any compensation he replied "Yes, she had received some money from defendant." I was freed from many years of worry.

　I have been always thinking of Hisako's last word, "I will tell the result of the suit when I go to Osaka. (She dare not had told 'defeating settlement', but 'result'.) Was it a political settlement between the governments of Japan and Brazil that made her silent? (Namely a strong power of either government made her, who does not have any one to rely on, keep silent? Or did she gave up her words for other reason? There is no knowing now.

　I would like to visit Brazil to meet Hisako and pay homage to Kazuo's grave in Mogi district. Is Hisako well or not. Whatever it is I would very much like to see her and talk with her.

　I cannot forget the Ambassador Orlando's spirit with the words" I will never abandon you."

(End of 'Boa Tarde Hisako')