The Gensui Has Sokojikara

Toshiyo Oda is a contractor, poet and philosopher who lives in Tokyo. Recently he has become a political backer of General Douglas MacArthur. Last month, when MacArthur declared his willingness to run for the U.S. presidency if nominated, Oda painted two large signs over the two-story office of his Japan Instant Construction Co.: "We wish MacArthur for President United States."

Last week, on the eve of the crucial Wisconsin primary (see U.S. AFFAIRS), Oda really went to town. On one side of his doorway he pasted a colored drawing of the Statue of Liberty. But in place of the goddess' face and diadem were the features and military cap of Douglas MacArthur. At the figure's feet, in a litter of skulls and bones, lay a trampled black dragon, "Anti-Democracy," with features unmistakably resembling Joseph Stalin's. Oda's latest ode was tacked to the opposite doorway:

Since you have come to Japan,

The false gods in our country disappeared in haste,

As a cube of sugar was melted, foaming

and murmuring, by hot coffee. . . .

The Wisconsin primary results failed to daunt Toshiyo Oda. "Although many think Makkasu Gensui [Field Marshal MacArthur] made a poor showing in Wisconsin, I think differently," Oda said. "Returns showed the Gensui has sokojikara [depth and strength]. Here is a saint and philosopher who has not been home in years, nor campaigned for himself -- and yet he comes in second to Stassen. ... I view the Wisconsin primaries as an indica tion that the Supreme Commander has more than a good chance of becoming President."

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