(Voice actor) Ms.Marilyn Lo

Japan lost in the second World War. After the war ended, Ueno Zoo, one of the leading zoos of Japan, was not what it used to be, with pigs being kept in the cage that once held elephants. However, with the end of the war, bombers were no longer flying over Japan. The Japanese, while living in poverty, were steadily rebuilding their lives. One day, a letter from a boy appeared on the newspaper. It said, “my sister has never seen an elephant, so I want to show her one.” Because of the war, savage animals and large animals that could harm people disappeared from many zoos. Of course, elephants were not exempted. Those who once saw many animals at Ueno Zoo wanted to show their younger siblings and children the Ueno Zoo that was bustling and fun like it once was. In 1949, Ueno Zoo considered bringing in elephants since there were many requests from children. At the time, Higashiyama Zoo in Nagoya had an elephant, so they thought about borrowing their elephant. But transporting an elephant on a train was difficult, so the plan did no work out. Instead, Japan National Railway cooperated by offering direct trains between Tokyo and Nagoya, allowing children in Tokyo to go to Nagoya to see elephants. This “elephant train” became popular. However, the children’s wish to bring in elephants to Ueno Zoo only grew. After actually seeing the size and kind eyes of an elephant, they wanted to experience the excitement of seeing them up close. There were more children who wanted elephants in Ueno Zoo for the sake of their friends who could not go to Nagoya. And at last, the children’s petition was submitted to a Diet member. The President of the House of Councilors received the children’s petition and it was actually debated at the Diet. Also, elementary and middle school students from all around Tokyo gathered to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and raised placards at the governor of Tokyo and pleaded to bring in elephants to Ueno Zoo. A trading merchant visiting Japan from India learned about these children’s movements and wishes. The merchant told the city of Tokyo that they would like to lobby to Prime Minister Nehru of India. Over 1500 letters and drawings of elephants were sent to this trading merchant from children around Japan. The merchant sent all of these letters and drawings PM Nehru. What did PM Nehru decide after seeing these letters? What sort of influence did that bring to the later relationship between Japan and India?