The Guardian is looking forward with keen anticipation to the forthcoming Ridván period, as it marks the establishment of thirteen new National Assemblies; the most important of which are in the Pacific area; the one centered in Tokyo, the one in Djakarta, and the third in New Zealand. The Guardian is well pleased with the teaching work in Japan. He hopes this branch of your service will be greatly reinforced and stimulated by the establishment of the new National Assembly. He will pray for the friends, for Japan, and for the success of the labors of the Faithful. He sends his loving greetings. (signed by Leroy Ioas) (April 19, 1957) To the Local Spiritual Assembly of Hyogo-ken (prefecture] [Letter of January 2, 1956] It is indeed a great privilege for the Bahá’ís of Japan, so remote from the Holy Land, to have two of their most devoted teachers come to Haifa on pilgrimage; and he (the Guardian) feels sure that they will carry back to the work in that important Center in the Pacific area a fresh impetus and a new inspiration. It is also a source of great satisfaction to him that dear Fujita has returned to serve here. It brings the Japanese believers even closer to the International Center to have a representative of their nation working for the Cause at its World Center. He assures you all that he will pray for the success, not only of the work in Hyogo-ken, but throughout Japan, and urges you and your co-workers to persevere in the face of every obstacle. (signed by Leroy Ioas) (in the Guardian’s handwriting) May the Almighty remove all obstacles from your path, enable you to lend a great impetus to the onward march of His Faith, and contribute to the consolidation of His institutions. Your true brother, Shoghi (January 2, 1956) [Photograph with the following caption:] The first International Teaching Conference in Nikko, Japan, 1955. Mr. Fujita is holding the frame containing the “Greatest Name”. Hand of the Cause Mr. _Kh_ádem, who was the Guardian’s representative, is behind Mr. Fujita. Miss Alexander is holding the picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This conference marked a turning point in the Bahá’í Faith in Asia, especially in Japan. 13: Letters to Individuals Excerpts from letters to Japanese believers, 1947–1957 [Letter of October 15, 1947] To Mr. Saichiro Fujita After so many years of silence our beloved Guardian was very happy to receive your postcard. He is very glad to see you are not only safe after all these terrible years of war and privation, but that you are seeking to establish a center of the Faith where you live. He assures you he will pray that your efforts may be successful, and that you may become the father of the first spiritual assembly there. Your long services in Haifa are not forgotten, and the Guardian sends you his greetings. (signed by R. Rabbani) (October 15, 1947) [Letter of October 6, 1950]