Japan Will Turn Ablaze!

The first printing of this book was done in 1974. As it contained new material, that is, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and letters of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, many of which had never been published, and because its theme was Japan, it proved to be a successful addition to the Bahá’í literature throughout the Bahá’í world. It was translated into Japanese and has been one of the standard books in that language.

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Japan regularly has requests for the English edition although it has been out of print since the late 1970s.

When the compiler considered a second edition she decided to refer back to the original material for possible changes, to add new material, and also add more details such as the names of translators (when available), thereby hoping to increase the historical value. Very little of the original has been eliminated.

All of the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Miss Alexander and to Bahá’ís in Japan have been included. Only some of the Tablets written to Japanese, who, at the time, were living in the United States have been included. It was difficult to choose which of Shoghi Effendi’s letters to Miss Aexander should be included.

The Guardian had requested that she write to him often so their correspondence was extensive. She actually received many more letters than are printed here.

Most of Shoghi Effendi’s letters (which, of course, also means those written on his behalf) to the early Bahá’ís of Japan and to the institutions of the Faith in Japan are printed here.

It was felt that certain communications from the Universal House of Justice would add to this important subject, hence the expansion to later years.