182. Wright, Frank Lloyd . Autograph Letter Signed "Father" to daughter Catherine and her husband Kenneth expressing holiday nostalgia, his difficult work in Japan. 2 pages. 8vo, written on the recto and verso of a single sheet of The Imperial Hotel stationary; light wear, small margin tears (2 repaired with cello tape), creases and creased at fold.

Tokyo, February 7, 1921 [2500/3500]

Dear Catherine and Kenneth -A cable came just at New Years wishing me a Happy New Year - signed"Baxter" I appreciated it very much - was much touched by it in fact - It was a rather lonely Christmas and New Years this year.Christmas and New Years used to be so lively and full of everything from candy to grief - that of late years I rather dread it for its lack of little children- I hope all is going well with the business and the home.Particularly the home. Not many people nowadays have one - or have the art of making one. Sometimes I think the good old fashioned home is a thing of the past in America - but I hope you two will have one -The work here is progressing rapidly - a great building it is going to be - probably you will see it some day - when a business vacation lets you off - in this direction.I am sorry to see and hear so much about Japan's hostility to America and Americans because it is all false. It is Hearst propaganda or English propaganda - perhaps both -I am never very well here but my Welsh ire will wear through - never fear. My work is very hard - intense concentration and immense responsibility - I would like to rest at Taliesin more than I have done there five years past. Especially ...this last year been strenuous with the Los Angeles work coming in on the New Imperial - work.Once upon a time I never could strike the bottom of my physical resources - but now I find out that very grey hair and fifty three years indicate something that I will have to pay attention to - in this climate - which is the worst in the world I believe -We seem no nearer "peace" in that old world either than when we were at war- ugly peace is worse than open war - but I am an architect - not a statesman. I wish we had a statesman or two just now, in any country anywhere - it wouldn't matter much which - we would all get the benefit. But keep your own little corner clean of strife and overweening ambitions. Every day life is the important thing, not tomorrow or yesterday but today. You won't reach anything better than the "right-now" if you take it as you ought - I hope when I return next spring to see more of you - Meantime all good wishes fromFather"