Emperor Hirohito, Fidel Castro & the Cuban Lobster

This is the story of my late father, Chef Gilberto Smith-Duquesne and his very unique experience in Hirohito’s Japan. After the 1959 revolution, my father recalled Fidel Castro being interested in Japanese cinema (Samurai films) and in particular, the Japanese work ethic and agricultural practices. Fidel Castro used to talk about Japan as a prosperous country of hard workers and being successful despite having few natural resources. El Comandante used to refer to Emperor Hirohito as the Maker of Modern Japan. My father used to say that Emperor Hirohito didn't drink or smoke; he liked plain food, but he tried and loved the Cuban lobster.