In London in 1912, 'Abdu'l-Bahá's secretary recorded the following: "A distinguished Japanese, the president of the Women's University in Tokyo, who has been in the United States for many months, came to 'Abdu'l-Bahá and showed Him an article on the Concordia movement in Japan which appeared in the Oriental Review. 'Abdu'l-Bahá spoke to him about the principles of the Bahá'í Cause and how we are in need of Divine Power to put these principles into practice. He said, 'Just as the sun is the source of all light in the solar system, so today Bahá'u'lláh is the Center of unity of the human race and of the peace of the world.' 'Abdu'l-Bahá wrote a beautiful prayer in the autograph book and earnestly pleaded with him to go back to Japan and spread these lofty ideals."
The prayer follows: "O God! The darkness of contention, strife and warfare between the religions, the nations and peoples has beclouded the horizon of Reality and hidden the heaven of Truth. The world is in need of the light of Guidance. Therefore, O God, confer Thy favor, so that the Sun of Reality may illumine the East and the West."
(December 30, 1912. Translated by Ahmad Sohrab)
9: Excerpt from The Chosen Highway by Lady Blomfield, Concerning 'Abdu'l-Bahá and the Japanese Diplomat (1912]
The Japanese Ambassador to a European capital (Viscount Arakawa--Madrid(22) ) was staying at the Hotel d'Jéna. This gentleman and his wife had been told of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's presence in Paris, and the latter was anxious to have the privilege of meeting Him.
"I am very sad," said Her Excellency. "I must not go out this evening as my cold is severe, and I leave early in the morning for Spain. If only there were a possibility of seeing Him."
This was told to the Master, Who had just returned after a long, tiring day.
"Tell the lady and her husband that, as she is unable to come to me, I will call upon her."
Accordingly, though the hour was late, through the cold and rain He came, with His smiling courtesy, bringing joy to us all, as we awaited Him in the Tapestry Room of the Hotel d'Jéna.
'Abdu'l-Bahá talked with the Ambassador and his wife of conditions in Japan, of the great international importance of that country, of the vast service to mankind, of the work for the abolition of war, of the need for improving conditions of life for the worker, of the necessity of educating girls and boys equally.