The Battle for Japan’s Soul

The American Thinker ^ | April 9, 2004 | Thomas Lifson

[quidnunc]

The Iraqi kidnappers of three Japanese civilians have launched another front in the War on Terror: a battle for the soul of Japan.

Prime Minister Koizumi has resolutely ruled-out capitulation to the demand that Japan withdraw its Self Defence Force [army] contingent deployed to Samawah. But the Japanese people are far from united in the spirit of defiance.

Social Democratic Party leader Muzuho Fukushima told reporters Friday: "I thought there was a possibility of such an incident occurring, and now such an incident has happened. The government should withdraw the SDF from Iraq. We'd like to urge other ruling parties to cherish life and ask the prime minister to make the withdrawal."

Relatives of some of the hostages are understandably distraught.

Shuichi Takato, the younger brother of 34-year-old hostage Nahoko Takato, left his home in Hokkaido for Tokyo shortly before 7 a.m. "I want the government to try to solve the crisis immediately," he said. "I want the withdrawal of the SDF if it leads to the release of the hostages."

Many political figures from both the opposition and ruling coalition have settled on a default position which is probably unrealistic: the Japanese government should rescue the hostages.

"The SDF cannot do things like rescuing hostages. We have no choice but to rely on the U.S.-led coalition forces," a Defense Agency official said.

-snip-

Given that one of the victims is an antiwar activist, and another a humanitarian worker, it has been suggested that the entire incident may be staged. If so, it will backfire with a vengeance. Japan will not capitulate.

-snip-

[The Grammarian]

Heaven forfend that the Japanese should become as passive and pusillanimous as the American left is. Where's that warrior spirit, Japan?

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[Sam Cree]

Don't Japs usually commit seppuku if they retreat?

[Ronin]

The previously unknown groups which carried out the kidnapping of the Japanese civilians may have unleashed a genie whose deeds they will soon regret.

I have been saying it for months now. Long before this hostage situation. Japan is and always has been an intensely nationalistic country.

I would not want to be an Arab -- or even Arab-looking in Japan right now. The pacifists and lefties are yammering like they always do, but the majority of Japanese are quietly steaming...and a noisy Japanese person is not dangerous. One who is intensely quiet is.

[roadcat]

...and a noisy Japanese person is not dangerous. One who is intensely quiet is.

Slowly bow, while lowering your eyes. Then bow even lower! (And wait to see if they say "oky, I rike yu".)

[rocksblues]

"oky, I rike yu"

You sir are a moron.

[Shaun_MD]

I spent several years in Japan and I can tell you
that the Japanese are a decent, honest, and supremely
clever people with a whole lot of backbone. Ask any vet from WW2 and he'll tell you that Japan dosen't run.
If the hostage situation is a real one, Japan will not
give an inch.

[Melas]

Heaven forfend that the Japanese should become as passive and pusillanimous as the American left is. Where's that warrior spirit, Japan?

We're largely to blame. We castrated Japan when we occupied it and wrote its present constitution for it. It's our fault.

[GATOR NAVY]

We certainly made it easy for them to use to their Constitution as an excuse to surrender. Whether they will or not remains to be seen.

[GATOR NAVY]

Lay off the "Jap" crap asshole.

[Sam Cree]

Japanese are beyond criticism?

I'd think Muslim radicals might bear in mind that Japan also has a tradition of suicide bombers, not to mention plenty of attitude and a centuries old warrior code.

Regarding the post to which I'm responding, I think the same of you.

[GATOR NAVY]

Japanese are beyond criticism?

Absolutly not. Maybe I didn't make myself clear, but what I objected to was the term "jap". Do you call blacks niggers?

I admit I may be sensetive, my wife is Japanese.

[SauronOfMordor]

Send in the Ninjas

[Sam Cree]

"but what I objected to was the term "jap"

I hadn't actually realized the term was considered so pejorative.

I offer my sincere apologies to you for having used it.

I have plenty of admiration for what I know of Japanese culture, along with some wariness. I tend to regard them as a very serious people, although I'm sure that may seem a shallow observation to someone who knows them better than I.

[GATOR NAVY]

I apologize also for the language I used. It was uncalled for.

[Ronin]

You are only allowed to be prejudiced against Japanese people if you are married to one -- then it's mandatory.

[GATOR NAVY]

Ha!

[Alouette]

What do you think of this?

[roadcat]

You sir are a moron.

But you are an a**h**e. And I didn't call you a name first. What makes my humorous statement grounds for calling me a name? I was making a point backing up the contention that the Japanese are a brave strong lot. Which is why I stated that one should bow to one who is intensely quiet. I studied martial arts when young and learned this.