Replies

My take: The Japanese national psyche to avoid any kind of geo-political confrontation and diplomatically be all things to all people is deeply imbedded; has been there for nearly 60 years. But the pissed-off, samurai nationalist warrior spirit also co-exists way down 'in there'. If push comes to shove, it'll roar out and surprise many folks. Most of the rest of Asia knows this, too.

16 posted on 03/12/2003 2:08:23 PM PST by AmericanInTokyo (Easy to UNDERRATE N.Korea: Idiotic leader, starving people. BUT DON'T! They could attack in a flash.)

"The Japanese national psyche to avoid any kind of geo-political confrontation and diplomatically be all things to all people is deeply imbedded; has been there for nearly 60 years. But the pissed-off, samurai nationalist warrior spirit also co-exists way down 'in there'. If push comes to shove, it'll roar out and surprise many folks. Most of the rest of Asia knows this, too.

I've been here 17 years so can tell you AIT has got it right . The Japanese are an extremely proud people , and almost fanatically loyal to the government and the flag . Many still revere the Emperor . They'll fight if the government SAYS they must , and they will fight WELL .

How do two diametrically opposed ideas exist within the same culture in such seeming peace? Does the Japanese discipline and self-control exist to balance the inner samurai?

My take: The Japanese national psyche to avoid any kind of geo-political confrontation and diplomatically be all things to all people is deeply imbedded; has been there for nearly 60 years. But the pissed-off, samurai nationalist warrior spirit also co-exists way down 'in there'. If push comes to shove, it'll roar out and surprise many folks. Most of the rest of Asia knows this, too.

I agree with you completely AIT. For all the Western culture tacked on the surface, inside they are very Japanese.

Japan could go nationalist and militarist in less time than it would take to say it, and I personally think it is not only likely -- it's inevitable. Just a matter of when.

In fact, I am cynically of the opinion that there are a lot of people in government and private industry that think a shot of good old fashioned nationalism combined with a military buildup would be just the ticket to shake the Japanese economy out of the never-ending doldrums.

All it takes is the proper catalyst. It never ceases to amaze me how fast and how completely Japanese public opinion can shift gears.

The Japanese national psyche to avoid any kind of geo-political confrontation and diplomatically be all things to all people is deeply imbedded; has been there for nearly 60 years. But the pissed-off, samurai nationalist warrior spirit also co-exists way down 'in there'. If push comes to shove, it'll roar out and surprise many folks.

Boy, AIT, that sounds like the US, too. Guess Churchill's description of a giant boiler applies to Japan, too? What's your take -- what should be done? What's the take of the majority of Japanese on what needs to happen?