First blog on ameba.
I will be writing random things that come to my mind from now on.
recently, I think a lot about Japan and how to be a japanese.
one of the reasons is because I realize how Japan has been perceived by other countries is often different from what Japanese people believe how Japan is.
According to japanese textbooks, Japan has little negative images: we are a country of peace, victims of atomic bombs, and a brilliant example of economic prosperity after WW2. we donate a lot of money to other countries and international institutions and so forth.
But, in international studies, it seems like whenever Japan comes up, it entails negative images. atrocities in WW2, mistreatment of POWs, massacres in Asian countries, pearl harbor attacks. Nuremburg trials, economic growth under fake free market system and 'green-house environment' with its safety guaranteed by US military and with free access to US market etc.
there are so many points that I think western-biased or victory's justice, but there are some points that should be acknowledged by japanese people and should be reconsidered.
especially, I believe a good and strong relationship with other Asian countries is a must in the current internaiotnal relation. But, there is still on-going resentment toward Japan with regard to what it has done during WW2. the image that Japan has not officially apologized for the past atrocities is still persistent and widely acknowledged. in Japan, we do not discuss about the issues of WW2 in school, at least as far as I know. I think this is a great concern if japanese people wish to be more assertive in international community. Japan has any positive features and history that we can be proud of. however, without dealing with the past straightforwardly, it is difficult to gain much way in international affairs.
education is important in shaping the young generation. and I think japanese education system should be reconsidered and strengthened. it should be more focusing on practical skills and include more contentious issues and arguments that will encourage students to think critically about their own country and how it stands in international community. I feel like the current education is aggravating a sense of isolation of japan in the world and inward attitude in which people care only domestic issues.
nowadays it is impossible to be isolationism and care about its own business. it is essential for the japanese government to send a message that it is capable of carrying out assertive role in international community. without ensuring japan'a strategic value, there is a chance japan will be left out of global key players.
I will be writing random things that come to my mind from now on.
recently, I think a lot about Japan and how to be a japanese.
one of the reasons is because I realize how Japan has been perceived by other countries is often different from what Japanese people believe how Japan is.
According to japanese textbooks, Japan has little negative images: we are a country of peace, victims of atomic bombs, and a brilliant example of economic prosperity after WW2. we donate a lot of money to other countries and international institutions and so forth.
But, in international studies, it seems like whenever Japan comes up, it entails negative images. atrocities in WW2, mistreatment of POWs, massacres in Asian countries, pearl harbor attacks. Nuremburg trials, economic growth under fake free market system and 'green-house environment' with its safety guaranteed by US military and with free access to US market etc.
there are so many points that I think western-biased or victory's justice, but there are some points that should be acknowledged by japanese people and should be reconsidered.
especially, I believe a good and strong relationship with other Asian countries is a must in the current internaiotnal relation. But, there is still on-going resentment toward Japan with regard to what it has done during WW2. the image that Japan has not officially apologized for the past atrocities is still persistent and widely acknowledged. in Japan, we do not discuss about the issues of WW2 in school, at least as far as I know. I think this is a great concern if japanese people wish to be more assertive in international community. Japan has any positive features and history that we can be proud of. however, without dealing with the past straightforwardly, it is difficult to gain much way in international affairs.
education is important in shaping the young generation. and I think japanese education system should be reconsidered and strengthened. it should be more focusing on practical skills and include more contentious issues and arguments that will encourage students to think critically about their own country and how it stands in international community. I feel like the current education is aggravating a sense of isolation of japan in the world and inward attitude in which people care only domestic issues.
nowadays it is impossible to be isolationism and care about its own business. it is essential for the japanese government to send a message that it is capable of carrying out assertive role in international community. without ensuring japan'a strategic value, there is a chance japan will be left out of global key players.