Nationalism - Response to Pink Oyster-san
Thank you very much to your detailed and clearly argued response to my comments. It is annoying to meet somebody to preach you that Japan is an evil country. It is tempting to throw back their comment to their face and say “Is your country really a pacifist saint-like country? Don’t you have bloody and military past?” Even their country is too small to invade other countries, they still have issues like racism, tribal discrimination, income distributions disparity, child labour, sexism, homophobia, brutal police and other demons. In this way, everybody is a sinner and everybody has no right to criticise other nationals on anything. This may give us some insight on what a nation state power is. However, on the other hand, this may also cloud our mind with self-justification and moral irresponsibility. My idea is that everybody criticise their own country to dilute nationalism and make our society and country more tolerant and liberal then the world become a better place. Japan is not a small county which needs our little sympathy and support on her dubious past. We can use outcry of anti-Japan demonstration to make Japan more self-reflective and caring. The three suggestions I mentioned in my comments are interlude to my main point -; an invitation to more personal yet global political view. For me, it is very unfortunate that many people are still stuck with more and more obsolete nationalism. On the other hand, I understand politics are still based on a nation state and the majority of legislations are drafted by civil servants and some MPs. However, it is possible for citizens to suggest change of law and even draft them from grass root level. In additions to large number of concerned citizens like you and me, there are various Non-government-organisations to change nationalistic elements of Japanese politics. I accept that some phrases need some refinement. However, overall objects of my proposal stay the same. I think the proposals may be simple and not so clever and original. However, that is the very reason why the simple proposals can be powerful. My objectives are;-1) Asian neighbouring countries are important to Japan and Japan should do something to soothe the situation. 2) Heated nationalistic sentiments in China and Korea need to be cooled down somehow. I am a pragmatic person, I know there are so many justices equal to a number of people on this planet and some simplified methods have to be taken to satisfy everybody to certain degree. For me, a compromise never be a defeat, it is outcomes of dialogues based on maturity and compassion. Everybody should be heard and deserves something. The San Francisco Treaty does not prohibit Japan compensating wartime victim, it awards Japan of immunities from the war time compensations. Japan still can voluntarily compensate them. I understand there are issues on who should be compensated on the degree of being forced, in respect of “comfort women”. Some deserves more than others. Nevertheless, some of them should be compensated. There may be an issue of financial source, however, I do not think the amount do not matter so much here. I think it is a matter of acknowledgement. However, for some people acknowledging means defeat to Chinese and Korean nationalism. Their cases may be argued to be highly politicised and nationalistic as they refuse compensation from non-government organisations in Japan. As Japan has been christened by egocentric neo-liberalism, average Japanese people are not as nationalistic as Chinese and Korean people. I heard many young Japanese football fans were surprised by Chinese and Korean nationalistic zeal and violence. Hooligans became a Japanese word during the World Cup period and Japanese authorities tried to limit English football fans to come over. But in spite of the word “hooliganism” the truth is that English nationalism is very subtle and mature compared with Japanese nationalism. (I do not even compare with Chinese or Korean nationalism). The US magazine, Newsweek claimed London is the most cosmopolitan city in the world, this may contribute to English attitude. My girlfriend’s note on this matter is as follows; I am sorry this is fragmental as her health is not good at the moment. London and UK different countriesCurrent immigration debate not so simple nationalism perhaps (?) more understanding of the complexities of nationalism…?? London yes beyond nationalism… Rest of UK?? UK England / Scotland etc. England the St George’s flag - most liberal British dislike the sight of it- comes out for football - World Cup etc gives liberal British bad taste feeling - unpleasant nationalism.. maybe nationalism only/predominantly channelled through football now??? Agree with her Japan needs to take more responsibility - what does it stand for on world / global stage if it is to maturely contribute to the UN etc. I believe that Japan does have much to contribute and many thinking Japanese believe the same; unfortunately the Japanese public do not pressure the politicians etc - to hear them and / or take responsibility / stand out / be ‘thought leaders’ even in a limited sense… Soft power UK versus Japan… Japan has the potential to be much more mature over this entire incident than China; of course already a Security Council member and they are trapped in 20th century… I really enjoyed reading your piece (you made so many valid points) and hope we can continue some discussions in the future. Cheers Hikaru Unagizaka
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