On being American, on being Japanese in 2008
:: Oct 9, 11:50 AM

As an American citizen, I am very distraught by the lack of pride that the Japanese have in their own culture. I know that I see things as a non-Japanese, and they may dismiss my observations, but I have an overwhelming concern for it over these past three years. America is bad enough already – we are, more often than not, numb, complacent, and lazy. But a country that follows and waits for what the U.S. does is even worse. I was very sad to see during the short time that I have been here, just how much the Japanese government bows down to the U.S. Three years ago they privatized the Japanese postal system. Unlike the U.S., the Japanese postal system works like as a bank, a life insurance company, and is often the landmark of each town. This allows for a communal set up – where post offices were the reliable center of even the most remote villages and provided jobs within the community. But because corporations were so interested in privatizing the system, and there was a lot of profits to be had, the Japanese government (current ruling part is the LDP) privatized the system. Since then post offices in rural towns have shut down, and the postal system is less efficient. Even Americans turned a deaf ear to Bush’ Social Security privatization plan. At least we weren’t THAT numb. Anyway, the postal system is just one of many disappointments I have witnessed during my short stay here. I hope that for the sake of the Japanese, they wake up soon. It is a very bleak, dark time.

That being said, I think once Obama gets elected it is inevitable that Japan will also change for the better. When America questions itself, the world questions itself. Living in Japan, I don’t think this is an overstatement. So I am quite pleased by the inherent nature of Americans to proclaim “We’ve had it!” This is something unique to a country that has a relatively short history. Additionally, I have come to realize just how important it is to keep the image of the American Dream alive. The American Dream is simply a farce, but it is a very real dream to many and translates into any culture and into any language. For that reason it is extremely powerful and viral – and I believe that is why it is also so dangerous and makes people fanatical when applied irresponsibly (i.e. wars).

I take my thoughts as an American citizen and hope to put them into action as a Japanese citizen. I firmly believe in the potential for the Japanese to live full and robust lives – or else I would not find any point in living here. The proof is quite explicitly laid out to me every day. The Japanese have a culture of progress. This is not a claim. It’s a fact if you look at their history – their culture for conservation (this is by default – very little natural resources such as land, minerals and energy for agriculture), attention to detail (design and art), and nature (prose). What with such a wealth and abundance of innovation, why are they so easily stifled by the American way and so ready to associate their roots as something outmoded. Only when the west recognizes Japanese products and art do they domestically trumpet their accomplishments: i.e. Hayao Miyazaki, Toyota, and Walkman.

I am not advocating a Rising Sun flag-waving rally in the middle of the Yasukuni Shrine. But what I am suggesting is a deep-rooted sense of pride that emanates domestically and internationally (why I admire Germany). And this is something I intend to do as a Japanese citizen.

The past few months have been a wild ride. It’s “bail-out” then “relief.” It’s sumo wrestlers smoking pot. And it’s Palin-Fey-PalinFeyPalin-Feylin. It is a time of confusion, yet I am thrilled to see what lies ahead.

I guess what I am trying to say is: Japanese and Americans alike, when we are presented with a stage, we come up with some really unique and ground-breaking moves.

1. I wonder how much of the “lack of pride” has to do with the self deprecation that is typical of Asians. Americans, on the other hand, learn early on to almost “boast” about their accomplishments. I definitely find that divide very difficult to cross, particularly when one has to do self evaluations at the end of each year. It might explain my lack of advancement – I am reluctant to even claim the things I have done. I think, like the typical Japanese, I believe that my deeds should speak for themselves – makes me a candidate for the house of un-American activities.

   This reticence in the private sphere also seems to translate to the national stage. We (Asians) never make any predictions even when we are at an advantage, but wait till we have won before walking away with quiet pride.

   — lakshman    Nov 19, 06:20