Thoughts on Japan

Before ever stepping foot in Japan - I had read frequently of Japan. Its involvement in the Second World War (a touchy issue with neighboring countries to this day); its demographic issues (too many elderly); its bureaucratic political system (slow progress in reforms; the privatization of Japan Post a case in point); its lack of economic growth (deflationary for the most of the last twenty years) and then, lastly, its social issues - the result of an amalgamation of the above.

My short time there and one history book by no means qualify me with the capability of passing judgement on so developed a society. As flawed as the Japanese society is, my appreciation of it delves on much simpler things.

I had never seen it with my own eyes but I could only imagine the devastation post war. To see it now only slightly more than half a century later - it is impressive. It was the path that it has chosen (or maybe forcibly by American forces) to rebuild cannot be discredited.

It still baffles me how a society so seeped in the appreciation of nature and the beauty of simple things got so heavily involved in the shedding of so many human lives. Was it insecurity? Or just maybe the need to secure resources and raw materials. I suppose oil makes people do crazy things.

I cannot reconcile its history and its people but the Japan today I have to admit I am a closet fan. I do appreciate its history, culture and arts. Being in Beijing now I look back at Japan fondly. And then also, being in Beijing - will the country follow the same path?

If you want to read up on Japanese history - I recommend "A History of Japan" by RHP Mason & JG Caiger. They glossed over the more recent stuff but in general an easy and concise read for complete novice like me.