USA vs. Japan: Where Did We Go Wrong?
The English word, Japan, is an exonym. This is a name by which one people or a special group refers to another, and by which the group so named does not refer to itself. The people living in the land that we have christened Japan actually call their country Nippon or Nihon, and refer to themselves as Nipponis or Nihonis.
The island nation, which we call Japan, dates back to 30,000 B.C. The people that originally inhabited it were akin to the Ainu, a race that lived in the Far East, Russia, and Mongolia. The Ainu honed hunting and fishing skills in order to survive.
By the end of the 12th century A.D., Nippon was governed by the Samurai. This warrior class lived by a code of honor, called Bushido; it dealt in the martial arts, such as Kendo (“the way of the sword”). The Samurai teachings of obedience, self-discipline, and regimentation can still be found in everyday life in Japan.
The religion of Japan is mostly split between Buddhism and Shintoism, which were introduced by China. Most Japanese people do not adhere to a single religion, but combine the tenets of both into one affiliated religion, known as Shinbutsu Shugo. Japan now grants religious freedom to those living within its borders, thus opening the door to other faiths. Studies conducted in 2001 illustrated that 64% of the Japanese people do not believe in the universal concept of God, and 55% do not believe in Buddha, specifically. However, some Japanese citizens still adhere to the principles of their past.
So much for ancient history, in trying to understand the origin of the people and the country. Japan has come a long way from the feudal days of old. Its present government consists of an Emperor with limited power, defined by their constitution as, “the symbol of the state and the unity of the people.” The Prime Minister, who is appointed by the Emperor, and elected members of his cabinet, called the “Diet,” control this constitutional monarchy in moving their country forward in a global society.
Japan’s dark days of 1945, marked by its unconditional surrender followed by U.S. occupation until 1952, have long passed. Today’s Japan has risen from the ashes of World War II, stronger and more vibrant than prior incarnations. In less than three quarters of a century, with limited living space used carefully and utilizing its resources to maximum effect while eliminating waste, Japan has achieved success. Her people now enjoy a healthy economy with education, healthcare, music and other forms of art, and sports to round out their society.
Japan possesses stringent entrance criteria for their schools of higher learning, particularly the two top-ranking universities, Tokyo and Kyoto. The overall knowledge and skills of Japanese 15-year-olds rank sixth in the entire world. Healthcare is provided by employers and government. People without employer insurance can participate in a national insurance program administered by local governments. Since 1973, the elderly are covered by government-sponsored insurance, allowing them personal choices of health providers.
In retrospect, what has America achieved in the last 66 years, while the Japanese were restoring their country to greatness? America has witnessed the decay of our cities and the moral decline of our government. As we compete within an increasingly global society, we cast a dismal future upon the horizon. How much planning for America’s future has gone into the last 66 years? America today is in a shambles with massive unemployment, a floundering economy, and no end in sight. I wonder what our founding fathers are saying in the Great Beyond as they watch the American dream become a nightmare.
Was it entitlements that caused the death of this great society? Was it financial greed? Was it the welfare state, national healthcare, global warming, the Mexican invasion, drugs and alcohol, living beyond our means, or the wrath of God?
When can we remember the greatest thing America achieved? Was it 66 years ago on September 2, 1945 in Tokyo Bay, aboard the Battleship Missouri? This is when General Douglas MacArthur presented the instruments of unconditional surrender to the Prime Minister of Japan.
The answers to all these questions should be forthcoming from our elected officials in March 2011, as the excuse for shutting down the government of the greatest country in world.
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