In the Second World War, which stemmed from tragic rivalries among human beings, we received a defeat that is unparalleled in our national history. The Japanese people, who were confronted by complete collapse of social organization and national life, nearly sank into cultural despondence and moral apathy. As a result, in the path to rebuilding the country there is a noticeable trend towards being satisfied with transplanting foreign culture and customs. Our characteristically rich tangible and intangible national cultural assets have not been properly understood, nor has our traditional life-style been sufficiently reevaluated.
Humans are the product of history, society, and culture.
The character of contemporary Japanese has been constructed within a long and particular historical tradition that has been refined through a process of adaptation and expansion of the natural conditions of the climate and land, and of the cultures of neighboring peoples which were brought to Japan beginning long ago. No one can ignore this fact in discussing Japan. In modern times, in contrast, many countries of Europe and the Americas have had an extraordinary interest in the arts and life style of our country. This means that in order to advance their level of living Japanese people must accept the necessity for having an interest in and for reflection upon tried and tested Japanese cultural patterns and life-style by virtue of knowing the true Japan and of their own subjective judgment. Again along these lines, a Japanese adaptation of the strong points of foreign cultures will be required.