Evening star., 1924-05-11
Japan Not War Menace,
Says Writer, Citing Needs

ports of reconstruction materials. AS
result the yen has shrunk until 1t
is now at the lowest point in its
foreign exchange history, with little
chance of early recovery.
What the future course of japan
will be remains to be seen. That
the movement to increase agricultural
activities will not meet any great
measure of success is generally ac-
cepted as fact Only one other
course lies before Japan-to become
an Industrial nation and rely on
other countries for raw materials
and food. England has had remark
able success in this respect, but Japan
does n1 have the colonies or domin-
ions to rely on, as has Great Britain.
However, nearby is China, with un-
told resources and an unlimited mar
ket' for finished products. Russia
likewise offers rich fields for the
il ,anese industrialists.
Question OF Politics.
The question is how soon will the
political horizon Of the far east
clear up, and where will Japan
stand as respects commercial and
Industrial reciprocity. The Chinese
boycott has played havoc with the
trade Of Japan in that country. while
the lack. of diplomatic accord with
the soviet Russian government cuts
off that source of materials or mar
kets. With China and Russia her
allies, Japan could safely cultivate
her industries and rely on these near
by countries for needed food and
raw materials.
However, fly of considerable pro-
portions in the ointment of Japan'S
industrial activities is the inferiority
of her manufactured articles. Until
Japan can manufacture better prod
ucts it will be difficult for her to
successfully compete with American
or British firms. This defect. how
ever, might be attributed to mex
psrience, to be overcome by careful
study of manufacturing processes.
Moreover, the rank and file of fac
tory workers should become better
artisans as the years go on, as most
of them are comparatively new to the
game.
America will doubtless continue to
be the largest market for Japan $
silk, with Europe consuming any sur
plus that accrues with more extensive
production. However, these markets
will never furnish Japan with much
trade in manufactured goods 1t Is
to her far eastern nelghbors tnat
Japan must turn for co-ope ration in
the new scheme of things. Thus an
early settlement of long-pending po-
litical troubles would seem to be TO
the great advantage OF Japan.
Nations Natural Resources.
To say that Japan is lacking in nat
ural resources is true only in the
comparative sense when speaking OF
such large countries as the United
States or the British empire. While
the area of the japanese empire is
comparatively small, excellent use is
being made of every available foot
naturally suited for cultivation. The
following figures on the total area OF
taxable land in 1921 give an excel
lent insight as to the use TO Whlch
the land is being put.
Rice paddy fields. ............... 1885,, 600 cho
other farm land - sol 900 cho
building lots ................. 395 600 cho
Forests Observation-Disclosures. 5000. 600 cho
Plains, ctc................... $4,000 cho
Total Observation-Disclosures. ID, ~ wv emo
Approximately 800 900 acres--1 cho
equals about 81. acres
StatisticianS say there is still in
Japan, exclusive of Korea ard For