The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1958-01-31
Japan: It's Human Crisis
Tokyo May Pre-Figure
Destiny OF Country
BY Erik Won KuehneIt.L eddihn

What is The average Americans Tor Europeen'I re.
action when he hears The word Asia? Today this Iarg-
est of all continents seems TO him TO be in revolt against
"eoIonialism" and white supremacy.
Yet, as soon as the visitor from Chrisfendom arrives
at the shores of Asia he is Immediately aware that his
preeoneeived notions are true only in . superficial sense.
While there is resentment against eoIoniaIsm, Am.
eriean occupation, and foreign competition, fhe Asian
nations are swallowing the outside aspects and even
some Of the essentials Of our civilization and culture in
the most Uncrnieal way.
Their feeling is not SO much that they could favor
ably compare their own values and traditions with ours
(which, indeed, they could in many cases), but that they
can beat US at our own game, that they can produce or
reproduce American or European institutions or goods
to the utmost perfection and even improve on them.
1t is thus with a meIaneholic feeling that wandered
around Tokyo, today the largest city in the world and.
like Los Angeles. an irregular vast accumulation OF
town, suburbs, and villages.
Tokyo is not Japan, was told, but it p~refigvres,
naturally, the Japan to eome-soon a nation Of 100 mill
lion, all desperately initiating the ways OF the West,
divesting themselves Of their traditions and, at the same
fine. only very slowly grasPing the best and most i'm.
portant things we have TO offer-our supernatural and
supernatural Christian faith with its emphasis on the
afterlife and the uniqueness Of the human person.
In the externaIs one finds here practically every.
thing the West has developed in the last 100 years: rsil-
roads, buses, subways, television, radio, cameras, air.
planes, trolleys, nights clubs, rock n roll, pin-ball games,
nylon hose, burlesqUe shows, automatic washing ma.
chimes. The women dressed in kimonos are a small
minority, their ancient hair-do is seen on the stage only,
and the male in national attire is a very rare sight in
deed. The language (which happen TO speak, is now
swarming with garbIed English words and people try
desperately TO look physically as Western as possible
their not TOO rare anfi-Amerieanism Notwithstanding.
As a matter Of fact, all those girls and women who have
rather Caucasian features-there really are some with q
naturally white skin who could easily pass for South
Europeans have every imaginable chance as models
or actresses. In fashion journals one has to look very
closely to discover the true racial background OF the
females featuring the newest cuts. and the illustrations
Of magazines insinuafe that the existence OF an Oriental
race is a myth.
OF course. this does not mean that Japan is pain
I@c~I. ~~k@Hnsr~ NN@arak>x - ask~a sn n -
rant who walked intentionally in her Western shoes
as though they were wooden getas. There is still some
thing about the imitation Of the Western style Of life
which reminds one of republican democracy on the
Continent, copied from Anglo-Saxon patterns but with.
out its "sovI"-and therefore resulting only too often
in either anarchy or tofaItarianism. Whether the Japan
csc realize it or not, Westernization to them is a grim
task like homework to an ambitious pupil. Japan never
has been free and easy and while, before World War
II its task" was TO initiate facist and nationalist pat
terms, its present one to copy the American Way Of
Life.
1t is incredible with what animal earnestness and
cans ans the h. e order ;" Of J III. !" dsv. pefeat almost no. eompIeteIv
smashed their national creed and with it any thought
Of further resistance, opposition, or criticism. AS the
vicfors had certain qualities these are now to be admired
since they proved effective.
The American occupation forces in their civilian
branches had been h~oneycombed with leftisfs, and Left.
lists derive their political and cultural philosophy from
ordinary situations or wicked minorites could seduee
man TO do evil; mans nature is basicslly ~unspoiIed be-
cause there was no Original Sin.
According to these Leftists the demoniseaI forces
which had corrupted Japan were the CUnbatsu (RUle
Of the Military Men, the Zaibatsu Ryle by Plufoerafs)
and the Gakvbatsu tRule by the University Professorsl
Undoubtedly there have been military men who
played an evil role in japanese politics. Yet the concept
Of the Zaibatsv was a purely Marxist invention sold to
Americans (big industriaists, especially in the air age,
don't like vars and the hatred for the Cakvbafsv Stem
med from fragments Of American folklore. Without OPP
position the American demands were put into action
with the result that JaPanis Constitution forbids the
existence Of an army. &
you. hears me; and he who your head back, close your