Japanese Identity Has Become Crucial Since World War II
The question of Japanese identity since World War II was discussed last night by Grant Goodman, associate professor of history and East Asian area studies, at a meeting of the History Club.
Goodman returned recently from a year in Japan. Southeast Asia and the Philippines.
IN 1945 AFTER the Japanese surrender, those who had sacrificed all were thrown into utter confusion. "The national solidarity had been based upon an unquestioning and absolute loyalty to the Emperor." Goodman said
"The 1964 Tokyo Olympics was the first time the young Japanese felt pride in being Japanese," he said.
During the allied occupation of Japan, the people were told repeatedly the errors of their former masters, both by the Americans and by the Japanese leaders. "The result of this was while economic reconstruction moved ahead with great rapidity, the Japanese nation lacked national identity," Goodman said.
"NOT ONLY DID the Japanese have an emotional catharsis in their own victories, but there was a curious resentment toward the Americans," Goodman added.
String Quartet Concert Monday
The School of Fine Arts will present a chamber music program at 8 pm. Monday in Swarthout recital hall featuring the University String Quartet.
Daily Kansan 13
Friday, November 19, 1965
The Best Hot Chili in town The Southern Pit
The Japanese adopted Dawn Fraser, an Australian and the only non-American to win a significant swimming event, as their heroine, Goodman said.
With the Olympics and other events of Fall 1964, such as Red China's emergence as a nuclear power, Japan was forced into a reconsideration of its position, he added.
A large number of suggestions were given as to how Japan should become a world power. These included becoming a nuclear power, adopting a method of economic nationalism, and having initiative in the realm of ideas.
ONE THEORY suggests that Japan not feel ashamed of its part in the War. According to this theory, Japan was destined to be in the war; the American Occupation was called a continuation of the war and a national humiliation.
A best-selling Japanese paperback, "Dangerous Thinking," denounces these theories, and criticizes modern-day literature. It gives the Post-War period as one of the greatest literature periods of modern Japan.
Now the Japanese are starting to regain their identity and are becoming increasingly eager to take more interest in foreign affairs, Goodman said.
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