Earl's World--25

JAPAN TODAY
EARL’S WORLD---25

After using all the adjectives that I can think of, beautiful, modern, clean, disciplined, high tech, friendly, I’d like to reflect on my visit to Japan these past five days.

Like and ascent up the economic prosperity ladder, from the low rung of West Africa, around Cape Good Hope, over the Indian Ocean one sees one comes face to face with a rising Asian Century. India, South East Asia, China and Japan have risen from poverty, bondage, colonialism, wars and ashes to becoming the leaders in trade, economic growth and technology to make them them a dominant power in the world today.

Japan, though suffering through an economic down turn over the past 10 years could still be called the “Crown Jewel” of Asia. They are a monoculture with a population of 125 million and 99% Japanese. Their island is just a tad larger that California. Most live in large coastal cities. It is a beautiful country with mountain ranges, deep water ports and where you expect trash, you don’t see it Their rail system is the finest in the world. They are committed to safety, having an eternal threat of earthquakes.

The superstructure, buildings, highways, railways are built to be earthquake resistant. The Kobe quake 14 years ago killed 6000, destroyed 200,000 buildings. The city was rebuilt in 2 years. (New Orleans, damaged by Katrina still languishes.)

The people are sober in expression and somewhat intent. There is no loitering, no boisterousness. They love art, music (karaoke), beauty and make beauty. The public toilets are adorned with fresh flowers in artsy vases in addition to their functional hardware that exceeds what is expected or needed. (whistles, warmth, jets and music)

On the toll road from Kobe to Hiroshima we passed through more tunnels than there are in the entire US, I’m sure. Only 14 % of the country is flat enough for agriculture.

Americans are still liked and admired but our customs do clash in many ways. Materialism is of the small size, ie. Houses, automobiles, furniture, gardens. Wealth must be well distributed as one sees little evidence of poverty.

The downside that may create some problems for the future is the choice of the young adult generation to chose not to marry and have children. The “Parasite Singles”continue (age 25 to 38) to live with their parents (80%) and save money which they have in abundance. Fifty percent of pregnancies are aborted. There are 50% fewer babies than 15 years ago.

Japan has the world’s largest foreign debt. It has the largest number of retirees. It is said they can’t get out of their “old ways” and are in crisis with themselves.

It seems that we will become partners as we function in a global economy and a “flat”world. We’ve come a long way since being enemies.