23 November 2009
Prisoners of the British, Japanese Soldier's Experience in Burma
Actually this is Japanese book written in Japanese and first published in Japan as "Aaron Shuyojo (Aaron Camp.)"
It was later translated into English. The book wasn't very popular in Britain. But in Japan it has become one of the most famous book of POW experience in the second world war. The writer Yuji Aida, who was drafted to the imperial army became captive in Burma by British military after Japan surrendered. He wrote the book after he came back home.
I learned about this book since former Air Force Chief, Mr. Tamogami, who was dismissed after releasing controversial essay in public quoted this in his speech to justify Japan's aggression in the war. To say it was the war to liberate Asians from white dominated nations.
The below is what I was impressed in the book including what Tamogami quoted.
1. When the prisoners complained about the treatment, British officers said "That was what exactly your military did to us."
2. When one of soldiers in his corp apologized to the British for the war, the British preached him not to apologize because he believed he fought against Samurais.
3. When the prisoners went to female officers' house to clean, they met naked women hanging around not being embarrassed by their presence.
4. British higher ranking officers were taller than their low ranking subordinates and spoke different English because the high ranking people were from elite class.
5. Burmese were friendly to Japanese because they had been oppressed by the British under colonization.
What Mr. Tamogami quoted was No.3. The writer's analysis of why they weren't embarrassed was that they did not see Asians including Japanse as same human race. Asians were regarded as livestocks or animals, they should have reacted differently if white men came into their house. White racism was more sophisticated than Japanese one because Europeans had raised livestock in order to make a living so they got used to treating other people inhumanely. White people's brutal act was systematic rather than emotional. That was how he viewed.
I don't agree with his opinion. Japanese did systematic slaughter in the past. Like 731 Unit in Manchuria, and mass-murder of POW in Nanjing, China, 1937.
Recently Japanese people have become hostile to westerners and more nationalistic, so such thing was brought up.
However, I wonder if you, white reader would agree with the writer's points of view?
Are white women react not embarrassed if Asian male stranger came into the locker room when they are naked? If a stranger was white man, they would be embarrassed? Or vice-versa?
25 October 2009
Trip to Okinawa
The main purpose was to meet people in Okinawa who confronts most unwanted unwelcome environmentally destructive and dangerous facilities in Okinawa. I joined them. If you want to know the detail, please read this article.
The below is the video clip I made for the summary of my Anti-US base tour.
However, I really enjoyed sightseeing and leisure in Okinawa, too. Swimming in emerald green sea, attending a concert on the beach, eating delicous food, forest trecking and seeing magnificient views of the island. This is the most beautiful island in the world only if the US fucking bases are gotten rid of. See the below video clip. That's fun part of Okinawa trip.
Since the Cold War is over, their presence is useless. Potential threat, China? No. China is world's largest owner of U.S. treasury bonds. They can't confront China because they owe Chinese a lot. All they do in Okinawa or other base towns in Japan is spread pollution disease, killing endangered mammals, commiting crimes such as rape and murder.
What are they doing? Go back where they belong, where they are welcome. Not in Okinawa, Not elsewhere in Japan.
19:49 Posted in Ecology, Japan News, Leisure, Politics, Travel, US-Japan relationship, USA issues | Permalink | Comments (0) | Tags: military, okinawa
13 October 2009
US military is DUGONG KILLER!
In Henoko, Nago-city, Okinawa Prefecture, Southernmost island of Japan, Dugongs lives are endangered by US Marine Base construction.
Negotiation to change the plan is underway between the two governments.
It is in fact, part of US Military Transformation Program which includes relocation of Marines in Futenma. After Futenma is removed, half of the Marines there will be relocated to Guam, the other half will be to Henoko.
But endangered sea mammals, dugongs inhabit in that coastal area. They eat seaweeds in that sea.
The construction of the base will pollute the sea of that area thus kill that endangered species.
You know what! Americans who criticize Japan's whaling and dolphin hunting are killing such beautiful and endangered sea mammals.
The preview of the film portrays their hypocrisy. Not taking on evil act of their own govermnet but accusing us of sea mammal killer.
Japanese goverment and local people in Okinawa don't want that but the U.S. is pressuring to build that.
Don't they think it would cause damage on their country's reputation among Japanese?
Japanese don't like Americans any more and never want to buy things from Americans.
The U.S. base is not defending Japan at all. China is thought to be potential threat, but China lends so much money to their bankrupt economy.
Actually the U.S. needs financial help from Japan, too. Aren't they wise enough to be concerned about Japanese public opinion for their national interest?
Actually it is time Japanese stop being friend with Americans. They are not decent enough to get along with.
Well, I always try to avoid buying goods made in USA or those of American brands except necessary ones like Microsoft.
Since deployment of Nuclear Aircraft Carrier in Yokosuka port, my feeling towards America was really changed.
In fact, I realized that country sucks. I got tired of Hollywood films and pop music. I am more interested in other countries' culture and my own culture, not the one with no substantial tradition and history.
Poor country, even a President receives Nobel Peace Prize, they have to continue spending so much money to kill people and destroy environment. The people there are losing jobs, starving and cannot afford medical expenditure. Young Americans join military to get tuition for college education. Obama never deserves Nobel Peace Prize.
I can never believe I used to live in their country and study there for more than 5 years. That is away in the past.
22:48 Posted in Ecology, Japan News, Politics, USA issues | Permalink | Comments (0) | Tags: military, okinawa
20 September 2009
Japanese military's Anthem
Please listen to the music. It is a good one.
Umi Yukaba (If I go away to sea).
I like it. I can feel the souls of dead soldiers belonging to Japanese army.
The song is played with translated lyrics (English and Russian).
The song is not played in public any more because it souds encouraging military men to die.
But it had been considered Japanese imperial army's anthem and second national anthem until the end of second world war.
The below one is without lyric subtitle but with adequate images for the song.
I never support war actions for invasion but I like the song anyway.