December 2005

Colin Mateme

As you all know, this year marked the sixtieth anniversary of the end of World War II. I majored in International Relations and History at university and have always wanted to know a few things about Japan from a Japanese perspective. The history curriculum in my country has always analyzed the world order from a western perspective. A popular cliché among historians is that; history is written by those who win the war. This explains the Western bias in the way South African world history books have been written in the past. Although Japan lost that war, it is the remarkable economic achievements (since August 15 1945), that arose my curiosity about this island nation.
Japan’s embarkation upon the process of modernization that began in the Meiji era (1868 – 1912) brought with it the national goals of catching up with the West in the military and economic dimensions of power- as embodied in the slogan of the time, fukoku kyohei (rich country, strong army). The Japanese experience of World War II effectively eliminated any post-war ambition. Having been an anti war advocate my whole life I have never been interested in military strength or whatever benefits (if any), may flow from it. It is the economic recovery and social rehabilitation of this nation that interests me. Nevertheless, the economic catch-up and overtaking (oitsuke oikose) of the west have remained key national goals in the post- war era. In this situation, the Japanese state, its corporations and its people have channeled their energies properly.
Deprived of any international status likely to accrue from the possession of military power, the Japanese people have taken immense pride in their ability to rebuild the national economy. In the process, outstripping the gross national product (GNP) of most major industrialized powers. The December 2005 edition of The Japan Journal, illustrates the strides that Japan has made over the last sixty years as an economic force to be reckoned with. This is evident in Japan’s contribution to ODA, (Official Development Assistance).
Through agencies like JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and other NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations), Japan has made and continues to make a meaningful contribution to get Asian countries, and now African countries, out of grinding poverty.
What I also find remarkable is that although Japan is a bit of a latecomer to development aid to Africa, it is the world’s leading ODA donor to the African continent.
As I mentioned earlier, I am trying to understand what it is that the people of Japan got right, that we can also get right in South Africa. Although the cultures, social and economic conditions are different between our two countries, I believe there is a lot my people can learn from the Japanese. Unfortunately as a student of politics, I have come to the realization that the reasons for Japan’s success over the last sixty years is a combination of factors, and this myriad of factors is too complex to include in this article. However, if this subject interests you, feel free to visit me in my room at the International Students House and we can discuss these factors over a cup of tea and biscuits.
Japan also inspires me because an overwhelming majority of Japanese people are short. Being short myself, this means I must double my efforts in what ever I do, in order to make my presence felt. This height disadvantage probably explains the resilience (ability to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions), of the Japanese people. The Japanese people give true meaning to the cliché ‘dynamite comes in small packages’. I genuinely salute this nation.

Posted on December 2005 in the following categories: Opinions, Stories and Information