Patriotism
 

Is Japan a patriotic country?

I'd say I've visited countries at both ends of the 'patriot' scale, with the USA being most patriotic, and my home country of the UK being the least.
In America, you'd be pressed to just travel a few blocks without seeing an American flag flying somewhere, and finding someone who doesn't show at least a little patriotism for their country.
While in the UK, I don't really see anyone talking patriotically, and there certainly aren't many flags flying in my area.

When I was in Japan, I can't really say I saw much in terms of flags flying and such (the majority of flags I did see flying were those of other countries), yet sometimes I hear that Japanese people think very highly of their country, and are extremely proud to be Japanese.

Oh, where do you come from, and are you patriotic? As said I'm from the UK, and I would consider myself a minor patriot. I wouldn't go flying the British flag around, and I couldn't care less for the royal wedding really, but I do think the countryside around where I live, the environment around me, the achievements the UK has made and some of the absolutely amazing things to see and do here make me a proud Brit.
I'm seriously considering a holiday somewhere in Britain for my next trip rather than going abroad, and for me that's really saying something! :L
Sorry if I sound a bit like a tourism advert in this last paragraph ^^;

I'm from the USA and while I don't wave a flag around I am a vet and am certainly proud of what American stands for..idealy anyhow, we tend to mess up alot, but generally we mean well.

To me the Japananese seem more proud of their culture and it's contribution to the world moreso than "patriotic" about thier "country". If that makes sense? Course that's just how I percieve it from over here and may have it completely wrong.

I can't say about Britain so much, I don't think they feel as British as they did back in WW2 if that's what you mean.

I think I know what you mean. When it comes to UNESCO World Heritage sites, Japanese seem to be really proud to increase their numbers.

I don't know what part of the country you have visited, but I am from Chicago and I can't remember the last time I have seen a random flag being flown (random as in not a country holiday or at a sporting event). Nor do I hear how proud people are to live here. A lot of times, I hear it in jest, if anything. Then again, like I said, I live in a city... where all the liberal scum reside :P

I've lived in and have visited England many times. The English as a *state* seemed VERY patriotic; especially when it came to other people from the UK (i.e. vs the Irish). Other than that, I haven't really witnessed it much there either (but again, I was mostly in London, so who knows how the rest of the country feels/acts). Also, I have never seen so many flags displayed in my life during the world cup. Yes, a sporting event, but I am talking houses and cars COVERED in flags and such. It was actually pretty cool :)

I would not consider myself patriotic AT ALL and consider it a general sign of weakness. There is a difference in loving where you came from and taking PRIDE in it. I love my life, where I live and how I was raised. But that is because it will always be a part of who I am. I swear no allegiance and have an OBVIOUS interest in many other lands and cultures.

I have found that Japan is patriotic, but at the same time taught that being patriotic is a bad bad thing... So it causes this sort of strange internal stress.

People are naturally patriotic. There are degrees to it, of course, but people will naturally have a love of home, family, and as an extension - country. Whether they realize this is another subject altogether, but the natural tendency is there. This is a reason it is so common to see expats who thought they hated their home countries becoming extremely angry when someone else criticizes their native country.
When the culture supports patriotism, like the US, it is simply a normal thing and you see it a lot in the forefront.

In Japan, people have this same tendency to be patriotic... But patriotism was very strong during the war. After the war, it was presented as one of the reasons for the war, and put into the taboo box. Being patriotic came to mean being very right wing and wanting war in the public psyche. People seem to have been taught that it is better to behave as if they think very negatively of their country.

So you very rarely see displays of patriotism in Japan. The negative connotations of public displays of patriotism are just too large.

Yeah,I'm slightly moreso towards Wales but you can't help it sometimes.

I don't hate the UK,I think it's got potential which isn't always utilised.

Japan is not at all Patriotic!

Japan is proud on what they have achieved after two Nuclear Bombs have been thrown at their land. And every Japanese should be proud of their people on how things have changed since then.

It's similar to Germany basically. Before the World Cup happened here in Germany, we were very shy to show any kind of Nationalism in public.. like waving flags and so on.

It's just a blockade but has nothing to do, on not being proud to be a German or something like that. We certianly are proud as well, just like the Japanese on what has happened in our country since then and how everything has been rebuild and established in this World.



The USA however is Patriotic in a very, very bad way!! Because most of their Republican Patriots truly believe that America is the maximum and not only because they have won the war..
They fail to see the truth and what America really stands for.. kind of brain washed like the North-Korean society.
People need to wake up over there and take a deep look in what kind of a country they truly live in.
Unlike the North-Korean people, Americans actually can look beyond their borders.

The Second Bill Of Rights from Franklin D. Roosevelt was not applied in your country guys.. but instead in the defeated Axis Nations like Japan, Germany and Italy.

Think about that!

Think about all the Corruption and the Capitalism ruling your beloved land.

Unless you live in America all your life, dont dare speak as you know us. Yeah, we are not the best place, but we are not that bad, thank you.

As much as I am annoyed by certain aspects of life here, I am very proud to be Scottish. I'm proud of everything I stand for, & will so my pride as a Celtic Football Club fan. I dont believe the Japanese are the most patriotic in showing their pride, but thats not to say they are not immensely proud of their country

Bobby - this is a warning.

I do not really know or care if you are serious or a troll. That is not the point. Incessantly worshipping Japan is one thing, which while a bit annoying at times is not against the rules.

However, blatant bashing of any country, group of people, or individuals will NOT be tolerated. You have been banned twice already. Do not push the rules or you will find yourself with a much longer ban next time...

(Posted publicly as I have gotten a few pms about this, and want it made clear that I am not giving Bobby free reign to do whatever he wants. Do NOT turn this thread into a bash Bobby fest as has happened in the past.)

I attack no one! I just state my opinion to the topic which is presented.

I don't think the UK is patriotic at all actually. I can see why you'd think London is, but London is the main hub for tourism that I'd say the majority of foriegn tourists go to and visit . . . because of all those foriegn tourists everything is geared to be 'British'. I mean I actually felt rather 'un-British' being there, because it was just so different from the rest of the country, lol. I think it's like say New York or Tokyo, in the main cities you'll seem to find much more 'patriotism' in forms of flags, parades, national cusine etc., than you would elsewhere.

In the UK no one really seems to celebrate our Saint's day, or bother about the royal weddings, or ever wave a flag except maybe for sports events . . . I don't know, compared to what I've seen in Europe and on the media in other countries, it really is one of the least patriotic countries. Wales, Scotland and N.Ireland, however, they seem quite patriotic . . .

I know it sounds rather odd, but in my experience patriotism seems to be regarded with suspicion (or at least locally). Kind of like 'well, why are you so patriotic?' . . . if you're English then you're English, why announce it to the world unless you're hiding something? :P

When I was there I was actually searching for a Japanese flag to take home. (I do that with every country I love and visited) But it was almost impossible to find a shop that sold those real flags! I asked it to a Japanese tour guide where I might find one. But she said it would be very difficult and she didn't know any places that sold them. She said something like; "The Japanese people don't really use flags anymore."
So I think even though they love their country and culture the Japanese aren't patriotic. If you're patriotic you want to be able to use the flag of your country right?

About me;
I'm not patriotic at all. I don't even love my country. I'm rather indifferent about The Netherlands. Also from what I know our culture seems to be dying and I don't really care about it. The Japanese culture is way more interesting.

i am sometimes annoyed how my country's old folk tend to celebrate how we survived wwI german occupation and wwII where germans and russians occupied us. i am against bringing up bad blood between countries (even thou almost 1/2 population died/fled). other than that over people are quite aware of our faults and if they brag about something then it usually has some merit to it.
for example. when we brag to tourists about things like our green land (no.1 in europe if not mistaken) or 13th century buildings, then it is fine by me. we don't wave our flags for no reason, nor we sing anthem for no reason.


i find myself actually frustrated with american patriotism sometimes, seeing how half of people don't know what they are talking about - specially when it comes to america being no.1 or the freedom they have. let's just say americans have the largest population of people who are blind to governments doings and love to yell to people who critique it "well, then you don't love america!"

Exactly what I am talking about!

Most Americans really, truly believe that their famous slogan.. "The Land of Opportunity and Freedom" is still alive today.. infact, in History it could have never been applied to their land.

Most Nations who suffered horrible defeats in post History, are way superior than other Nations because they HAVE suffered this in the past. America never had the chance to learn from there terrible mistakes, mistakes they still do Today!!

To redirect this in some weak hope of keeping it from jumping into bash territory...

I find it interesting how the US tends to present freedom as a uniquely US concept. Well, maybe not the US in any official capacity, but in the popular media.
I have found that the freedoms of the US aren't unique, and that the US is not the only country to grant their citizens the rights that they have.

Is the emphasis on freedom a carry over from an earlier era when freedom was not something common? Or is it some sort of misinterpretation?

I have been stunned on occasion by people telling me they would never live in Japan because it was not a "free" country.

that is the points that most of them don't know how limited their freedom is. they think if you can carry a gun and speak whatever you want to then that is ultimate freedom.
for example - did you know that Bush had rights (which Obama hasn't discarded and also has used) to imprison/assassinate without a trial any usa citizen under suspicion of terrorism?

I believe some of this is due to the general self-centeredness of most Americans and the lack of real education about other countries. America is number one and that's all they care about. I don't know how much geography is taught nowadays, but most people I know can't place most countries on a globe. The news doesn't show much international news unless Americans are involved in it somehow.

To me, it's a bit too self-centered and may explain a little why people may see Americans with some resentment. This is only from the observations I've had since I've been here. I was born in Spain and lived there for 22 years and then 2 years in Japan. I've been here since 1990 and it's not my favorite place, but it's home....

Well, Japan did introduce the Second Bill of Rights unlike the country where this law was orginally from.

just to know, did Americans tell you this in your last sentence?

I feel the same way. I don't hold any grudges against the American people, but the majority is indeed a bit blind. And that frustrates me... The following pieces say enough;

i don't want you to get the impression i am on your side. if i had more info on this, then i would also bash Japan, however i don't, and smart people know to shut the fuck up when they don't know something, right Bobby?

also. i've already started to completely ignore your posts and you should ignore mine. don't want to have any discussions about anything with you.

Well, basically you approved my point which is obvious considering that everybody must do, otherwise they are most likely an American Patriot selecting a Republican named George W. Bush lol

To the other part, well it seems like you can't get enough cause why did you reply in the first place? Not so smart mhhhh.. also, I used your post to continue which should be obvious too so I gladly accepted lol^^ It would look good if you do not reply to this post ;)

That is a great mindset and I try to do the same! Always value things up before you judge.


I think the reason why so many people are annoyed by the Americans in general is, that most Americans actually really have that mindset, that everything they do is great and stands at number 1 and that everything what comes out of this country is the best stuff and that their Slogan really does apply and that when you say something about about their beloved land, it is just because you hate America.. which is ridiculous.

Why do you think America is the land of the strongest Patriotism in this World? There is no other country with so many people who love their country that much, even though actually it has so many major flaws in their society and Government.

There is no hate in here coming towards the Americans. People just try to figure out this insane Patriotism and I call it brain-washed thinking about this World.

Maybe their education system is really not the best one out there which should be discussed as well then. A simple High School education is valued very, very low overseas for a reason too.

And without a degree, you are basically nothing because something like an apprentership doesn't exist there either.

lol your cute with your good world thinking^^

I actually call that ignorance when you don't have the to courage to say that your country has indeed many major flaws and you would love to change that. That's called Blind-Patriotism where I come from..
but what do I know^^

Well, if you would have listened.. I said, that in general I find it good that Japan has this law, however that apprenterships are being overlooked way to easily, considering that it takes just as long and involves just as much dicipline. But because just a few countries use this system, it's not there for the rest of the World. Not fair!

Also how come you think I complain about needing a degree in America? It's not very good that without one you are valued very low in society. Thats basically it lol

There you go, bashing countries you dont live in...and worshipping countries you dont live in. How...odd and foolish

Yes I did lol

I don't have Patriotism, not at all :) You should look up a dictionary on who can be and who is not.

I value countries out there yes, thats what I do and I have a right to do so! And I value Japan very, very high yes you got that one. Because of a wonderful society who stands as a rolemodel for me and should be for every single country in this World for numerous reasons already mentioned a dozen times on here..

by myself ;)

No I have not like you already should know by now and I lol at you :p

Patriotism is actually decreasing in some Americans. Only the tea-party seems to be so crazy about it.

My Patriotism, personally, goes so far as for me to sing our national anthem and to thank every soldier for his service, whether or not I agree with the war.

But to some Americans, all Soldiers are devils and blah blah blah

or all are men of God and blah blah blah.
With America, and so many mixed views and opinions, you see all different sides.

Just curious.. and I know, what you want to do is your own business but,
Soldiers kill, they take life. Everytime they´re on the battlefield they could take away someones husband, someones father.
How in the world can you thank soldiers?? It should be clear that trying to extinguish a fire with a flamethrower isn´t going to work...

Because originally, they are doing it to protect us. Some soldiers are not great men, its true, but they fight for the right for me to say "i disagree with my government".

its because of the original soldiers that risk their necks for my country, rather than the people who actually run it. Its just for me. My uncle nearly died in vietnam, and he is one of the most wise people I know and respect.

Dont forget, someone else's father could also kill someone else's son. Its nasty on both ends, I do not deny that.

Here in the US, the armed services is an option for those who are not well off financially, since they provide for the soldiers room and board and a decent pay for their service. They are also given the chance to further their education through grants and also while they serve. They are not drafted, but for some, it's the only recourse available. When they get sent overseas to fight, they do it because they are ordered to, not because they want to. When I joined the USAF, I knew full well we could go to war with the USSR, but we weren't really thinking we'd go to war. So when people thank the troops, they are thanking them for the sacrifice of leaving their families behind and going to a conflict overseas they themselves may not agree with.

I can see what you mean,and I can't hate Americans using YouTube as much as I do! America has a strong cultural influence though,which I suppose some people unfairly deflect onto the entire American population.
But Hollywood do own all of the UK's multiplexes and not all British films get shown. So I'm never gonna go to a multiplex. But then I do like that Americans are slightly more optimistic,and I suppose we're more like them,Australia,Japan than the rest of Europe. (I'm not about to be racist to the rest of Europe! I do like cheese.)

If soldiers are doing their job to protect a country, they should stay at their country like Japan does and PROTECT it. Fighting in another country has nothing to do with protection, but with agression and making the lives of other people a living hell. And 'protection' isn't the only reason your goverment is waging wars.

I'll try to translate it:

We live in uncertain times. The world changes fast: new powers are emerging and the West seems to be losing her omnipotence. Whether peace has a future, depends on whether we are willing to jump over our own shadow of self-interest and to open ourselfs up for a world where every country can come into its own. If we don't do that, peace has no future. But I don't believe in that.

Just because we have different viewpoints, does not make you right and me wrong, for the record. Yes the government is not the greatest

However, the soldiers, knowing this, still fight and sacrifice just as much as those they have may killed. America is not evil, its not good. I would appreciate you know banging on it, thanks.

As I've stated before, I hold no grudges against the American people. Just the goverment and soldiers in general. Not just those from America.

And
I truly believe in the sincerity of the arguments some proponents have about the military intervention. I just don't believe in the effectiveness about it.

Government and soldiers are separate because the soldier in my opinion, knowing whether its right or wrong, is willing to take the fall for the cowards in power.

Haha yes I know. :p

I don't really have any strong ties to America, although I was born there. It has been far too long since I lived there and I have never lived there as an adult. It sort offers assigned to the "world of childhood" in my psyche...

That said - I still do feel that it is proper to give soldiers respect.
Not because I support what they are doing or have done. Not because I want them to kill. Not because I support the decisions of the US government.

But rather because a) they have volunteered for a position that takes them away from home and family, b) they have basically volunteered their life, and c) someone needs to do the job, and I do not want it to be me.

Going to fight in other countries, etc, is a government decision. Soldiers themselves are necessary for defense. They are not the ones who should receive the criticism for the choices made by the government. As a soldier - a necessary position for which they have volunteered - they have no real choice but to follow orders. I don't think their personal philosophy plays much into it.
Even if they are doing something they personally do not agree with, I still feel they deserve respect at the very least for volunteering.

This goes for all volunteer military forces, not just that of the US.

I'm American, and proud of it. I guess I would be "Tea Party". I'm also a vet and proud of that too. I was sent to Germany for 6 months dureing desert storm, was two weeks from going to Iraq but then it ended. MY brother has been to several places in the Middle east dureing the last 10 years includeing bagdad, but he never left the base.

Americans are no where near as patriotic as they were 60 years ago, wich is a shame really, been influenced by Europe too much after WW2. Still, most Americans believe we have the best model of self government that has ever been created to date. So yes, we do think we are number 1.

Other's can disagree, that's fine, I'm not going to get all up in your grill about it if you do. Plus, I can agree that the US has lost much of what it was orgianlly founded on. That many of our guiding princeables have been overshadowed by Washington DC. The Federal government has gotten out of controle and almost acts as a seperate entity all together.

There are almost two USA's now, the normal one where the citizens live and the Fed, who seems to be seperated from us. No Bobby, it isn't just Bush, it's the whole Federal system, DC is out of balance with the states.

Generally speaking the Consitution is very strict about war and when the US can deploy troops. DC has not declared a war since 1941.

Idealy in America you have an individual right to live and seek success with out government interference. All the government is supposed to do is protect you from others trying to take that right away. Here, everyone can become rich through hard work and dedication. There is no cast system, you are free to succeed or fail on your own merit.

That's what the constitution states and generally we try to live by it. True it's been difficult, even fought a civil war over it that killed over 600,000. That's the most deaths due to war in any American engagement. But we hold these truths to be self evident, that all men (women included, had to fight over that too) are created equal, with certain enailable rights, endowed by thier creator, amoung them Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Give me Liberty or give me death, it's not just a motto here.

There is certainly patriotism in Japan but it is something that they are keenly aware can be very detrimental to society. Personally I think patriotism is rarely, if ever, a good thing. Mainly because it's such a thin line between patriotism and nationalism. It doesn't take much to use patriotism and turn into something very ugly. A bit like what would happen if the tea party nutters in the US ever got into power ;)

Patriotism is based on pride and as I have discussed previously pride is almost always a bad thing. And even though pretty much every religion out there warns against pride for some reason we almost universally encourage it. As you know I'm not religious at all but even I'll admit they occasionally have some good points. And warning against pride is definitely a good point.

Why is pride pretty much always a bad thing and why do almost all of the worlds' religions warn against it? Because you can't have pride without comparison. It is impossible. So for instance you can only be proud to be American or Japanese by comparing your country to other countries. You can only be proud of yourself by comparison to others. You can only be proud of your child if you compare to other children. As soon as you start taking this step of comparison you start down the very slippery slope of thinking your country, your culture, your people, your children, etc are better than others. And this is where patriotism normally leads. To people thinking their country is better than other countries. Their people and culture are better than other peoples and cultures.

When you think of other peoples, nations and cultures as lesser to yours it allows you to do things to those people that you wouldn't do if you considered them as equals. It's what allowed Hitler to commit such incredible atrocities. It's what allowed the Japanese to commit such horrendous crimes against others in Asia. Look at the lead up to almost any war. The aggressor always stirs up patriotism and national pride beforehand.

I think in Japan they've learned their lesson on national pride and at least for the moment there's enough people left who remember how destructive it can be to keep it in check. In the future? Who knows...