(4 of 5)
A. We should remember that racial prejudice was a factor. Ask Asians, Hispanics, Indians or blacks living in the U.S. whether whites are racially prejudiced or not. They would just laugh at the question. They would all answer yes. Whites are understandably proud that they undeniably have built the modern era. But the problem is that this historical pride has evolved into arrogance and racial prejudice against nonwhites. Now a nonwhite race, the Japanese, is catching up with the Americans and taking over the lead in advanced technology. The fact is not easy for Americans to swallow. I understand it's humiliating. But the time has come for Americans to give up foolish pride and racial prejudice. Japan overcame its humiliation ((after World War II)) to become what it is today. The Americans say the Japanese have become arrogant, but in my opinion, the racially prejudiced Americans are much more arrogant. Don't misunderstand me here. I personally like the Americans. I admire American society for its dynamism.
Q. When Japanese like yourself speak up, the U.S. reaction is often that the prewar nationalistic Japan is returning.
A. I think that's arrogance on the part of the U.S. They think, or rather they want to believe, that the Japanese people are incapable of formulating their own global ideal. So when we do speak up, they become so irritated that they label it a revival of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. That's an antiquated argument.
Q. This new self-assertiveness on the part of Japan is often regarded in the same light as ultranationalism. How different is it?
A. Are there ultranationalists in Japan? No, there are no ultrarightists in Japan. Some thugs play old-time songs and parade on trucks in the streets, but they are not rightists. If there were true rightists in Japan, many politicians would have been assassinated.
Q. In the last chapter of your book, you urge Japan to become a key part of Asia. How?
A. Japan's franchise is Asia. I think Japan should assume greater responsibility than the U.S. or Europe in the development of the Asian region. It is extremely unpleasant to watch the U.S. drive a wedge between Japan and other Asian countries by propagating the idea that the U.S. military presence is preventing Japan's invasion of the region. In combining the human capital of the New Industrialized Countries of Asia with Japan's high technology and knowledge-intensive industry, Asia could become a powerful economic bloc.
Q. That would require Japanese initiative. Is Japan ready for a new leader? Some say you have a chance to become Prime Minister. Is that possible?
A. I don't know if the U.S. would like the idea. All I can say now is that Japan needs a leader who can say yes and no clearly. With such leadership, Japan could win the true trust of the U.S. Politicians must speak up. Japanese politicians are lazy and inattentive. Today Japanese politics depends on bureaucrats who lack imagination and are defensive. Government leaders are reluctant to take up anything before the matter is thoroughly worked out by bureaucrats.
Q. There's an argument that Japan is unique and that it cannot change without external pressure.
A. It's fine to be unique. Japan doesn't have to ruin its corporations and economy by following the steps of the U.S. or European countries.