Unit #2 EAST ASIA Lesson #5 Modern Japanese History
Post-war Japan Japan utterly destroyed All cities flattened Millions homeless Japan had to rebuild Best hope: Japanese would survive, but Japan would remain mediocre
Recovery from destruction Japan worked hard to rebuild USA occupied Japan (military control) Japan forced to restructure government Emperor replaced by democratic government Had to surrender all colonies
Economic Recovery Japan retooled factories Built cars, instead of tanks and planes American money poured into Japan Reason: an economically strong Japan won’t need to attack neighbors Recovery was amazing: called THE ECONOMIC MIRACLE
New (Post-war) Japan Shinzo Abe A DEMOCRATIC nation PACIFIST people Devoted to BUSINESS SUCCESS Recovery started with auto industry Moved on to technical “things” HIGH QUALITY Current PM: Youngest PM ever Shinzo Abe
Modern Japan Toyota Hybrid Modern Cities Bullet Train
The paradox of the Japanese:
Japanese Attitude Quiet, peaceful, art loving, nature loving Ferocious, determined, never quit, must win
Culture based on Samurai Click – first 30 sec Warriors Ruling class A full 10% of society Absolute control over other 90% Demanded respect and honor
Samurai are NOT Ninja Ninja are assassins Ninja are sneaky Samurai do not hide Samurai WANT to be seen in battle A ninja never wanted to be seen A Samurai always wanted to be seen
The Geisha Only found in Japan Only women Purpose: entertain men click Only found in Japan Only women Purpose: entertain men Goal: make men feel good NOT prostitutes