Introducing Japan

It is one of the most amazing countries in the world. The Japanese call it Nippon or Nihon, meaning the source of the Sun. Others call it the Land of the Rising Sun. We call it Japan. This small nation of scattered islands off the eastern coast of mainland Asia is often called the “Miracle of the Orient.” It has risen from obscurity and self-imposed isolation to a position as a global economic giant in little more than a century. Yet considering the country’s physical geography, its history, and its huge population, Japan should have been a huge failure. Japan had to overcome many seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve its present-day place among major world nations. The Japanese peoples’ spirit, determination, work ethic, and knowledge have been their primary tools in achieving this “miracle.” Japan poses many questions. How has such a small country, with almost no natural resources, become the world’s second strongest industrial economy? How can people with traditions so different than those of Americans still be like us in so many ways? How did a country that attacked the United States during World War II and suffered the devastating consequences of its actions become one of our strongest allies? Why has Japan’s economy weakened during recent years? What is its future in these troubled economic times? These are just some of the intriguing questions that will be answered. The Japanese place a high value on the harmony between humankind, nature, order, and beauty. One trait associated with Japanese culture (way of life) that illustrates these values is the bonsai tradition. A bonsai is a “dwarf” tree, often with gnarled trunk and of great age. Such trees are grown in small, shallow pots and with little soil. Yet they thrive and are prized for their durability and beauty. The bonsai tradition and technique, which involves extensive pruning of growth, was first practiced in China. It appears to have been introduced into Japan during the Kamakura period, about 800 years ago. The Japanese rapidly adopted the method. In a short time, they far surpassed the Chinese in the quality and beauty of bonsai trees. In translation, an ancient Japanese scroll says, “To appreciate and find pleasure in curiously curved potted trees is to love deformity.” Understanding the bonsai tradition provides some lessons that help us better understand Japan and its people. The bonsai tradition,for example,is ancient and many ofthe trees are very old. Japanese culture is also ancient and today, Japanese people enjoy the world’s longest life expectancy.Bonsai are rugged in appearance. So is the country of Japan, with its several thousand islands dominated by rugged mountain landscapes. Bonsai trees are small, gnarled, and grow in very limited space and soil.The first impression of many travelers to Japan is how small and crowded things are. Japanese houses, by American standards,are tiny,as are vehicles,appliances,and even the people themselves,many of whom are quite small in stature. The country’s 127 million people are crowded into a very small area,as are bonsai in their tiny pots.And like the bonsai with its limited amount of soil, the country has almost no natural resources to help its economy grow. When China introduced the bonsai tradition, the Japanese rapidly adopted the technique and improved the practice. In a similar manner, when the West introduced industry, commerce, and urbanization, the Japanese rapidly adopted the new ideas. Within slightly more than a century, they became the world’s second ranking industrial power. Japan also quickly became urbanized. Today, Japan’s capital city of Tokyo, with Yokohoma and other adjoining suburbs, forms the world’s largest metropolitan center with a population of nearly 30 million. Even the “deformity” of the bonsai trees has a parallel with Japan and its people.Japan,perhaps more than any other country,suffers from deformities of nature.They come in the form of frequent and often devastating earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tropical storms, floods, and other natural hazards. Finally, bonsai trees are things of great beauty. As you journey through Japan. To see the geographic beauty radiated by this unique land and its enduring people.