Japan, where people enjoy a good cut of whale, is pushing back against international anti-whaling rules, which are allegedly nothing more than “eco-imperialism.”  According to the Japanese, it would be as if people in India who believe cattle are sacred would impose punishments on nations that eat beef.

Notice how the various sensitivities we are supposed to have–honoring cultural relativism, respecting the environment, not oppressing anyone, being tolerant of eveyone’s practices and beliefs–can be set against each other.  Can you think of other examples? [Read more...]

At his post 29 years after the war

The Japanese soldier who held out in a Philippine jungle for 29 years after the end of World War II died.  Hiroo Onoda was 91.  Read his story–including why he finally turned himself in– after the jump.

Would you say Lt. Onoda was an example of outrageous stubborness (a vice) or inspirational integrity (a virtue)?  How does this relate to vocation? [Read more...]

A society that is losing interest in sex

Young people in Japan are not only losing interest in marriage.  They are losing interest in relationships altogether.  And they are reportedly taking the next step:  Losing interest in sex. [Read more...]

Economic stimulus as narcotic

Some business teachers and managing consultants still use their yellowed notes about Japan’s economic success, but that is way out of date.  For decades, Japan’s economy has been in the doldrums.  Why?  And why hasn’t their economy ever bounced back?   Economics columnist Robert J. Samuelson says the problem is that Japan has relied on  government stimulus.  Which is basically the strategy our government wants to follow. [Read more...]