JAPAN 70 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Undeclared, Death Drive, Hagakure
Document Summary
Biggest difference between friends and books is that friends change, but books do not. Post-war period: japan transformed: no samurai, no war, better economy, peace: hagakure foresaw this; paradoxical book (public opinion opposite of what hagakure says) Example of phenomenon: today"s young men are infatuated with cardin look (flourishing of men"s fashion, young people talking in coffeehouses about how to dress more stylish. Learning was how to show themselves to their best advantage. Similar example from hagakure: times have changed when young samurai get together they talk of money of profit and loss, how to run a household efficiently, how to judge the value of clothing, and they exchange stories about sex. If any other topic is mentioned, the atmosphere is spoiled and everyone present feels vaguely uncomfortable. What a distressing pass things have come to! (book one) Result of influence of american democracy: ladies first .
