We all know that Asia has taken center stage in so many aspects of the global economy. The rise of China is the exclamation point but by no means the only dynamic story to watch in Asia. But of all the dynamics, the most intriguing is the relationship between China and Japan (and the US's role in Asia related to both of these countries).
I just finished reading "Asia's Reckoning" by Richard McGregor. He did a fascinating job of documenting the relationship between China, Japan and the US since World War II. In that telling, we see a roller coaster of intrigue and negotiation as the US balanced its security interests against economic ones. At the same time you see China's efforts to dominate the region as it rises to economic and military power and Japan's economic rise/subsequent fall after the humiliation of loosing the war. If you love geopolitics and cross-cultural interactions, I would highly recommend this book. It should be required reading for anyone working in both countries to truly understand the dynamics of the past 60 years.
However, I want to focus on one specific observation. This relates to my recent exploration of "Honor - Shame Cultures." Both China and Japan operate on the foundation of Honor and Shame rather than the Western framework of Guilt and Innocence. As I watched 60 years of political relationships between China and Japan play out, what was so obvious was the fact that you have two cultures who were deeply shamed through the course of the war. Each were desperately wanting to regain honor and their place the world.
But their main intermediary in the process of reconciliation was the United States. We instituted a set of trials to punish the Japanese for their war crimes (just like we did in Germany). But instead of bringing resolution and forgiveness, the opposite happened. We identified who was guilty but we did not take away the shame felt by both parties.
With both countries deeply shamed, they went about the last 60 years of destructive vendettas, angry outbursts and calculated manipulation. Without their honor being replaced, they had no framework for a healthy relationship with each other and the world has suffered for it.
What are your insights into the China / Japan relationship? Any words of wisdom or perspectives that you would like to share?
Comments
Great article. This is why the gospel is key to long term healing of shame. The good news tells us that Redemption is all about our restoration of Identity lost in the fall. Romans 8:"All who are led by the Spirit of God are Sons of God. We did not receive the spirit of slavery leading again to fear but you have received the Spirit of huotasia, as eldest sons by which we cry out abba, Father."
The Romans passage is critical to restoring the Identity of Asians because eldest son is so critical to a person's status. We are all restored to the Garden and can have deep communion with the Father. When I taught this among Asian churches and Pastors the response was palpable and liberating. The Western obsession with guilt is misplace there and in the USA as well as all of Western society.