Secrets revealed: Japan’s Betrayal of Its Recent Modern History
It sounds like what you’re asking is: “Why do history classes in Japanese schools start from the very beginning?”.
I understand, being raised internationally, you’re unfamiliar with much of Japanese culture. Your puzzled as to why schools in Japan don’t focus on modern history. Even though, modern history has a greater significance to our daily lives today.
Your confusion is acknowledged. And yes I remember in my school days, 30 years ago from now, learning Japanese history starting from the beginning.
My own experience:
From Jomon pottery [1] and the first-shell mound, followed by the rice-cultivation era of Yayoi[2]. All these facts were ones that I had to learn during my school years. In fact, there are still facts that still linger in the back of my brain. One of which being, the representative ruins of the Yayoi Period is located in rural Shizuoka prefecture[3]…
Yes, I still remember these facts. The minor facts are so deeply ingrained in my brain, that it’s hard to forget them. On the other hand, I can’t recall learning much about WWII. Of course the vague ideas were studied, “When did it start?”, “Where did the battles take place?”, but we rarely explored “why”‘.
- Why did Japan go to war knowing they would lose?
- Out of all prefectures, why did the decision-makers choose Nagasaki and Hiroshima as the locations to be bombed?
- What were the thoughts of the American citizens on the use of the atomic bomb against Japan?
These questions that play a pivotal role even to this day, were never answered… or a matter of fact, were never asked in the first place.
So this phenomenon raises two questions: “Why does this occur?” and “Is this okay?”
And here is my take:
1. The reason modern history is overlooked in Japanese-schools is for convenience.
2. A student who wants to learn modern history should do so individually for maximum effectiveness
Starting with the 1st point: Teachers are more confident talking about the distant past.
In other words, because modern history is yet to be synthesized. It requires the teachers to create their own views. That becomes difficult because they need to introduce their own bias, since otherwise, there is not perspective.
That’s why they are reluctant to teach modern history.
For example, if I imagine myself as a history teacher, teaching the ancient past would be easy. The facts themselves are set in stone. There is no-one from that generation to offer their perspective, thus making it much easier. That’s why so many Japanese schools teach ancient-history.
But the same logic can be then applied to explain why teaching modern history is difficult. I can teach the “what” and “where” the events occurred. However, even then, the story can be told differently if presented by my grandparents. Yes learning modern history becomes difficult with so many opposing views. It becomes much harder to teach a unified fact.
Here’s an example:
Take for example the recent Russian — Ukrainian war.
If we look from Ukraine’s point of view, it seems like Russia is invading their homeland. And with that, they must do everything they can to defend their county. It’s roused, hundreds if not thousands of young citizens to partake in the war.
On the other hand, although controversial, there is the Russian viewpoint. In which, they are trying to take-back land that was once theirs. In that view, they are able to justify their invasion and killing of hundreds of soldiers.
So whose viewpoint is correct?
Indeed, the position you’re in can shape the views you hold.
I don’t aim to impose my bias into students, and honestly, I lack a convincing view of modern history. Plus I don’t want to intentionally put bias into your minds either. And the feeling of not wanting to corrupt children, I feel, is uniform among teachers. Thus modern history goes often ignored.
To conclude, we should be cautious when governments teach “modern history” in schools. There is a risk that they can introduce their own biases, rather than acknowledge the multiple perspectives that exist.
There is a tendency for governments to twist “modern-history” with the aim of increasing self-reputation. They want to be seen as the good guys, rather than admit their own flaws. And that itself is dangerous, because it will shape the actions taken by those students later on.
So, it seems that focusing on ancient history as a starting point is the best option for Japanese schools.
Moving to point 2: What should I do if I want to learn?
While it feels like learning modern history on-your-own can be difficult, you shouldn’t think too hard.
For you, I know you like to read, here are some of my recommendations. These books will help you develop your own link between modern history and the now.
Books:
1. Nomonhan No Natsu （ノモンハンの夏）By Kazutoshi Hanto.
A story of a group of Japanese infantry stationed in Northern China. They pushed forward against Russia, ignoring the words of the head-command in Tokyo. This book offers one perspective to the starting of WWII, which still has resonating effects to this day.
2. Kuuki No Kenkyu （空気の研究）By Shichei Yamamoto.
A deep dive into the cultural factors that influenced Japan’s decisions throughout the war. Additionally offers insights as to why the war occurred. Finally, it explores how those many decisions made, still continue to resonate today.
3. War Criminal. The life and death of Hirota Koki. By Shiroyama Saburo.
A look at the only civilian punished with the death sentence after WWII. This explores the life of a foreign minister and examines the power dichotomy within Japan during that time.
If you ever feel bored, you can also check out some movies.
Movie:
1. In this corner of the world （この世界の片隅に）By Fumiyo Kono.
This film offers a glimpse into the daily life of a young woman during WW2. Depicts the life before and after the atomic bomb was dropped. The film is not a tragedy, but rather demonstrates the vibrant lives the many Japanese people held during the war. It provides another valuable perspective, one that contradicts the common-held view.
Apologies, but that is all the movies I can think of on the spot. Don’t worry, there are many more movies and books available.
Use the multiple resources and try to come up with your own perspective. You can use other information to build your foundation, but be careful of taking too much. Bias is everywhere so pick your information out cautiously. I hope you will be engaged with this journey. Just like I was when I first started doing research into Modern Japan.
Well that is all the advice I have for you today. I hope this has helped.