Discussions of History

[sabro]

The previous posts in this section demonstrated some good insight and deep thinking. Some had excellent information.

Other post just spewed vitriolic tripe. But even this is okay- perceptions and emotions shape our realities- and collectively, the world we live in. (Isn't this the real reason we study history!)

Japan is not unique in its myopia of recent history. I think all countries try to some degree to shape, rewrite, and re-invent themselves through the history they teach. A good source on this at least for American History is a book called Lies My Teacher Told Me.

I think it is all our best interests as members of a world community to continue to share insights into what we think is truth. I know that as an american of japanese descent, The history of both countries is near and dear.

 

[amerikanized]

japanese views towards european jews

Do you have any idea of Japanese sentiment towards the Jews during WWII? This thought just occurred to me this evening. On a superficial level it would seem that their consideration was not a factor at all, that the Japanese goal was sole to join the fight against a common enemy. But surely there were other factors.

 

[sabro]

I'm curious about that, too. I really haven't seen anything definitive about this subject.

In Los Angeles' Litttle Tokyo, there is a statue of Sugihara Chiune, He was a Japanese Diplomat stationed in Lithuania who with his wife Yukiko is credited with saving over 6000 Jews from the Holocaust. The Japanese government dismissed him for his actions and he spent two years in a Romanian prison. After the war he seemed to muddle through a succession of odd jobs, somehow disgraced and tainted by his dismissal from his previous job. Recognized by Israel as Rightous Among Nations, and by several books in English published in the United States, Sugihara remains obscure and forgotten by the Japanese.

I don't believe the Japanese shared Germany's anti-Semitism, but I don't think they cared much anyway. Germany and Japan made strange allies. They didn't cooperate much, and actually worked across purposes in Russia.

I would appreciate any more information about this topic from Japan. Anybody?

 

[bossel]

For what I know, in Japanese occupied Shanghai there were quite some Jewish refugees from Europe.
http://www.cccgt.org/2001/Jews_in_Shanghai/pr.html

Polish Jews in Lithuania: Escape to Japan
The 2nd link is about Jews in Lithuania & their way to Japan (& partly Shanghai).

 

[shiroma]

河豚計画

For what I know, in Japanese occupied Shanghai there were quite some Jewish refugees from Europe.

It is said that the two military officers, 安江仙弘 and 犬塚惟重 were the ones behind the story.

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