Reply #109: I am originally from Japan.

[hertopos]

I am very aware of Japanese imperial army atrocity during WW II.
However, Japan, through its fairly long history, remained isolated and peaceful. Japanese couture is not expansive ( Compare it all other near-by countries such as China. How many times Japan invaded other country. Twice!!). It is rather introspective.

Imperial Japan is, at least, a very nightmarish diversion from its original culture, inspired by European and American imperialism. To be inspired is understatement. It adapted imperialism in a worst form like Germany. Imperialism is an imperialism. English ones are as bad as Germans from its former colonies!!

I don't paint Japan as a paradise. At the same time, certain things are working very well in Japan because it fits its original national characteristics. Traditional Japanese culture despise the ostentatious display of wealth. This is why Japan still support one of most progressive income tax and very high death tax.

About Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing.
I am not blaming Hiroshima bombing; however, I do have some reservation regarding Nagasaki bombing. I actually met a Chemistry professor who participated Manhattan Project. He said that main purpose of Nagasaki bombing was to test different type of atomic bomb.

I have no intention of disputing the strategic value of atomic bombing.
Something drastic was needed to stop Soviet invasion from North. This is why many Japanese do not resent U.S. for Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

At the same time, every American should really be aware of really really aware of the atrocious nature of bombing.

American bombs way too much. Nuclear bombs are worst of all bombs but so many modern conventional bombs are almost as terrible. Some Chemical bombs have long term effect almost similar to nuclear bombs.

Please, I plea as a Japanese. I am not into blame game. I hate my country's most recent atrocity and that's why I learned about them a lot.
U.S. did not pay any attention to Japanese atrocity in China until China become a major economic power.

People who has a relative who survived Japanese War atrocity. Tell your relatives, now you know why so many people in the world hate U.S.

Peace

Hertopos