A Japanese Tells What He Likes About U.S. : Tragedy: In wake of the slaying of two college students, an executive and longtime resident focuses on nation’s diversity, creativity, generosity.
The senseless slaying of two foreign college students is a terrible tragedy. I feel extreme sympathy for the families and friends of the young men. But I’m also very saddened by the damage done to the image of America in the eyes of my countrymen.
It is interesting that there is no word in Japanese for “carjacking†. . . or “drive-by shooting,†or “home invasion,†These terms do not exist in a population marked by homogeneity, courtesy and cooperation.
Those traits are not necessarily signs of virtue--but necessity. Imagine, if you can, half the population of the U.S., living in an area only the size of California. People in that situation must foster and maintain unusually high standards of social responsibility. Just so, the Japanese conform and control their behavior, generation after generation. And when someone steps out of bounds, it is often hidden to protect the social balance.
That’s why Japan’s attention is drawn so intently to the recent deaths of those two young students. The brutal and random nature of the crime is inconceivable. But at the same time, it is darkly fascinating to examine and ponder.
Knowing this, the Japanese press exploited the story and drove their readers to a frenzy. Many are now pointing fingers of blame and questioning the morality and safety of American society.
Hopefully, all this media attention does not cause people to believe that the crime was racially motivated. Unfortunately, some of the 200,000-plus Japanese citizens living in this country will retreat farther into their enclaves. Others who are considering a visit will be more fearful than is necessary.
Those overreactions are regrettable, but perhaps the current mood will lead to a closer examination of why we are here. If so, I believe people will see clearly that there are many more good things than bad about America.
This is my third time living in the United States, and each was because I wanted to come--risks and all! I’ve spent a total of 15 years here because I appreciate the positive attributes of this country, instead of focusing an the negatives.
When I think of why I love this country so much, I always think of a visit to Coney Island in New York when I was a young man. I rode the famous Cyclone roller coaster, and the thrill and excitement captured the essence of my new home: Unbound freedom, challenges, new experiences. I clearly remember thinking, while at the top of the Cyclone, “This is America! Fantastic!â€
I still have those feelings today, but I have also developed a more mature assessment of American virtues.
One I admire most is its cultural diversity. I’m convinced that, of all nations, America has the highest level of creativity and drive. This is because so many talented people have been attracted here from all over the world.
At one of our research labs we have collected some of the most brilliant minds in computer science from places like Hungary, Israel, India, France, China and Germany. It’s very rewarding for me to see their unique perspectives and abilities applied to common goals.
I also have a great respect for the community spirit of America. And what a splendid paradox that is. On one hand, Americans are driven to join organizations and give their time and money to many good causes--while on the other, they hold on firmly to their individuality.
My wife, Kyoko, and I are supporters of the Los Angeles Mission where we have opportunities to help serve food for the homeless. We are constantly amazed at the many interesting people we meet among the poor and unfortunate. No matter what their condition, they often reflect a bearing that comes from a secure sense of individual freedom.
There are some abuses, as reflected in the crime statistics, but most Americans use their freedom in many charitable ways that reveal an equal sense of responsibility. They are the most giving people in the whole world--and Japan has been a big beneficiary of that.
The entire postwar history of Japan has been shaped by American generosity.
My first job in the U.S. was in 1959. I was a trainee assigned to Westinghouse, and I will never forget how those friends helped our company in so many ways. We Japanese would not be anywhere near our current standard of living if it were not for American assistance and guidance.
I hope the people of Japan also saw news coverage of the kindness and sincere sympathy the people had for the slain students. I hope they saw the tears, the many flowers laid at the site of the crime by total strangers. That’s the America I know.
Excitement, diversity, freedom, kindness and generosity. Those are some of the reasons I have been attracted to America. Those are the kind of things Japanese should remember when they consider visiting here. The roller coaster ride is not without its potential dangers, but the wonderful experiences and good friends you meet far outweigh the risks.
