In the post-Cold War period, Japan has been continually buffeted by the winds of market fundamentalism in a U.S.-led movement that is more usually called globalization. In the fundamentalist pursuit of capitalism people are treated not as an end but as a means. Consequently, human dignity is lost.
How can we put an end to unrestrained market fundamentalism and financial capitalism, that are void of morals or moderation, in order to protect the finances and livelihoods of our citizens? That is the issue we are now facing.
In these times, we must return to the idea of fraternity ? as in the French slogan “liberte, egalite, fraternite” ? as a force for moderating the danger inherent within freedom. Fraternity as I mean it can be described as a principle that aims to adjust to the excesses of the current globalized brand of capitalism and accommodate the local economic practices that have been fostered through our traditions.
The recent economic crisis resulted from a way of thinking based on the idea that American-style free-market economics represents a universal and ideal economic order, and that all countries should modify the traditions and regulations governing their economies in line with global (or rather American) standards. 続きを読む A New Path for Japan→
China and Japan begin talks on building alliance
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo and Malcolm Moore in Shanghai
Telegraph, 5 Oct 2009
Japan and China have been sworn enemies since the Emperor Meiji’s military routed the Chinese forces more than a century ago.
But in a move that will send shock waves around the world, the two countries have begun talks on forging a new union that could make them the most powerful force in the world.
Tokyo and Beijing are discussing plans to create an “East Asian Community,” similar to the European Union, that would improve economic and political relationships in the region. 続きを読む 『デイリー・テレグラフ』紙「日中同盟検討を開始」→