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Anti-China protest

159 Comments

Protesters shout slogans during an anti-China rally in Tokyo on Saturday. Thousands of Japanese nationalists demonstrated against China and Tokyo's handling of a territorial dispute. The sign held by the child at left reads: "We don't want Chinese products until we win."

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Are they the one's driving around in those black vans?

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It's shameful to use children in political demonstrations.

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This is how children are brainwashed in Japan.

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some14some at 07:24 AM JST - 7th November This is how children are brainwashed in Japan.

Pretty funny comment coming from a china supporter.

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At least, one good side to this, is that this event is smoking out the right-wingers and idiots. Imagine working next to one, and not knowing for years! Then you see this guy/gal out there doing something like this!

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MeanRingo at 07:21 AM JST - 7th November Are they the one's driving around in those black vans?

At first glance it appears not. It's possible that China went too far this time.

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China's comments on South China Sea are particularly vexing, and made people to mull whether China's harmonious rise is for real or gimmicky. I'll leave the postulation to others-- particularly the Senkaku islands affair-- but seeing where these are all heading, I'm happy to suggest a multilateral course of action... perhaps the ASEAN group inviting the Taiwanese, the Koreans, and Japan to the fold to enable a common, regional agenda in ensuring that no country has a unique preeminence or claim over the maritime ways of South China Sea.

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Protesters who drag their kids to rallies and make them hold signs and chant slogans are cringe-inducing, no matter what the cause (or the language).

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jraustralia; this is a localised spat,a dn who gives a toss, but a bunch of childish nationalists on each side. Grow up and get a life.

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It's shameful to use children in political demonstrations.

Agree, children are quite unsuitable to these kind of political protests. And makes you wonder how the facts were explained to the kids by adults :(

At least, one good side to this, is that this event is smoking out the right-wingers and idiots. Imagine working next to one, and not knowing for years! Then you see this guy/gal out there doing something like this!

Must be speaking from experience huh? But obviously wouldn't matter to you if it's the other way around LoL

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Agree that traking children to protests and rallies is a no-no.

No matter what the Agenda or location is. Always cringed seeing kids at ME rallies, etc.

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3,000 protesters compared to Tokyo's population of 8,340,000 in the 23 wards... And they are using their children as well..really shows how little involved most people are.

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I think this is the happiness realisation party again

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Nothing's wrong with peaceful protests-- Japan's not a dictatorship. Taking kids-- especially since you have no way to explain the situation to them-- is probably a mistake.

But if you're thinking of preventing people from protesting (plainly because of political correctness or vast disagreement) is wrong, and unbecoming of a democratic nation.

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It's just horrible to see their infection seep into their children.

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Not very nice.

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Losers!

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So, it goes like this: Mom: children, stop playing your games and no time out with your friends. You are going to hold this here sign and walk with mommy protesting something that you do not understand for three hours and you are going to LIKE IT. Nationalism and bigotry is fun! Try it! Yeah---jrusaustrailia, it is just such a homey, family thing to do! Pushing their government to a conflict that they are not going to (a) pay for, (b) fight for, and (c) have the means in which to actually WIN in a future war. So, it may be democracy, but it is also stupid!

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jraustralia; nothing wrong with demonstrating whatever your belief, but dragging kids into it si a no no. Whatever side you are on or neutral, kids don't understand this stuff and shoudln't be puppets of their parents.

From the photo i would say this is very nationalistic as well as anti China.

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And next week, we will see this woman troll out there demanding that (foreigners--that is ALL foreigners) get out of Japan. So, don't think that this is just about the BAD Chinese! Oh no. You see, the hatred just has to be expanded. Nasty woman!

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Looks like a party parade rather than a protest, with all the balloons and stuff...

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Kiddo, better check all your garments there and find out which of those are China-made... You might get an awkward surprise.

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Negative View

Exposing kids to public political demonstration is a big NO,NO as they are not matured enough in critical thinking skills for themselves. If the mother could not find a baby sitter, she should have stayed at home.

Positive View

I am hopeful that Japan still guarantees a Freedom of Speech while J. gov is now trying to control a Freedom of Press.

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Ah, I see! Such brilliant wisdom here! So, it goes like this: Mom: children, stop playing your games and no time out with your friends. You are going to hold this here sign and walk with mommy protesting something that you do not understand for three hours and you are going to LIKE IT

The rat-- do learn to read... I'm sure I've already disagreed on using kids with any types of political protests. I called it 'mistake' (for a lack of better synonym)...

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haha brainwashed japanese.

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so ironic! their shoes is made in china, their shirt is made in china, their skirt/trousers is made in china, their socks is made in china, i bet even the japanese flag is made in china haha

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Clueless Idiots. 20 percent of Japan's exports go to China, and Japan buys 20 percent of it's imports from China. I suppose if these whining morons want to reverse the clock a couple hundred years, and abolish all trade with other nations, and toil 15 hours a day in the fields to put food on the table I suppose that's there choice. But I somehow doubt they have the slightest clue of international economics and how absolutely dependent China and Japan are on each other.

Likewise to those demonstrating sheep in China.

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What a bunch of moronic fools! - “We don’t want Chinese products until we win.” - Do they actually believe China gives a fat rat's about Japanese trade? China would be more than happy to suspend all trade with Japan. The only ones that would be hurt would be the Japanese. I wonder if this right-wing moronic mother has taken a look into her kid's toy box. She'd probably also find the shoes, jacket and the flag she is holding were ALL made in China. What an idiot!

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@ravagesofttime89

Exactly you are correct!

Most labor less-intensive products are coming from China. China will be left alone as a world manufacturing plant in the global market place in near future.

The problem China is facing today is a rapid population growth in addition to 1.3 billion. Some millions kids are born without birth rights and not included in the census stats.

These kids have no access to school, medical facilities, voting, no decent jobs. With this problem, how does China survive in knowledge based economy?

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"Japanese nationalists"? That's about 90% of the population these days.

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@JeffLee the possible adverse impact on domestic farmers

Because China went too far this time.

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"Japanese nationalists"? That's about 90% of the population these days.

LOL. Quote of the day.

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Do Chinese anti-Japanese protestors drag kids into it? I can think of few things more disgusting than using children as porns. A big thumbs down.

Moderator: Porn is irrelevant to this discussion, Please stay on topic.

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I hate to see people involve kids like this. It's a form of child abuse, IMO.

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Great. So these kids will be growing up hating the Chinese at all times without really knowing why... not unlike most of the the grownups.

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I wonder how many of them continue to use the 100 yen shops!

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Disillusioned at 09:49 AM JST - 7th November What a bunch of moronic fools! - “We don’t want Chinese products until >we win.” - Do they actually believe China gives a fat rat's about >Japanese trade

Yes they do actually. Japan is China's biggest trading partner and China's economic growth us still export driven.

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ravagesoftime89 at 09:39 AM JST - 7th November so ironic! their shoes is made in china, their shirt is made in china, >their skirt/trousers is made in china, their socks is made in china, i >bet even the japanese flag is made in china haha

True. But anyone with half an economic brain knows that eventually China will be surpassed by other nations willing and able to produce all those for less as costsand wages in China rose along with the it's economy and standard of living. So the haha isn't going to last forever.

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Why are there no laws to forbid dragging kids into political demos? This mother deserves to go to jail.

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these kinds of demonstrations will be come more common as japan slides into irrelevancy and the right wing loonies prevail....

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bobcatfish - using children as porns

That is the funniest pun I have read in a long time! I think you meant, 'pawns'. :P

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The sign held by the little girl in the kimono says, 'Teachers, please don't lie to us'. I wonder what Mum thinks the kiddies have been learning in school about the Senkakus that she considers 'lies'.

But hey, yeah, why not, get the kids hating their Chinese neighbours for reasons they don't understand and distrusting their teachers. Way to go, Mum.

Did anyone mention a slap up the back of the head yet? Mum deserves one.

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Yahoo, Japan is not allowing any access to posting from overseas. What are they afraid of? J. gov is repeating the same crap like China. Shame.

At least this photo suggests that people of Japan can go to public demonstrations like this.

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Ossan: "True. But anyone with half an economic brain knows that eventually China will be surpassed by other nations willing and able to produce all those for less as costsand wages in China rose along with the it's economy and standard of living."

Maybe even Japan... if China's economic might surpasses them far enough. :) Nah... they'll still insist that mislabelling NK and Chinese imports as 'Made in Japan' will forever enable them to price gouge. Maybe they'll even shun the Chinese characters used in the Japanese language! haha.

cleo: "The sign held by the little girl in the kimono says, 'Teachers, please don't lie to us'. I wonder what Mum thinks the kiddies have been learning in school about the Senkakus that she considers 'lies'."

Very good point. These kids couldn't even read half of what's written on the signs, and many-a-Japanese can't write 'Uso'; so what are they saying about education? The Japanese textbooks are full of enough lies to point out the obvious hypocrisy in some of these signs.

And what is this woman 'staff' of exactly? Is she being PAID to protest? Sad that they bring these kids along... be it in Japan or in China.

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some14some said: "This is how children are brainwashed in Japan."

How does communist China brainwash their children?

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disillusioned - how embarrassing - yes, i meant pawn.

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Is it even possible to carry out one's life these days without involving a product that has touched the hands of a Chinese worker?

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Tokyoapple - Is it even possible to carry out one's life these days without involving a product that has touched the hands of a Chinese worker?

At least half of the computer you are using to read this was made in China.

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Everyone's acting foolishly. As much as they don't want to admit it, Japan needs China just as much if not more than China needs Japan. Any country would be stupid to turn it's back on the huge market that is China and Japan needs China's relatively cheap labor to be competitive in the rest of the world.

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Am I the only one to see how sparse this bunch of halfwits appears? A gaggle of bitter women, some kids in their party clothes (with their faces hidden, for the very few points Mum gets) and some shabbily-dressed, awkward-looking geezers.

What's the betting Dad's having a much better time now this shrieking harridan's off his case for a while, now she's got a new hobby?

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Furthermore, what's the significance of the really little balloons in her right hand?

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Furthermore, what's the significance of the really little balloons in her right hand?

Your posts appear to be bashing the woman for the sake of her being a woman. If it was a guy in the picture, would you be making such biased comments? I don't agree with indoctrinating children with political ideals (which are often biased) either, but your comments are pretty much plainly chauvanistic. What's wrong with a woman taking part in a protest? The presence of the children is questionable, but clearly you're not concerned with that. If you would unstop your eyes with your arrogance and pride for one second, you will also be able to see that those "really little balloons" aren't actually in her right hand: they are balloons held by others further back, but which her right fist is imposed upon in the picture.

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Ivan: "Furthermore, what's the significance of the really little balloons in her right hand?"

It lures in the kiddies to do the adults' dirty work.

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some14some at 07:24 AM JST - 7th November This is how children are brainwashed in Japan.

Should I explain to you how children are brainwashed in China?!

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Very funny in Japan, everything is made in China but manufactured by Japanese companies in China, how Japanese people can boycott Chinese products. How Chinese people can boycott Japanese products those are made by Chinese workers in china?

I just found a website “boycottmadeinchina dot org” in Japanese language.

Other side; China banned some sites including “made-in-japan” dot and other domain names related to Japanese products, although these websites never criticized China.

Is it necessary such demonstration and hate in 21st century? Foolishness from the both countries (China and Japan). Why people (Japanese and Chinese politicians) do not try to ease the tensions in between Japan and China.

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Lady in the black dress holding a very small bunch of balloons in her hand ;))

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Yes! Stop all imports from China until "we win." And how will "winning" be defined? Will it be considered a "win" if the Chinese fisherman admits he was wrong or the Chinese government apologizes for the incident? Will it be considered a "win" if the Japanese government admits it was wrong to arrest the fisherman and apologizes? And one more thing, were all those flags, balloons, and clothes made in Japan?

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I have no problems with freedom of protest, democracies should allow this, but teaching their kids to hate another country's people? What awful parents. You know what? I guarantee the very next purchase most of these people make - likely at the 100 yen store - will have items made in China!

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Half the people posting here seem to genuinely think that there's nothing wrong with China; that China's actions surrounding the Senkaku dispute (remember, China is literally the only country in the world that thinks China has that claim) were reasonable; and that the China's incessant saber-rattling is just being misunderstood.

There are reasons for Japanese people to be upset about China. Whether or not you agree with the strawmen postions you've provided for the protestors, it's not unreasonable to be protest the actions of the Chinese government.

Yes, even if there is trade between the two countries! Seldom in history have countries with zero trade relations gone to war, for one simple reason: The same shared borders that facilitate trade encourage dispute. Friedman is a nitwit.

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I think small flags are not "Made in Japan" in above picture and such type of flags are available in 100 yen shop.

I found a Facebook page by searching “facebook made in japan 100 yen shop” in Google Japan. Many Chinese and other foreigners like this page but I did not find any Japanese people who like this page.

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The sad truth about extreme nationalism is brainwashing the future generation. Not only Japan and China tought about their kids how to hate and dislike the neighbours. Koreans school books also potray Japanese as evils. Historially, culturally and liqusitically they link each other. Physical appreance are not much different as siblings.

The biggest problem for today young kids have to behave like extreme, immatured and unwise adults from Japan, China and Korea.

However Japanese business are mushrooming in China. Chinese tourists are flooding into Japan too. Who care abour these protesters. The bucks does not stop with them.

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ratters

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You really have lost everything when you take your young children out on a political rally denouncing another nation, especially when your daughter is still wearing her Schichi-Go-San kimono ! We always give the Chinese criticism for these kind of rallies, but I cannot recall seeing any Chinese mothers demonstrating with their 3 young daughters. And they are still dressed up in their Shichi-Go-San formal clothes !

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Don't know much about the conservative groups that hosted the event, but are they related or sympathetic to those who put the dropped case of Ozawa to the judgment of the prosecution inquest panels? Anyway people in general do not buy their anachronism that "We should not want made-in-China things until we win."

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retaliator: "Should I explain to you how children are brainwashed in China?!"

Ahhh... so what you're suggesting is that since China brainwashes its children then it is okay for Japan to do so too? Wouldn't it be better to just say both are wrong for doing so? You would think Japan is above that kind of thing, but clearly they want to be just as bad if not worse than China when it comes to brainwashing -- they just try to hide it better and make it cute with balloons and 'staff' pins, etc.

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kaminarikeizai: "I think small flags are not "Made in Japan" in above picture and such type of flags are available in 100 yen shop."

Where do you think most 100 yen shop products come from?

"I found a Facebook page by searching “facebook made in japan 100 yen shop” in Google Japan. Many Chinese and other foreigners like this page but I did not find any Japanese people who like this page."

So in other words you're wasting a whole lot of time looking up stuff you don't like?

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Fellas, 100 yen shops sell flags, yes. These people are carrying flags, yes.

It is a big leap though to assume that these are 100 yen shop flags.

I'm pretty damned sure that the hard-right in this country buys its flags in pretty big quantities, and that a good number of the Japanese companies that produce flags are on good terms with the right wing.

Real issues of global politics continue to exist even when you have identified a clever (speculative) "gotcha".

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some14some: This is how children are brainwashed in Japan

Do you mean in this particular instance or in general? I thought about that the other day. Today the recycle truck recorded message was brainwashing me, like it does on weekends. I wish there was something that could be done officially to prevent that noise pollution.

And children and balloons?? oh no.

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@smithinjapan: Do you believe that there is a country in this world that couldn't be accused of brainwashing it's children? Hell, American kids are taught to bleat on and on about how democracy is good and never even get mention of the competing theory that the multiple incarnations of Kim Il Sung are the rightful rulers of all mankind.

More directly, yes, the degree of brainwashing matters a lot, and Japan is much closer on the spectrum to the US than to China.

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notnato: "Do you believe that there is a country in this world that couldn't be accused of brainwashing it's children?"

Where did I say that? In fact, what I DID say was that it's wrong. It's interesting you follow this with:

"More directly, yes, the degree of brainwashing matters a lot,"

It does indeed, but that does not mean it's any better. What's more, Japan is quite obviously worse than the US, though I agree not nearly as bad China. Japan quite clearly white-washes its history -- particularly in relation to massacres it committed in China and on the Korean Peninsula; so much so that they even have lawmakers and PMs like Abe trying to rescind apologies by previous PMs. And yes, I agree as well that NK has to take the cake on brain-washing.

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Fact is, kids everywhere are brainwashed into thinking their country is "right." I remember seeing a teddy bear in the states with a US flag on it's tummy. You push it and it says "America, number one!" I was horrified but no one else got it.

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Teaching children to be proud of their nation is a GOOD thing, teaching them blatant lies in order that they become nationalists is something else entirely, and very, very wrong. Teaching your children to hate another nation is not love for your own nation. BOTH China and Japan (and others, notnato) are guilty of this, and they should both stop being children. Japan, of the two, is in a better position to rise above it and be mature, and as such sinking to low levels makes them even worse, and these people protesting all the more laughable.

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Ossan:Yes they do actually. Japan is China's biggest trading partner and China's economic growth us still export driven.

What? Japan is China's biggest trading partner? Do your home work. China is Japan's biggest trading partner, not the reverse. US is still China's biggest trading partner... by far.

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notnato: "Many countries around the world see the dropping of the bomb on civilian targets as totally abhorrent, but there has never been a serious political movement in the states to apologize."

I agree. In fact, go to any site that speaks of the atomic bombing and you'll see me vehemently reproaching the US for it, amidst posters that say it was, 'Necessary to stop the war'. It was not, bottom line. But every American child who goes to school KNOWS about the bombing. Japanese kids? They ALL know about the bombing, too, and how badly they are the victims. But do they know about Japan's horrors, the sexual slavery? Nope.

"Japan, on the other hand, has officially apologized dozens of times;"

And yet they still have PMs trying to deny that apologies took place, or that Japan benefitted from the slavery of POWs, etc. If you want to look at an example of GENUINE apologies, look at Germany. They may not be quite so genuine with renumeration and what not, but with apologies they are quite honest, and anyone who denies the Holocaust? well...

"Why every armchair pundit thinks their pet issue should be covered in children's textbooks is beyond me."

Ummm... I don't consider things like the Rape of Nanjing or sexual slavery as a 'pet issue'. You're simply further and further proving what I say about white-washing and how rampant it is here, and how easily serious atrocities and what have you are dismissed as trifles. What Japan did to other nations is no better than the atomic bombings, was far longer, and yielded exponential death tolls.

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It takes a total lack of respect for a sovereign nation to call for it to stop being a child. Japan does actually face a threat to its well being from China. No amount of history changes that.

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smithinjapan:

What's more, Japan is quite obviously worse than the US, though I agree not nearly as bad China.

You know nothing about US education. You should stick to prattling about Japan and Canada.

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notnato: But here's a couple of quick questions.

1) Why might Japan be angry at China, presently and historically? Why might China be mad at Japan, presently and historically?

2) Do you not think brainwashing children is bad, regardless of degree?

Both seem pretty clear-cut, but my guess is some will go to a 'further degree' than others to avoid answering and just talk about how better Japan is because they do a horrible thing less than China (not in those words, of course... merely in praises). I'm not saying you're one... just saying.

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There is far too much slating, bickering and exchanging of personal opinion on East Asian history going on here. This article raises two important points and that's it. 1. That a mother takes her 3 young daughters on a political rally denouncing China, and 2. Why it is always the Chinese who are criticised for these politicial rallies when this kind of thing goes on here too.

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smithinjapan at 02:22 PM JST - 7th November Who says that Japan brainwashes their children?! These are a couple of people who might be an exception! And bringing them to a protest doesn't mean they are brainwashed either! You have to show me one Japanese kid that has an aggressive stance against China! I haven't come across any in the 7 years I live in Japan now! In China on the other hand everyone is brainwashed right from the beginning. Every kid is told that Japan is the evil enemy!

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"Who says that Japan brainwashes their children?!"

You do, by asking the question. It's quite clear to those who know anything about the history texts of this nation... well, save notnato, maybe, who considers atrocities other than those committed on Japanese as 'pet issues'.

"And bringing them to a protest doesn't mean they are brainwashed either!"

True. It means they are in the process of being brain-washed. What are these kids going to say when they get home? They're going to talk about how they enjoyed the balloons and hanging out with mom, holding signs they couldn't read and obviously didn't write themselves... never mind they are being taught to hate a nation they can't find yet on a map.

"You have to show me one Japanese kid that has an aggressive stance against China!"

Seriously? I can show you plenty who say they don't like China, and it only proves my point: they don't actually "HATE" the nation, they don't even know what they are talking about -- they are just little kids being encouraged to reiterate the garbage fed to them by people above. Likewise with little Chinese kids who have no idea where or what Japan is.

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"And bringing them to a protest doesn't mean they are brainwashed either!"

True. It means they are in the process of being brain-washed. What are these kids going to say when they get home? They're going to talk about how they enjoyed the balloons and hanging out with mom, holding signs they couldn't read and obviously didn't write themselves... never mind they are being taught to hate a nation they can't find yet on a map.

Seriously? I can show you plenty who say they don't like China, and it only proves my point: they don't actually "HATE" the nation, they don't even know what they are talking about -- they are just little kids being encouraged to reiterate the garbage fed to them by people above. Likewise with little Chinese kids who have no idea where or what Japan is.

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notnato: "is a perfect way to say that any historic war should continue indefinitely."

I don't think it should continue indefinitely at all. I am 100% against war. I was merely pointing out an axiomatic expression that many feel justifies what's happening in terms of Chinese actions, and Japanese trepidation.

"You seem to hold Japan to a higher standard than the rest of the world,"

So does Japan, and that's the problem.

"...yet call it a child."

Because they are acting like children, particularly its leaders. Are you suggesting I should lower my standards of Japan to those of others and call everyone adults? I expect China to be childish and hold protests outside of Japanese embassies or wherever, because they do it often, and I don't expect them to grow up any time soon.

Moderator: Stay on topic please.

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retaliator: "Is it? strange! I never use it before. Your answer seems to come off the shelve though."

It is, indeed. People who answer genuine posts with, "You spend all day on this site", or the most desperate, "If you don't like it, leave" have nothing real to reply with. I didn't make the shelf.

" It was some14some how suggested this first, not me."

Even worse, then, as you cut-and-pasted an argument that was not your own, but stood by it.

"No you can't!"

That's not even a reply... it's just denial. I can, actually, and that's a fact. That you don't like it is something else.

"It's interesting how you always try to play with other people's mind as your last ditch effort because you cannot really put foundation on your statements."

I'm not trying to play with anyone's mind at all -- you're simply telling me that I in fact managed to get to you (and in essence, play with yours). It was not my intention. The fact still remains that you are ending almost every sentence with an exclamation point, and that indicates emotion!!! :) And don't try to twist the facts I state with your inability to rebut a comment. Saying, "You are on the computer all day" is something which shows you 'cannot really put foundation to your statements'; pointing that fact out is proof, and therefore foundation.

I really don't even need to post replies -- you are contradicting yourself every step of the way.

But back to the picture, again, these are examples of children being led astray by irresponsible and idiotic parents. And why the balloons?? (two question marks indicate emphasis, retaliator!!!!) Is it because, "Protesting is fun!"?

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jkanda: "This with your knowledge on the education system of other countries makes me wonder what an expert we have among us on the JT board :)"

Why, thank you!

"The news items here does not give you any right to go on writing your silly assumptions. Politics aside, it is understood that this rally is not welcome. But for you to analyse this so deeply...."

It gives me every right, on a discussion board, to express my opinion, thank you. And since I can clearly back up my 'assumptions' (that a mom has taken her kids out for a protest and have them hold signs they cannot understand and likely not even read), again, it's perfectly alright for me to comment.

For me to analyse something serious deeply? What are you suggesting, I just act like a Japanese politician and conveniently forget? (or 'foggy memory') Come on... the picture is on here as a picture, and these pictures are in part to encourage discourse. This one happens to be quite political and as such is being 'analyzed' by people. What of it?

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Interestingly all reports on this "demonstration" of 3000 (Google writes of 4000) report about women as the most unreasonable and nationalistic. And so is my Japanese wife.

But if they would be as nationalistic as they claim to be, they would have more babies so that Japan can once again conquer the world .. or at least produce more Nintendo games and Toyotas.

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Hope it grows from an Anti-China protest into a full-fledged 'tea-party' - like movement, which Japan badly needs.

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This "demonstration" fits to the BBC report that since Japan's economic power is vanishing and its impact in the world is marginalized, the nationalists are rapidly on the rise. But barking dogs never bite, especially if they have no teeth.

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if they would be as nationalistic as they claim to be, they would have more babies so that Japan can once again conquer the world

Except that once you peel off the top layer of jingoism, you usually find that the average nationalist puts self well before country. They want others to do the hard work, make the sacrifices, provide the cannon fodder.

Maybe this photo isn't about what it seems at all. Not long to Christmas...little kid being brainwashed into thinking 'I don't want anything made in China'...what's to bet everything she wants for Christmas that costs more than a couple of thousand yen, Mum is going to inform her is Made in China? Mum isn't after knocking China so much as she wants an economical Christmas.

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Hope it grows from an Anti-China protest into a full-fledged 'tea-party' - like movement, which Japan badly nee

No nation needs a tea party. All it produces is a deadlock at best and wars at worst.

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This "demonstration" fits to the BBC report that since Japan's economic power is vanishing and its impact in the world is marginalized, the nationalists are rapidly on the rise.

Not surprised the BBC would basically side with China.

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Except that once you peel off the top layer of jingoism, you usually find that the average nationalist puts self well before country. They want others to do the hard work, make the sacrifices, provide the cannon fodder.

Well said. All this demonstrating is about making forget ones pathetic state of self confidence. As they have achieved nothing in life, they need the country to be great so that they can feel better.

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Not surprised the BBC would basically side with China.

The report did not focus on the current clash between Japan and China, but the rise in nationalism since the Japanese economy tumbled in the 90's and the growing marginalisation of Japan's international stance.

Especially since the world uses Japan merely as negative example (crashed economy, national debt, school bullying, record suicides, infantile adults), the national soul turned to glorification of the past and its territory.

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The picture is of a Japanese woman taking 3 Japanese children (presumably her own) on a political demonstration against a country they know nothing about

Judging on the "staff" badge she wears, she is a paid cheap propagandist.

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China will crush Japan, financially at first,if they are not careful.

There's no escaping it. What, they think China is going to stop growing, modernizing and consuming?

Good luck with that. China will make an early example of Japan.

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Iforgot: "Judging on the 'staff' badge she wears, she is a paid cheap propagandist."

Yes, I suspect that you are correct.

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Children should just stay home, any demonstration any where: too young ,too innocent to know how complicated and dirty the world is.

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tclh: I totally agree. Leave kids out of this.

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the rise in nationalism since the Japanese economy tumbled in the 90's

I've been here since the 80s and I can say that this is complete BS. Maybe with the black van types. But the average Mr Suzuki or Ms Tanaka did not suddenly turn into nationalists.

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3rensho, iforgot: or maybe she's a volunteer? I hear a lot of people that go on protest marches are.

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And next week, we will see this woman troll out there demanding that (foreigners--that is ALL foreigners) get out of Japan. So, don't think that this is just about those "bad, bad Chinese"! Oh no. You see, the hatred just has to be expanded. Is this the woman of the future? No wonder J-men are taking a powder and becoming herbivores!!!!!

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But the average Mr Suzuki or Ms Tanaka did not suddenly turn into nationalists.

How would you know if anyone seems so polite and nice to the foreigner.

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if they would be as nationalistic as they claim to be, they would have more babies

Then again, this lady has produced more than double the national average of babies, if those three are all hers....

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Win what?

The war?

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Then again, this lady has produced more than double the national average of babies, if those three are all hers...

If they would all be her kids, they all would be dressed in a kimono. As they aren't I assume the two on the left belong to the (half visible) person on the left and the one in Kimono is hers.

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Not surprised the BBC would basically side with China.

I'm surprised you are not surprised!

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this lady is wrong...kawaiso for the kids.

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If they would all be her kids, they all would be dressed in a kimono.

Not necessarily, but yes, one or two could belong to the half-figure on the left.

I also wonder what all the foreigners want in Japan that they could not do at home.

Enjoy Japan.

Moderator: Back on topic please.

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Agree with Cleo if the girls are aged 7, 6 & 4(an example), only one would be dressed in Kimono for the Festival.

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"Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel" As a neutral third party, it's easy to see that Maehara and his Chinese counterpart are simply appealing to nationalistic ideals in their constituencies, despite those in business wanting to return to the status quo: don't mention the war.

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Only thing I hate more than a die-hard patriot is a Jingoist.

Unfortunately this forum seems to have many Jingoists posting, from all camps political, national, etc.

In short all fanatics achieve(may the be religous, political, anti/pro-whaling, whatever) is they will only hurt themselves and others unecessarily.

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"And next week, we will see this woman troll out there demanding that (foreigners--that is ALL foreigners) get out of Japan. So, don't think that this is just about those "bad, bad Chinese"! Oh no. You see, the hatred just has to be expanded. Is this the woman of the future? No wonder J-men are taking a powder and becoming herbivores!!!!!"

This is to inform you that your message on JapanToday.com has been removed for the following reason: Off Topic

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Win what?

I think the child is talking about a Japanese wrestler wining a sumo basho supposedly their own national sport

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so ironic! their shoes is made in china, their shirt is made in china, their skirt/trousers is made in china, their socks is made in china, i bet even the japanese flag is made in china haha

It get's even deeper, as they themselves, were, in fact, made in China.

some14some said: "This is how children are brainwashed in Japan."

How does communist China brainwash their children?

It's easy, they simply use the truth, taken from history.

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So, just asking....what is the next step after protests. Do we expand to include all foreigners. Remember, nationalism is like a disease...it spreads. Or do we boycott all things Chinese. Oh...bye bye 100 yen stores and Nafco! Geez, where do we shop then?! Or do we just start....we deporting all Chinese? Just asking?

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One would guess that this Japanese girl will never want Chinese products in her lifetime, judging by Japan's losing record to China as of late.

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This picture should make me sad, Japanese almost sinking to the level of what Chinese students were also doing, but we do live in a free country, I am not too sure if these kids even really understand what China is, so this makes me a bit worried, and the adults putting kids in danger should be ashamed of themselves, because all we need is one crazy angry Chinese to go and attack innocent Japanese children, right?

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smithinjapan at 11:35 AM JST - 7th November "Ossan: "True. But anyone with half an economic brain knows that eventually China will be surpassed by other nations willing and able to produce all those for less as costsand wages in China rose along with the it's economy and standard of living." Maybe even Japan... if China's economic might surpasses them far >enough. :)

What are you even talking about? Japamn has far passed it's competitive manufacturing base and completely export driven economy. Japanese compamiers were the first tob shgify production to southeast asia and China. All of this happening well bewfore "China supassed" anybody.

Nah... they'll still insist that mislabelling NK and Chinese imports >as 'Made in Japan' will forever enable them to price gouge. Maybe >they'll even shun the Chinese characters used in the Japanese language! >haha.

Again, what in the world are you talking about?

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mushroomcloud at 08:36 PM JST - 7th November One would guess that this Japanese girl will never want Chinese products >in her lifetime, judging by Japan's losing record to China as of late.

When are you going to be satisfied shroom, when every human on earth is sick and tired of chinese arrogance? You're not doing china or anyone else any favors.

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The tragic part of protests like these is that, it brings out the crazies out of the wood work.

At least they are venting their anger in a peaceful way and not vandalizing a certain Embassy

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Troubles between them will also hurt innocent Koreans too. The ones who suffer the most will be Koreans.Korea please tell China and Japan to grow up and act responsibly if they really care about peace in Asia.

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No chinese products? are you kidding me? Impossible.

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As a Korean saying goes, if the whales fight each other then the back of a shrimp will break apart.

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Children at protests should be illegal, they are not old enough to know what they are doing.

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gogogo.

Fully agree.

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glad japanese are fighting back, but using the kids is lame, agree

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World will surely reduce great amount of rare earth minerals from China, but not now.

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The only one Japan is hurting with its protests is itself. Nationalism is detriment to the development of Japan and keeps Japan from benefitting from providing China with Japanese goods and technology like how Japanese companies lost out to Germany for the development of China’s maglev due to strained relations.

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Neither Japan's nor China's governments will admit this, but the two nations need each other's support, and will do for a long time.

Japan has a dependance on imported food, from China and elsewhere, while having large areas of abandoned farmland. We need to import farmers, not food, from China.

Meanwhile, all of the Japan-China confrontation will become irrelevant when Japan, China and Korea can start to open up North Korea. At that time, all four nations will become stronger.

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I have to agree with other posters here, it is a sad spectacle to see children being paraded around as part of some agenda, whatever agenda it happens to be.

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Just out of interest, is she a schoolteacher ? Can anyone read her name badge to check that ? She's certainly dressed like one and the girl in the kimono has probably been to a Shichi-Go-San celebration.

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I always think the same, whether the rally is for the Tea Party, Gay Rights, Immigration (pro or con), etc. Get a babysitter and leave the innocent kiddies at home where they belong!

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@mshimusa

Yes, of course north korea is grown up and acts responsibly for the peace of Asia. Right?

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I may not agree with these people but I will agree with their right to protest as long as it is peaceful but I 100% agree that they should have left the children at home and out of this but then again we are talking about a bunch of the more radical element here and as we have seen in other countries wether it is animal rights, anti-abortion or a neo-Nazi march the radical will always bring the children and indoctrinate them young.

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If the children grow up & develop certain views well then...so it goes (K. Vonnegut)...but we as adults shouldn't inspire hatred.

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looks like these japanese children will be taught "japan did no wrong in ww2. china, korea, and the rest of asia benefited from our invasion and colonization. there is no such thing as nanking massacre. it is all lies!"

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The Japanese/China disputes smack of 1984 misdirection. On the high-level big business will continue doing business with each other. On the low level Japanese will blame China and Chinese will blame Japan, both governments escaping the scornful eye of inward looking citizens. It would seem the sheeple are easily lead.

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Pretty scary photo. Does the lady's tag say "staff"? Can't see above that. Maybe it says "ocha party"? (When I told my Japanese wife about the American "tea party", she thought it was something to do with an "ochakai"!

This is getting nasty though. The people around me have no hesitation in saying that they hate China, and that Chinese are rude and vulgar. I wonder if the lady in the pic took the three kids home to watch "99nen no ai". If she did the kids will so doubt grow up to think the Japanese are the only civil people in the world. What does "勝つまで” mean? Japanese becoming #2 again?

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Then again, there's something strangely attractive about a passionate woman like that..

Judging by that photo, it will be the women of Japan in the front lines of the next war. The men will be too worried about messing up their hair.

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I see China in her eyes.-Modern Talking

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Showing my ignorance again. "~~ hoshigarimasen, katsu made" was a famous wartime saying in Japan. So kids were taught to not want more rice etc, until they won the war. So the way the kid is made to hold that sign is pretty interesting.

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The girl in the red kimono is holding a sign that says teachers, please do not teach us lies --- adults making kids holding a sign like this, it isn't good because then kids would think teachers teach lie. I do think that the text books in Japan need to be revised, but telling kids that teachers are not teaching the truth wouldn't do much positive. It is scary to use children in an activity like this... I am sure the kids didn't volunteer, their parents made the kids do this.

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The girl in the red kimono is holding a sign that says teachers, please do not teach us lies

I'm pretty sure that woman with the kids is a schoolteacher.

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Well, tough luck you dumb nationalists, your favorite domestic companies are now outsourcing to those Chinese you hate so much.

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hoshigarimasen? What is that?

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Both of the two slogans that the marchers are forcing their kids to hold are completely off the mark. What's this about "winning"? Winning what? What is this "lie at school" they are talking about? And how are they in any way relevant to Diaoyu/Senkaku?

Well, if I had to guess, the former is a meaningless slogan aimed purely to mimic the WWII slogan as described by the poster above in order to invoke right-wing nostalgia. Too bad the concept of "winning" here is so vacuous. And the latter is a right-wing dig at the Japan Teacher's Union, which has always been known to be left wing and anti-nationalist, and frequently accused by the rightists of teaching self-hate.

So this photo tells me only one thing: these marchers aren't normal Japanese folks expressing their anger, they are right-wing weirdos leaping on an opportunity to vent their bigotry.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

hoshigarimasen? What is that?

I do not want.

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What I find the most interesting in all these discussions is how every one of the anti-Japan group seem to focus on Japan's past as military and as an invader of other countries but in fact Japan was and still is more of an isolationist Nation that only had a very short period of invasion and expansion and quite short lived aprox 60 years.

If anything it is China that actually has the history of invasion and expansion going back centuries and that includes Korea and Japan.

Most of these idiot protesting would rather return to the isolationist years then do any invasions or expansion.

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Dear god, seriously--bringing "katsu made" into it? Win what? Aish... And nice going parents, send your kids out there, but don't let anyone know you did it of course!

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I have observation. Anti-Japan demostrations in China were mostly organised and attended by young students. However, anti-China demostration in japan are organised by adult politician and attanded by adults. Does this tell us something? Young students have sharp mind, easy to get excited but less mature. It is understandable for their extreme action. However, those anti-China demostration were much more evilness because those politician and adults are mature and more calculated. These adults even ask their children to attend such political action. I can not believe it. So eveil.

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Question:

goddog at 01:14 PM JST - 8th November hoshigarimasen? What is that?

Answer:

yasukuni at 08:01 AM JST - 8th November Showing my ignorance again. "~~ hoshigarimasen, katsu made" was a famous wartime saying in Japan. So kids were taught to not want more rice etc, until they won the war. So the way the kid is made to hold that sign is pretty interesting.

... and personally I find this particular quote deeply disturbing. I am friends with an old Japanese man, and sometimes he talks about World War 2. His stories are frankly terrifying. People "going missing" for questioning the war, the daily thin rice gruel, the teachers in military uniforms, children as young as 5 working in the fields every day to produce rice for the army...

And they want that back?!

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On the plus side, Japan grows closer to the US.

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Such a tragedy to see an immature, undeveloped mind being manipulated in such a way.

... also, she brought her kids.

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Japan was and still is more of an isolationist Nation that only had a very short period of invasion and expansion

Oh but what a period that was! Smaller, yet more efficient- the Japanese approach to everything.

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Thousands of Japanese nationalists demonstrated against China and Tokyo’s handling of a territorial dispute.

I find this caption more problematic than the image itself. Unlike the conventional images of kooky right-wingers gathering on a war shrine or radical Chinese protestors engaging in violent protests, these people look pretty much moderate and decent protesters to me. They are far cry from some crazy and irrational folks joining in the Tea Party Group.

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Is it just me, or does the woman appear to have some big "sweater kittens"?

And children at protests such as this do not understand, they are being used as a propaganda tool.

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Kids should not be invloved in this mess. Leave them out please !!!!!

Probaably the father/husband put them up to it !!!! Or maybe grandpa ??? Why don't they try to change the job market for women over 30 in japan. Now, that's cause worth fighting for !!!! This woman is an idiot !!!!

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The picture only showed a weakened nation and truly a pathetic attempt in trying to bring back their "past glory"...This is not a demonstration! There were more people lining to get their first IPhone than this crowd! And for god sake, if they truly want to show a nation with resolve, have the men to come and keep the young children home..

The fact that Japan terrorized China and the rest of the world some 70 years ago with their war machine, and did not pay the ultimate price of a nation as the German did.... A nation that could not recognize past mistakes is due to repeat the same mistakes... The sad fact is that Japan no longer has the national resolve and strength to confront the growing power of its neighbor, and the current generation of Japanese youngsters did not grow up with the set of values that could wage war against the Chinese...

The protest should be pointed at their own inept government roiled more in corruption than building the national strength... Settle the matters with their neighbors peacefully.. Frankly considering the fact that Japan lost the war after millions had died; giving up a piece of island that no one cares about seems a cheap way out...

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388koo:"The picture only showed a weakened nation and truly a pathetic attempt in trying to bring back their "past glory"..."

What is more pathetic this group generally viewed as fringe idiots screaming about past glory for an approximately 60 year period of aggressive behavior.

Or that of an aggressive government that is threatening others trying to gain what is not theirs by using antiquated map from past aggressive expansionist empires that went on for CENTURIES and using aggression against it neighbor even to this present day to regain what its past empires had originally gained or claimed over the centuries though war and violence.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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