Great Construction
A New Form of Patriotism
There is probably nothing that the peoples of the world hold more in common than that of the concept of patriotism. Whatever country in the world, no nation is there that has not set a high bar for patriotism. In Japan until the end of the war ran rampart a form of patriotism so aggressive as not to be seen in other countries and it permeated the entire population. The cause for this extreme patriotism was of course the Emperor system. Fresh in our memory is that as a symbol of the nation, the Emperor was held to be a living god, but he was held as a living god because he was revered for his position in an unbroken line of emperors, so national sentiment naturally led to reverence as a living god, and everyone is probably aware that one set of individuals and authority figures used propaganda and education to force certain goals for their own ambition. As a result, a nation-state unlike anything seen anywhere was created which self-styled itself a divine nation, becoming smug and complacent. Even though Japan was not that wealthy, it acted like a spoiled brat.
What is more, it is intolerable that scholars in service to the state skillfully cultivated self-esteem through historical theories. As isms, loyalty and patriotism swamped the populace, all Japanese came to believe in the nation at all costs, and sacrificing their lives for the emperor as the highest morality became normal. As a result of the defeat in the recent war, loyalty and patriotism were blown away, and rather a sense of inferiority was born. In addition, at that moment, the Emperor astonished the nation by declaring in his own words, “I am not a god, I am a human being.” At the same time, a new constitution was born, and with the unprecedented declaration that the sovereignty of politics belongs to the people, Japan became a democratic nation-state, the greatest transition since the beginning of Japan. As is known to all, it was inevitable that the nation would be caught in confusion at that time, with rumblings of the Emperor’s abdication, and apart from intellectuals, the common people lost their goals and the future became bleak. This situation continues until this day.
In this regard, there was an interesting situation. Immediately after the end of the war almost everyone who visited me said with regretful faces words to the effect that the divine wind did not blow to which I replied: “You’re kidding! The divine wind really did blow! You misunderstand what the divine wind is. God’s will is to help good and punish evil, and since Japan was in the wrong, it’s only natural that it was defeated. Rather, the defeat is something to be thankful for. We should celebrate! I can’t do that right now, so I’m keeping quiet, but the time will come when you understand.” Upon hearing that they would reply that they understood and left in a more cheerful disposition.
This anecdote shows how the Japanese placed the question of right and wrong after that of the nation-state, and thinking only of their own benefit, repeating slogans like “all the world under one roof,” came to the point that other nations were of no consequence as long as Japan’s interests were served. This attitude came to be known as loyalty and patriotism, and like a work horse, everyone followed along. It was from this seed that germinated the cause of the terrifying disaster.
When we reflect on all these matters, unless patriotism itself fits with its age or period and is based on a fundamental concept of good and evil, right and wrong, long-range national policy cannot be formed. Let me describe a patriotism that accords with the coming ages. Put for easy understanding, Japan’s patriotism so far based on a shojo way of thinking will be transformed into one based on a daijo way of thinking. This is fundamental. In a word, it will be international love, love of humanity. In other words, because Japan is loved, the world is loved. Today because everything has become international and global, isolation and aloofness are becoming fading memories. Thus, from now on patriotism, in practical terms, will be as follows. The security of the lives of the 90 million Japanese is of course primary, and as a nation-state based on moralistic justice, it will be respected by all the world. In this regard can be mentioned the issue of rearmament currently being vigorously discussed, and for some time now the pros and cons have been debated, for which it is troubling that no decision has been made, but from my viewpoint, rearmament is not that difficult a problem. If considered simply as a practical problem, it is easily understandable. That is, if there is a guarantee that no nation will absolutely not invade Japan, rearmament should not be considered, but if there is no guarantee, then there is a need for rearmament appropriate to national strength.
Eikō, Issue 185, page A1, December 3, 1952
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translated by cynndd
“Atarashii Aikokushin,” originally published on the front page of Eikō, Issue 185, December 3, 1952, was reprinted while Meishu-sama still alive in the essays anthology for ministers Goshinsho: Shūkyōhen (Divine Writings: Volume on Religion), page 110, March 25, 1954, and then shortly after Meishu-sama’s Ascension again reprinted in the essays anthology for ministers Seikai Meshiya Kyō Seiten: Geijutsuhen, Shakaihen (Sacred Texts of the Church of World Messianity), page 272, September 1, 1955. “Atarashii Aikokushin” has previously appeared in translation. Citation is given below for reference.
“New Patriotism,” Foundation of Paradise, 1984, page 212.