My relationship with the Japan in my mind started in college when I read Nathan’s biography of Mishima. I did read ‘Patriotism’ in high school and I understood its beauty. His idea of the ‘unity of pen and sword’ appealed greatly to me.
Like many Americans, I read James Clavell’s Shogun books during the 80s. Also the film Kagemusha was a big hit on the art house circuit. I wasn’t into it - I was kind of young, but I did remember. By the mid to late 80s, Americans like me were totally into Kurosawa films. Coming from Los Angeles as I did, I actually grew up with Japanese Nisei in the Crenshaw area. My friends and I were into Datsun mini trucks when they first came out. And the 510 was awesome.
The more I think about the subject, the more I remember. Part of the admiration came from the fact that in the 80s Japanese companies were buying American property. I seem to recall the Dai Ichi Kangyo was said to be the most powerful bank in the world. And of course everybody loved Nikon cameras more than American cameras.
Eating sushi was a big deal in LA. That too happened in the mid 80s for me. But it wasn’t until the late 80s when I finally realized how much I had been impressed with things Japanese. That is when I started studying Taoism, and also reading the Akira manga. Prior to that, a Japanese friend of mine was very much into the ‘cute’ and she introduced me to Han Gyodon. Ultimately I adopted Badtz Maru as my desk pet. But Otomo’s comic and the Tao kind of did it for me. When I read Shogun, I decided that I would run my house in such a way that my wife would make all of the financial decisions, so that I would be free of such concerns - money would not color my judgement. Unfortunately I turned out to be the one who was smarter with money.
At some for a short time I had a Japanese girlfriend. She came to the US because she liked the freedom and imagination of Americans. On the other hand I was attracted to Japan for its order, formality and traditional ways. I wanted to be able to think both ways, so it was important for me at the time.
I have never been to Japan, but I continued enjoying Kurosawa, with Ran being my favorite film for many years. But as I got older, I was not so fanatical about it. Today I am very comfortable with all things Japanese that make it over to the US.
I think most Americans simply enjoy Japanese food and consumer goods but don’t think very much about Japanese culture. Young people definitely enjoy Japanese videogames and heroic style.
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