Consumer Revolution in Postwar Japan

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

At first in this reading I am completely impressed by Japan's ambitious and yes, "miraculous," recovery/fast forward industrialization and rapid economic rebuilding. I mean, c'mon, their plan alone is amazing- ambitious, comprehensive, clear and concise! I love it! Then to actually carry it out! Who can "Beat Japan!"? (Was that refrain a Detroit thing- or did it extend out here to California?) They consciously and purposefully did in a compressed way what the US did in a much more accidental and haphazard way.
Of course then, we read more, and get to the inevitable underbelly- the same struggles America has faced- environmental disasters swept under the rug by a government working hand in hand (and in bed) with corporations. These environmental ills affect the lower, less empowered classes disproportionately of course. In addition, we go further under the surface and must face other ugly realities that result from male (and other) dominances- the trafficking of females. Excellent questions try to pry and get at root causes and conditions,
"Why was the traffic in female bodies possible in an environment where the prevalent sexual morality continued to claim that it valued virginity over life?"
The answer given is connected to the vestiges of imperialism whose control and dominance is never questioned along with the dehumanizing workload men are expected to maintain.
I see many parallels between America and Japan.

If I was teaching, I would have students look for patterns and parallels. Are there identifiable patterns every time industrialization takes place? What can we learn from that- that will help us in our future if anything? Can we see future parallels with China? Will CHina, despite being communist, embark on a kind of state-sanctioned (think America's legal "spas") prostitution and trafficking as well? Must this commodifying of flesh be inherent to capitalism?

[Anonymous]

I have visited Japan three times. The first thing I notice when I step off the , without fail, is the degree to which each and every person is "buying stuff". The japanese, as far as I can tell, are not stay at home type people. Within one block of my father in law's apartment in Tokyo there must be at least fifty restaurants and I've eaten at most all of them. Whenever we go out to eat, is surprises me how well most of these places are doing. Many of them serve the exact same food, sometimes even right next door to one another.
Japan is a consumer driven society to a far greater extent than the US. I thought Americans were big spenders, but compared to the Japanese, we are conservative.

[Anonymous]

I also have visited Japan. My stay was only two weeks in Tokyo, Osaka, Atami and periphery. But I was able to make some personal discoveries of this culture in 1973. From the inner city Tokyo nightlife I noticed that the young people all dressed almost as exact replicas of each other. Even the young ladies applied make-up in a very standard sameness. The young people conversed in a polite, and to me, an almost distant manner. On the dance floor the males all danced together and then the females danced together. These were not gay or lesbian establishments. Coming from my cultural perspective, Hispanic American, I didn't notice very much affection and warmth and comfort/ease with each other. Politeness, yes.

They also trusted each other in the retail market place. I spent an afternoon in the Ginza. Unfortunately some of my fellow travelers took advantage of the lack of monitoring and security cameras. They stole many items when the attendants would just walk away, leaving them with very valuable items in their possession.

[Anonymous]

Buying and spending is what strengthens an economy so I'm sure no one is complaining in Japan except for perhaps parents. But I must admit that I thought Americans were the top spenders in the world with the amount of excesses that we have available. It just shows how ones thinking can be narrow until broadened with education. This class has given me invaluable insight into Asian culture and lifestyles. I have yet to visit japan but I look forward to it and to doing a little shopping of my own.

[Anonymous]

It is amazing how Japan was able to recover from WWII. I know that I'm only seeing the surface aspects, but when I think of Japan I think of shopping, spending, Harajuku Girls and "upper class" looking soap operas. Generally speaking when I think of how countries make their money-- I can't really understand how Japan makes so much money. I know that xenophobia is one way to keep workers out, but Japan's population is growing old-- so how will they solve the need for workers? I wonder how not getting involved in wars as their constitution now dictates saves them money? Also not becoming involved in any wars I'm sure brings a sense of relief to the population. I wish I could just visit and explore this country.

[Anonymous]

The consumer revolution in Japan is alive and well. Nowhere on Earth is there a society that is more dependent on the spending of money. It is confusing to me then that Japan has a far higher savings rate than most westernized countries. It would seem to me that one can not exist with the other.

[Author]

Posts