Nationalism

Last week Japan eagerly awaited the arrival of a new prince. Whilst it put to rest much discussion and debate regarding the inheritance of the throne it has also been believed to awaken a sense of nationalism amongst people here. I believe however that this sense of Japan pride started some time ago and the birth of the prince will only add to the momentum. As a foreigner passionate about this place it is actually quite heart warming to see the passion reignited amongst the Japanese themselves.

The bursting of the bubble did a lot to affect confidence here, but even during the time of the bubble, it was all about getting your hands on foreign goods and a sense of a foreign lifestyle. While international brands and foreign people for that matter still capture interest and a certain amount of automatic equity in this country, the slow but sure resurgence of the Japanese economy is bringing a sense of pride and confidence in the country and a general lifting of spirits amongst its individuals.

The first time I remember being somewhat surprised by the Japanese being so happy about well, being Japanese, was during the Olympic games in Athens. Equally Japan's most successful medal earning event in history, the country really got behind its winning athletes. People really were emotionally affected by the event, overwhelmed with happiness and a sense of pride that had been forgotten for some time it seemed. I admit, I felt it too - while my loyalties still lie with my home country, with my long standing interesting in this country I can't help but be affected by Japan's success too.

Japan has done well on the international stage, not only in sporting events, but also in business - an example being how their car exports have gone from strength to strength and are giving Japan a reputation of quality and reliability once again. There is renewed pride in Japanese industry after the despair it went through when the bubble burst. Both the success of the economy and many sporting successes (we'll ignore the football world cup!) has stimulated further success with people more willing to buy local brands and support local initiatives only further supporting the upturn of the economy and pride.

The pride has even become 'cool'. Trends popular with young people here have included modern fashion items featuring traditional Japanese print, colourful versions of traditional tabi socks, traditional style bags and even nail art featuring Mt Fuji's, cherry blossoms and other Japanese icons. Though there has been an element of Asia in a lot of global fashion for some time, the recent items appearing in Japan carry more of an authenticity and obviously symbolize more than a liking of the clothes. There has also been a renewed sense of interest in traditional Japanese arts and crafts with people now more aware and interested in the uniqueness of Japan's culture and traditions and a desire to experience the authentic elements of tradition that still exist.

With the hospital in which the Prince was born in last week just down the road from our offices, I saw for myself how many people were passionate enough to line the streets (reported to be nearly 2,000) in order to catch a glimpse of the car leaving the hospital with this tiny baby inside. Flags were flown and people were really rejoicing and while I can't say I am intensely interested in the royal family, I liked the fact that others were. Perhaps I just believe that there should be an interest, particularly if you are Japanese - not only of the nation's royalty, but of celebrating all things Japanese. Japan has been looking across oceans for inspiration and ideals for some time and my Japanese friends have long been intrigued by my fascination of Japan and believed it to be somewhat ironic, while there are always staunch nationalists, it is nice for more of the masses to realize that the grass isn't always greener...