PATRIOTISM OF JAPAN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2084, 20 May 1907, Page 3

PATRIOTISM OF JAPAN.

Patriotism, if the word is used in . Western sense, is totally inadequate to cover all that it implies to a Japanese mind, says Mr. A. R. Colquhoun, writing in the Monthly Review. Taken in tho Japanese sense, it may bo regarded as a leligion, since it possesses the essentials of any true religion tho recognition of supreme power controlling the- affairs of man, the practice of certain rites of prayer and praise, and conformity with the rules of life. Patriotism means loyalty, not in any limited sense, but in the family (dead and living), to the clan or community and to the" stateI’as 1 ’as to the'larger' families. It covers a range of obligations whicli constitute an unwritten but binding code of morals. It involves acquiescence in the ethical code of the “way,” without which no son can hopo to be a worthy patriot of his -.country. At the.same time it carries

with it that same senso of responsibility, not only for himself, but for the State of which ho is a unit, which is such an extraordinary inspiration to tho patriot, and inspires him to such heights of solf-sacrifico. • The lives spent in tho practico of patriotism do not always lio in tho more shady paths of personal bravery.-They aro to bo soon in tho class-room, in tho factory, in the Government oflico, iu every department' of modern lifo and work whore tho modern Japanese are striving, without hope of personal roward, pecuniary or othonviso. to urgo forward tho development of his country. The gonuino nature of this inspiration, tho lofty character of its ideal, cannot' bo donied; but tho whole fabric rests on a foundation of semi-mythical beliefs and antiquated social customs which will now liuvo to stand the shock of contact and rivalry with tho forces of democracy. •Japan has deliberately adopted a course which commits her to competition with AVostern nations, and competition is a cruel master. Tho ethical basis of Japanoso life must ho sliakon by it, and the conditions it imposos destroy for ever tho ancient civilisation founded on mutual responsibility and forbearance. Tho extremes of poverty and wealth and tho other disquieting and inevitable accompaniments of advanced industrialism are already making their appearance. Tho most dangerous disintegrating factor, however, will bo the doctrine of individualism, and it' remains to he seen whether the peculiar form of patriotism in Japan, which makes it synonymous with religion, can be adjusted to make it fit in with this essentially AVestern and highly infectious doctrine.