"Prime Minister Koizumi is in a very difficult situation. The Japanese public does not support "unilateral" action against Iraq. Japanese intellectuals are critical of the handling of this and past situations. On the other hand, with North Korea moving toward the reactivation of its nuclear program and simultaneously testing cruise missiles, it is a very bad time to part company with the U.S. Secretary Powell is very happy with the quality of Japan's support at the political level, but real popular support within the country is lacking.
"Japan cannot join in any attack because of the nature of its constitution which rejects war as an instrument of state policy. The Self-Defense Forces, including warships and transport planes, can be used to remove Japanese citizens from danger zones but cannot be used for attack. Any active Japanese participation will take place after the cessation of hostilities. Japan, as a wealthy country, will be expected to help rebuild and stabilize Iraq, and it accepts that role.
"Despite all the uncertainties, the Nikkei index was up on the morning that missiles fell on Baghdad."
George Hudson, a Colgate University professor, has worked with the Smithsonian Institution for many years in Japan as a participant in the Kyoto Seminar for the National Associates' program and is fluent in Japanese. He has also served as a guide and lecturer for numerous Smithsonian-sponsored crossings of the Swiss Alps.
In the classroom, Hudson has addressed the cultural and political factors that influenced Japan's previous involvement in war. He recently concluded a course titled "The Evolution of Japanese Culture" which he taught in tandem with another course "The Advent of the Atomic Bomb" presented by Karen Harpp, another Colgate professor. In Hudson's course, students focused on the historical and political framework in Japan in the 20th century, laying the groundwork for a thorough understanding of the fateful events of 1945. In Harpp's complementary course, students focused on the history behind the development of the atomic bomb, the scientific accomplishments necessary to construct the weapons, the decision to use the bombs in 1945, and the global aftermath of this historic action." The courses were taken simultaneously by students who traveled to Japan with Harpp and Hudson for three weeks as part of their studies.
Founded in 1819, Colgate University is a highly selective, residential, liberal arts college enrolling nearly 2,750 undergraduates. Situated on a rolling 515-acre campus in central New York State, Colgate University attracts motivated students with diverse backgrounds, interests and talents.
RSS