That's a stupid way to close the school, considering this has been ongoing since 1970 (or even earlier).

Things like this, I'm very disappointed in Japan for dragging down what used to be the envy of the world. Japan have such an amazing culture with rich history and traditions and customs. Even in the modern age, Japan spearheaded itself to be among the best nations in the world is so admirable.

But recently, Japan been hit with all kinds of problems:

1) An aging population
2) less-determined and -driven youths, like the past when All of Japan wished and worked for a prosperous future, Lifting Japan from poverty and ruined during the post-WW2 period.
3) passive, not aggressive enough, especially when dealing with the Bullies of East Asia, China, North and South Korea, in certain disputes.

I always had such an admiration for Japan. Not just the great gadgets, electronics, the automobiles, and video games/anime/manga culture, like that of Sony, Sharp, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Dragon-ball, Slam Dunk, bleach, Naruto,etc. but Been a huge fan of it's rich, cultivated history and culture: the samurais and ninja warriors, the martial arts, the bushido code, the buddhist temples and shinto shrines, the cuisine, the ikebana, the performing arts, the traditional clothing,etc. (you get my point).

Also, I'd always been fond of the Japanese way of life and Japanese society.
though I had heard otherwise, negative comments about it, but generally I still very much like it so.

other than the technological aspects, Japan been a major player in almost all fields it partake. Especially it's high quality products and craft.

- Beginning in the early 1960's(?), japan started manufacturing guitars, within a decade or so, it well known for it's high quality @ cheap prices compared to American guitar manufacturers, even today.
I.E. Ibanez, Takamine, ESP, Fernandes,etc.

- Not just that, but in all fields in manufacturing, Japanese companies hold a spot, in some cases several, in the world best list.

-in the rarer and less mentioned, Japan also manufactured well known, high quality firearms and weaponry. companies like Howa, Mitsuibishi, and sumitomo heavy industries, as well as Miroku and Minebea.
until the 1978 weapons-export ban, Howa version of the AR-18, Miroku's Browning replicas are well known for their high quality and reliability.
Even during WW2, the Mitsubishi Zero fighter plane are feared and the Arisaka rifles are quite reliable.

To sum it up, I loved Japan and Japanese ingenuity, it's way of adapting and perfecting any imported ideas that came it's way.

Sad to see Japan in such a situation.
And the way Japan been bullied by the world, US, Australia, China and The Koreas, kinda make u think if Imperial Japan still exist, would they keep quiet? If only samurai still exist...

They were cuter then!

I would add a few comments myself.

If everyone in governments worldwide always held a view of "tit for tat" visa vie international relations there would never be any forward movement. There would never peace achieved.

All individuals , everywhere, want the same things. Peace, freedoms [as far as they can be inagined in repressive regiems] a good job, family, enough to eat are wishes common to every culture.

I look to Ghandi for leadership in this endeavor[his memory]. You cannot force freedom on someone who does not desire it. Like faith, you cannot get it from anyone. It must built from the inside.

What one can do is Wear ones' faith, freedom, rights, in a way that inspires others to want it too.

North Korean government has not evolved into a force which cares for it's residents. As a result they are living in dire poverty and fearful of everyone as near as I can tell.

To facilitate growth one must have some contace but be wary as they will not treat international relationships any better than they treat their own people.

Summary, good people led by bad government.

Cheers,

Patrick

The underwear remark and the video are the joke esp when you consider those were 500lbs bombs dropped from 40,000 feet hitting things like trucks.

ALSO, AMERICAN MATH SKILLS ARE NOT ANY WORSE THAN THOSE OF OTHER NATIONS. BUT GRATS ON YOUR SELF HATRED.