建国記念の日

Today is National Foundation Day in Japan, the holiday to mark the birth of Japan when the first Emperor (Jimmu) came to the throne in 660 BC. It reiterates the fact that the Japanese monarchy is the oldest in the world, indeed, it is the most ancient succession or even institution of any kind that still exists in the world today. This is something Japan can be truly proud of, both for the leadership the august emperors have provided over these 2,674 years but also they can be proud of themselves as a people for remaining so steadfastly loyal and faithful during all that time to the one imperial dynasty that has guided Japan throughout its entire history. It is worth noting how much of a difference this still makes when compared to those countries neighboring Japan who have not displayed such loyalty to their own ancestors, traditions and national heritage. On the occasion of this National Foundation Day, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called upon the Japanese people, quite appropriately, to "express deep respect" for all that their ancestors had accomplished and, building on that, to call upon the people to go forward into the future as "a Japan that has pride". Very fitting words for such an occasion as this.

However, there was a very different message from the communist bandit government in Peking. The Chinese "People Daily" marked the occasion with an article repeating the usual accusations of Japanese actions during World War II and demanding that the Prime Minister of Japan actually go down on his knees to beg forgiveness for the "crimes" of his, and the Japanese people's, ancestors. Here we see a very clear example of how different a traditional monarchy and a revolutionary republican country operate. On one hand, a leader calls for respect for the forebears who built a great nation, honoring the national heritage and going forward, heads held high, with righteous pride. On the other hand, we see a puppet publication of a totalitarian government, the most murderous regime in human history, calling to mind horror stories, demanding humiliation, demanding someone to beg forgiveness and all because they consider everyone collectively guilty of everything for all time. Which system seems the healthier and more virtuous of the two? The answer is obvious just as it is obvious that a regime founded on the betrayal of their own history, culture and traditions must hold animosity against those who have loyally remained faithful to their own.

Long live Japan! Long live the Emperor!