433 Japan’s Power and Influence

“Japan’s Power and Influence”

From the 17th century to the middle of the 20th,
The great powers of Europe, led by the British Empire,
Shaped the world through colonial rule.

The iron fist of white supremacy proliferated,
From the New World, to Africa, to virtually all of Asia.
Europe prospered through pillage and exploitation,
Plundering the countries they ruled.

It was Japan’s closed-door era, a tranquil period of national isolation.
The era ended with the Meiji Restoration in the latter half of the 19th century.
Japan, too, grew a sense of nationhood,
The homeland must be protected.

Japan, victorious in wars with China and Russia,
Stunned the world with a policy of strength through military power,
No doubt raising alarms among Western powers.

In 1919 at a meeting of the League of Nations,
Japan put forth a proposal for racial equality among member nations.
Although the proposal was rejected by the Western powers,
It was a historic moment for humankind.

The Pacific War was inevitable.
It was the liberation of Asian nations.
Japan gave hope and courage to colonized peoples.
Unfortunately, Japan lost that war.
However, important ideals were realized.

Today, the world again faces a crisis.
Japan’s sacred mission is great.
Now more than ever, the world needs Japan’s power and influence.