THE SECRET OF LIFE
Awareness of one’s lagging position ignites the courage to push forward. Those who fail to acknowledge their lagging position will remain perpetually behind, with progress always out of reach.
The Japanese people consider themselves descendants of the sun, believing that their lineage is superior to others, granting them the right to dominate other nations. This belief gave rise to the slogan ‘East Asia for Japan.’ This sense of superiority and entitlement fostered a militant attitude throughout Japanese history, particularly between 1937 and 1945, as they fought other nations to assert this self-declared right. Initially, Japan experienced success in this war, capturing Manila in 1942, as well as Singapore, the Netherlands, and Rangoon. However, in the pursuit of further conquest, Japan ultimately lost everything it had gained.
During World War II, Japan and the United States were adversaries. Japan had conventional bombs, while the U.S. developed atomic bombs, disrupting the balance of power. In July 1945, the U.S. dropped two nuclear bombs on Japan, which shattered Japan’s military might. America emerged victorious, leaving Japan with no choice but to accept what one observer described as a “humiliating surrender” (Time, April 13, 1987, p. 15).
In response, Japan demonstrated realism. On August 14, 1945, Emperor Hirohito addressed the nation with a radio broadcast, stating that they had resolved “to pave the way for a grand peace for all generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering that is unsufferable.”
In accordance with this decision, Japan formally signed surrender documents on September 2, 1945, acknowledging U.S. supremacy.
This was no small decision for Japan, a nation that had long stood on a foundation of perceived superiority. Now, it had to stand on the foundation of realism. Instead of anti-foreign sentiments, Japan needed to find the secret to life through self-reflection. At that time, Japan was in ruins, its industries destroyed. General MacArthur, a “war criminal” in Japanese eyes, was placed in authority over Japan in violation of their sovereignty. In addition to losing Korea, Burma, Singapore, Taiwan, and other foreign possessions, Japan lost parts of its territory, including the islands of Karafuto and Okinawa. In 1946, the “MacArthur Constitution” was implemented, designed to keep Japan under the control of foreign powers.
These circumstances represented the essence of “enduring the unendurable.” Many Japanese found it unbearable, leading some to take their own lives. According to an article in the Encyclopaedia Britannica (1984), many military extremists attempted to prevent Emperor Hirohito’s message from being broadcast. When they failed, several nationalists and military officers, feeling dishonoured, committed suicide:
“There were a number of suicides among the military officers and nationalists who felt dishonoured.” (Encyclopaedia Britannica, Vol. 10, p. 86)
Japan adopted a pragmatic approach, accepting a secondary position (“Number 2”) after World War II. However, this did not mean Japan was content to remain in this position forever. Rather, it sought a period of rebuilding without directly confronting the powerful United States. Under this policy, Japan accepted U.S. dominance politically and economically while focusing all its energies on science and technology. Over time, this approach bore fruit. Within thirty years, Japan transformed from a defeated nation into an economic powerhouse. Japan produced high-quality electronics and other products that even Americans preferred over their domestic options due to better quality and lower cost. This situation deeply unsettled American policymakers, as one American politician, Pete Wilson, remarked, “The Japanese semiconductor Godzilla is now destroying everything but Tokyo.”
After World War II, Japan was indebted to the U.S., but by 1986, the situation had reversed. Japan became America’s creditor. In 1986, American goods imported into Japan were worth $26 billion, while Japanese exports to America reached $ 85 billion, creating a significant trade imbalance. By 1986, Japan had a trade surplus of over $ 85 billion with the U.S., making America the world’s largest debtor and Japan the largest creditor (Time, April 13 and April 27, 1987).
This shift has inspired numerous books. In the U.S., a popular book titled Japan—Number One became a bestseller. In 1945, Japan accepted being “Number 2” to the U.S. Forty years later, America acknowledged Japan’s success in reclaiming the top position.
The Japanese first wrote their story as “Japan Number 2,” which paved the way for others to write Japan—Number One. This reflects a key principle of progress in the modern world: those willing to accept defeat are often the ones who eventually win. Those who are ready to step back will one day secure a place at the front. This principle, first discovered by Muslims in the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah 1,400 years ago, has been mirrored in recent times by the Japanese in their context.
In essence, this world is one of competition. Everyone is striving to get ahead, and this race is the driving force behind human progress. Every advancement in history has emerged from this spirit of competition. America’s pursuit of leadership led humanity to nuclear power, while Japan’s resurgence created the era of electronics.
In this race, one nation inevitably falls behind while another moves forward. If the lagging nation spends its time in complaints and protests, it merely wastes valuable time. The only way forward is to acknowledge that others have progressed while they have fallen behind.
This recognition directs one’s efforts in the right direction, allowing them to rebuild without engaging in fruitless confrontation. Eventually, the day comes when they can reclaim their lost position.
Awareness of being behind instils the courage to advance again. Those who fail to recognise their lagging status will remain perpetually behind, with progress forever beyond their reach.
