A Sunday column in the Sankei Shimbun by Kyoto University professor Nobuo Masataka examines how the human craving for recognition corrodes judgment.
It exposes the intellectual decay behind movements that label essential legal safeguards as “war legislation,” while anti-Japanese sentiment is exploited by regimes to maintain power.

2016-09-12
The following is from yesterday’s Sunday column of the Sankei Shimbun titled “A Rebuke to Newspapers.”
The author is Nobuo Masataka, Professor at the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University.

Readers should realize that this article perfectly substantiates, from an academic standpoint, the argument I wrote when the Rio Olympics began.

It also provides a superb explanation of the individuals calling themselves university professors, previously unknown to the public, who assembled on stage to lead a movement.
A movement so foolish that calling it childish would be an understatement.
A movement that labeled as “war legislation” the legal framework established to protect Japan and its people absolutely.

This framework was created to defend Japan and its citizens from schemes by fascist states.
States that have incited hatred toward Japan as a means of maintaining their own regimes.
And that seek to invade our country through a philosophy devoted solely to power itself.

Prime Minister Abe was able to accomplish this precisely because he has faced the reality before us.
By fulfilling the duty of a politician.
Setting aside personal interests.
And striving solely to strengthen Japan.
A peaceful and democratic nation that has achieved the world’s highest levels of intellect and freedom.

Emphasis in the text is mine.

When one works in an organization called the Primate Research Institute.
It is not uncommon to be asked.
“What is the dimensional difference between monkeys and humans?”

As a specialist in psychology and behavior.
I answer in such cases.
“Although monkeys can engage in learning as complex as that of humans.
What motivates them to do so is fundamentally different.”

The behavioral principle of monkeys.
Is limited to acquiring food and mates.
Whereas humans strive.
To be widely noticed and praised by those around them.

Moreover.
This desire is deeply ingrained in human nature.
And escaping the pleasure of social recognition.
Is nearly impossible for us.

A typical example.
Is when university professors.
Once they begin appearing on television variety programs.
Become deeply absorbed in them.

Though it may sound blunt.
Most scholars.
Are fundamentally narrow specialists detached from society.

When slightly flattered by the media.
They lose self-restraint.
And often invite a reversal of priorities.
In which the quality of their true academic work declines.

Watching the coverage of Japanese athletes competing in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
I felt the same concern.

The extravagance of Olympic coverage.
Is incomparable.
Even to world championships in individual sports.
Which should be equivalent in terms of competing skills.

Television and newspapers alike.
Report extensively and in detail.
On athletes displaying their honed techniques.

As a result.
Success at the Olympics brings.
A flood of television appearances and commercial offers.
Opening the possibility of a second career.

For athletes.
The purpose of winning.
Must not be merely to obtain medals.

It has long been pointed out.
That they should aim.
For spiritual fulfillment beyond victory and defeat.

However.
Here a troublesome problem arises.

As with some of my fellow professionals.
Once people begin to feel pleasure.
In socially recognized lives.
They possess an instinct.
To alter their behavior.
So as to stand out more.

In fact.
This often acts negatively.
In situations that require the arousal of competitive drive as animals.

It is known.
To hinder performance in many disciplines.
And is critical for athletes.

For athletes.
Who fail to perform according to their reputation.
This possibility must be considered.

The era.
When training solely for skill improvement was sufficient.
Has ended.

It is also necessary.
To consider mental training.
Including behavior after winning medals.

Though it may appear unrelated.
This in fact.
Leads to further medal success.

Those who report the news.
Including newspapers.
Should reflect a little more.
On the possibility.
That they may be unintentionally hindering athletes.