By elevating narratives that diminish Japan, the Asahi Shimbun has contributed to lowering Japan’s standing. Calls to “learn from Germany,” associated with figures like Kang Sang-jung, encourage condescension toward Japan, despite Japan’s superior craftsmanship and cultural heritage evident in Kyoto, Nara, and Shiga.

2016-03-30
The following is taken from a column on page sixteen of today’s Asahi Shimbun.
After omitted passages, it states, “Japan’s presence has recently become smaller.”
This essay, too, proves the correctness of my arguments one hundred percent.
The author fails entirely to understand that the cause of Japan’s diminished stature lies with outlets such as the Asahi Shimbun, which have long elevated Kang Sang-jung, who has repeatedly advanced narratives that belittle Japan.
The Asahi Shimbun is an anomalous media organization, rare in the world, that not only believes it is right to demean its own country but also does not wish to see it grow larger or stronger.
Moreover, those so-called cultural elites who align with the Asahi Shimbun do not recognize that the frequent dissemination of fabricated stories that damage Japan’s international value, honor, and credibility has itself made Japan appear smaller.
A German journalist wrote that “there is nothing comparable to the West” and that while “cute” has many meanings, what matters is that it is regarded as ideal.
Because figures like Kang Sang-jung—acting much like agents for South Korea and in line with Chinese intentions—have long preached the foolish slogan “learn from Germany,” the contempt with which Germans view Japan is plainly evident in such remarks.
I say this without boasting: I have never once in my life wanted to visit Germany.
On precious holidays, I had no desire to travel to a country whose people many seasoned travelers uniformly say produce truly poor cuisine, nor to look at faces I find uninteresting.
As one of Osaka’s notable gourmets, who has spent sums on food that today could build three mansions, I naturally felt no inclination to go.
For business reasons I once used a BMW 7 Series, but the interiors of German cars at the time were terrible, incomparable to Toyota.
Germans fell in love with the astonishingly narrow panel gaps of Japanese cars—the craftsmanship and delicacy of Japanese artisans—and only thereafter did German interiors begin to resemble those of Toyota.
That German journalist is likely one of those who read the Asahi Shimbun and The Japan Times and continue to write articles that disparage Japan.
In any case, what is there to learn from a country that gave birth to Nazism?
In diligence, craftsmanship, and artistic skill and spirit, the Japanese surpass them.
Those who revere Germany are likely limited to circles around the University of Tokyo that once invited German instructors during the Meiji Restoration.
I have visited Italy and Paris eight times, but never Germany, nor have I wished to; indeed, what would one even go to Germany to see?
As for historical heritage, far older and richer cultural accumulations and seasonal natural beauty abound in Kyoto, Nara, and Shiga, far exceeding anything Germany can offer.