From the preface of Masayuki Takayama’s Distorted Reporting, this chapter highlights the insights of a man the author calls the only genuine journalist, scholar, and writer of the postwar world. Recounting an episode from Takayama’s days as a correspondent in Los Angeles, the narrative exposes Western misconceptions about Japan, clarifies the difference between annexation and colonization in the case of Korea, and reveals the violent reality of U.S. rule in the Philippines. A work that corrects global historical distortions.

2016-01-06

The following is the “Preface” from Distorted Reporting by Masayuki Takayama, priced at 520 yen in Shincho Bunko, mentioned in the previous chapter.
It is a book that every Japanese citizen—and indeed every person in the world—must read.
In other words, it is truth itself, the words of the only genuine journalist, scholar, and writer in the postwar world—words that correct and save the world.

Shortly after I was posted to Los Angeles as a correspondent, I was invited to a small home party.
There were Japanese and American journalists, and—befitting Hollywood’s backyard—film industry people, photographers, lawyers, and other notable figures.
Seeing me as a newcomer, one of the American hosts approached me.

He was Jewish, had graduated from two universities, and was now working in screenplay selection.
“Is this your first overseas posting?” he asked.
“No, I’ve spent some time in the Middle East.”
“I was in Myanmar until recently and met Aung San Suu Kyi.
I also happened to meet her British husband, who was exploiting her, and heard his side of things.
On my way back, I stopped in Bangkok and got caught in the coup.
The military came out, and dozens of civilians were killed.”
It was the famous coup by General Suchinda, whose assumption of the prime ministership provoked a rare mass pro-democracy movement that eventually forced him from power.

At this point the American’s face grew serious.
“Asia, huh,” he said.
And then, “Japan did terrible things in Asian countries long ago.”
When I denied it casually, he looked greatly surprised—like a pigeon shot with a pea gun.
“No, Japan did awful things. Japan colonized Korea, didn’t it?”

“No,” I denied again.
Regarding Korea, it wasn’t colonization.
It was annexation—just like when the United States acquired Texas.
And Japan’s administration of Korea went well.
At the very least, Japan did nothing so atrocious that it should be criticized by a country like the United States, which colonized the Philippines.

Face flushed red, he argued back.
“The United States civilized the Philippines. We did good things.
But Japan did nothing but cruelty in Korea.”

“With respect,” I replied.
“The United States deceived the Filipinos—promising them independence—and made them fight Spain.
When Spain surrendered, America broke its promise and made the Philippines its colony.
When the Filipinos resisted in anger, the U.S. military began massacring them.
Their families were also seized, their houses set on fire, and they were tortured and killed.”

This chapter continues.