David Suzuki discovers the diversity of Japan

Saw a great interview between Allen Gregg and David Suzuki on the Diversity of Japan.

YouTube link: http://youtu.be/Skdyc-11bow

Some interesting points:

• Japan is not one single, monolithic culture. There is tremendous diversity.
• There are many Indegenious people within the country of Japan still fighting for their cultural identity
• Okinawa has a unique culture, different from the rest of Japan, and stresses this.
• The Burakumin, and their role in society as the "untouchables". I didn't know this existed elsewhere than India.
• The amalgamation of the Shinto religion, Nationalism and Militarism in the past, and its repercussions when Japan underwent an unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces.
• Urban disenchantment: the modern cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto are entrained within concrete, engineered habitats and removed from nature.
• As a result of the Japanese undergoing unconditional surrender during World War II, the citizens were shocked to realize the God they had been revering in the Emperor was a mere mortal. As a result, America began to be revered.
• Japanese economics as the new "military force". E.g. CEOs as the new generals of the time, modern "military casualties" as strong, healthy business people (salarymen) suddenly dropping dead - probably from workplace exhaustion.
• Aum Shinrikyo and its means as a home for dissatisfied Japanese, although rebutting in an extremist fashion.