Midway (CVA 41) - Naval Cruise Book

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One hundred years ago, Japan was a country nearly un- known to the West and vice- verse. The culture known then had grown out of hun- dreds of years of isolation. Shinto Shrines, Geishas, a thriving militaristic society, a god-emperor (descended directly from Jinmu Tenno, the sun-god), and a predominantly rural agricultural economy all went into the making of a civilizati on that was at least four centuries behind the rest of the world. Then in 1863, Admiral Perry sailed into Yokohama and the change began. In 70 years Japanese indus- try caught up with the West, but many other civilization aspects lagged behind. The result was a war that nearly ruined the old island nation. But in the 17 years since the war, Japan has bounced back again. Only this time Westernization has covered nearly all phases of life. Industry is bigger than any other Asiatic country. Westernstyle homes, plumbing, clothes, night life, school- ing, recreation and even religion have become commonplace even in some of the country outposts. But complete rebuilding is impossible in only one generation — even if it was desirable. The ways of old Japan had their own particular charms. The chck- clock of wooden Getas (sandals) upon stone pave- ment, the strangely melodic yet dissonant sound of the shamisen Japanese harp), the haunting beauty of traditional Japanese music and the sound of tinselly bells in front of temples — all are the sounds from Japan ' s ancient past which no one desires to let die. The result of the two ways of life is a never-end- ing quiet conflict — witnessed nearly everywhere. A Japanese girl ' s wardrobe consists of several Kimonos, several local western-style Japanese-made dresses, and several European imported styles. Oddly enough, the Kimonos are by far the most expensive. A home will have the traditional tatami mats on the floor, but towering in the corner is a 120 centimeter television set made by Toshiba Ltd. (A subsidiary of General Electric). 78