==JAPAN: Tokyo==

What was the image of Asia for Japanese in the 1930's? What about in the 1960's and now? The images are completely different in each era. For most people in the 1930s, Asia was a place to invade and get the resources necessary for the prosperity of Japan. Sadly, Asians were seen as inferior people by the Japanese. In the 1960s, Japan achieved its economic growth and was always looking up the United States and other western countries. Much less emphasis was put on rebuilding the relations with Asian countries. Japan has never apologized for or admitted its invasion of Asian countries until the 1990's. However, from the 1980's, some things have changed within the image of Asia held by Japanese.
Some Asian countries such as Korea and Singapore succeeded in economic growth and are considered to be developed countries. Also, other Asian countries' economies are growing. Many Japanese companies went into the new market. New relations with Asia were built in political and cultural fields along with deepened economical relations. Much more about Asia became news in Japan and the people's concern with Asia increased at the same time. A large number of young people go to Asian countries such as Korea and China, to study their languages, study at universities and to travel. Studying in Asia is now seen as very important because Asia is now a vital region for the Japanese economy. For example, Chinese language is becoming important for Japanese businessmen and companies encourage them to learn it. For travelers, Asia is attractive because the prices are less expensive and cultures there are exotic, even though the physical appearance of the people is similar to that of Japanese. Asia is now seen as more fashionable than Europe or the US. Apparently, the young Japanese's image of Asia is quite different from that of the elderly Japanese.
At the same time, young Asians see Japan as a leader of Asian culture. For example, Japanese singers such as Amuro Namie are very popular in Asia. Japanese TV dramas, so called trendy dramas, also are on the air in Asia. Japanese magazines or comics are exported to Asia, having been translated into the local languages. Young people adore Japan and its culture. On the other hand, their parents or grandparents are not happy to accept something Japanese, because Japan colonized Asian countries during the World War II forcing people who live there to speak Japanese and assimilate to Japanese culture. Each older generation seems to feel more hated for Japan and its people. They do not want their children to adore or to be enthusiastic about Japan.
For the future, it is better to search for new relationships with each other than talk about the past. The key is young people. They have softer ideas not concerned with the past. They have no hesitation to build new relationships over the sad history. From the aspect of culture, it is great that young Japanese and other Asians share the same topics of dramas or music. Why don't young people communicate each other more? It is important because today's young people are going to participate and may play an important role in politics and the economy. If they understand more about each other now, they will have a variety of ideas to deal with the relationships of Asian countries and Japan. Young people can change the world and they are very important for building new relationships of Asia and Japan.