Minoru Hase
CEO
It's dangerous for Japanese culture because for younger people, these last 55 years we have been safe, so they have never had the experience of war, so they don't know how to express what they are thinking or feeling.
Pat Puente
Physician, 44
I guess it depends where you're from these days. I think in this political climate, it doesn't pay to be too fanatical about your country. In Tokyo I feel secure, but when we travel, we're a bit more careful about being obviously American.
Miho Fukushima
Programmer, 29
I don't think so. Japanese can be more patriotic than other countries, but recently they're changing their opinion. I think we should be more patriotic about our country.
Kyoko Jasper
Actress
Yes it can, if it starts to influence people's emotions too much. We witnessed 9/11 and we saw a lot of patriotism that we thought was positive, but as an outsider, I know people from other countries can see it differently.
Wayne Chang
ALT, 25
It's dangerous when it goes to extremes, but it's a great thing because it unites people -- gives them common goals and interests. It can bring people together, or tear countries apart.
Michael Sonand
CEO, 49
I think it is less relevant than it used to be. Just as economies become more entwined, we rely on eachother a lot more. It manifests itself more in sports and that's safe. We are a tribal culture; we need to release that kind of energy.
