Konjo-nashi (gutless) is a word often used to describe today's Japanese youth. But the people using it are frankly wakkachyainai (clueless). The truth is, young people love konjo (guts). They want it, they admire it. They'd ooze konjo from every pore -- if they could. And to prove it, an increasing number of them are reading "Ashita no Jo (Jo of Tomorrow)."
"Ashita no Jo" is a legendary manga first produced in the late 1960s that captured generations of Japanese in its iron grip, never to let go.
If you don't believe me, just ask. Your sour-faced forty something kacho (section chief) sitting two desks down will get all choked up about the adventures of Jo, his archrival Rikiishi and his eternal muse and nemesis, Yoko. A thirtysomething cafe owner will tell you his favorite character wasn't Jo, but his supportive best friend Nishi. And now teenage skateboarders are passing around Jo books, exchanging insights on the Web and sporting T-shirts that say: "Itsumademo Jo (Jo Forever)."