During a recent TV talk show, in which high school- and university-age people were participating, the coordinator asked, "Do you love Japan or do you hate Japan?" Most participants answered they love Japan. If I remember correctly, only a few said they hate this country.

I was encouraged that Japan's young people as a whole love the country. Many participants said they love the country because it is "peaceful." I agree with their answer. But I also have doubts about their perception of "peace."

To be sure, Japan has lived in peace over the past 54 years -- in the sense that it has not found itself in a state of war. This does not mean, however, that Japan has been truly peaceful all these years.