In this final year of the 20th century, there are several key lessons we should learn from this turbulent period. First, as a Japanese I want to point out that Japan modernized with remarkable success in the first half of the century. Following its victory in the Russo-JapaneseWar (1904-05), the nation joined the ranks of great powers. After that, however, the Japanese became "arrogant" and expanded headlong into the Chinese mainland. From the late 1930s to the 1940s Japan started self-destructive wars against the United States, Britain, China and the Soviet Union.
Following defeat in World War II, the Japanese regained the virtue of humility. After the mid-'50s Japan achieved a remarkable economic recovery, one that took the world by surprise. However, that success story again made the Japanese "arrogant."
Japan can look forward to a bright future if it understands the positions of other nations in a humble spirit and commits itself more positively to international cooperation. As long as we take to heart our experiences in the 20th century, it is unlikely that we will repeat major mistakes. Japan today boasts enormous economic strength, but its defeat in war has left a serious scar on the national psyche. We must not forget that this 20th-century burden will stay with us as we move into the new century.