I read with interest Mariko Kato's June 6 article, "Occupation orphan traces roots." Perhaps in an alternate universe a similar orphan boy would have been adopted into a mining magnate's family, graduated from Tokyo University's law department, become a Diet member from a rural economically depressed constituency, led a transformation of the regional educational system, created a wildly successful entrepreneurial economic development paradigm, and then, by popular acclaim, become prime minister.
That, in turn, would have led to a reconciliation campaign with Japan's neighbors, including a new People's Peace Shrine and a first-ever visit to Nanjing; an overhaul of government bureaucracy and immigration and tax regulations; and a jump-start of the economy with major environmental, energy and technology initiatives especially with emerging economies in Latin America and Africa, and in India. The world would envy Japan's resurgent "green" sustainable economy shining amid the global gloom and downturn as well as laud its tolerance, compassion and sense of equality.