Communicating in English ultimately leads back to knowing Japan

What do you think about the atomic bombings?

This was the question that prompted me to relearn Japanese history.

When I was a university student, I joined a local tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The leader was Australian. There were also people from various countries, including a British couple and an American university student.

During the day, we toured the ruins, and at night, we spent time eating and drinking together. One night, an American university student participant asked me this.

What do you think about the atomic bombings?

I couldn't answer.

As a science student, I wasn't good at history. I knew that the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II. However, I knew almost nothing about the circumstances or background leading up to that. Naturally, I didn't have an opinion of my own.

I thought that English proficiency was necessary to talk to foreigners in English. But in reality, I keenly felt that knowing about my own country was even more necessary.

After returning to Japan, I told a friend about that experience, and they recommended a book to me.

It was "Sensouron" (On War) by Yoshinori Kobayashi.

Reading this book, I encountered "history as a narrative" for the first time.

The history I had learned in school until then was just a list of dates and events to me. However, "Sensouron" depicted the emotions of the people, the international situation at the time, and the stories behind why such choices were made.

I learned about the circumstances leading up to the Greater East Asia War that weren't taught in school, and I began to think about the situation in which the Japanese people of that time lived. At the very least, I felt that the sincere and diligent Japanese people I know did not start the war for no reason just because of the runaway military.

Of course, there are various perspectives on history.

But this book sparked my interest in Japanese history, and I began reading books about Japanese history and mythology. And the more I learn, the more I feel that Japan is a very unique and interesting country.

The culture and values cultivated over a long history
A sense of awe for nature
A sense of valuing the community
People who try to fulfill their roles sincerely behind the scenes

Every time I encounter such things, my attachment to the country of Japan deepens.

Everyone has their own reasons for learning English.

It might be for work, or it might be for traveling abroad.

In my case, English ultimately became a gateway to knowing Japan.

When you talk to people from other countries, they will ask you questions about Japan.

Every time that happens, I am forced to think about how much I actually know about Japan.

When you try to connect with the world in English, you end up coming back to knowing Japan.

That is why I continue to learn about Japanese history and culture even now.

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