Verified Document

Realm Of A Dying Emperor Term Paper

The tale of Chibana Shoichi's, the Okinawan supermarket owner, demonstrates how there is still a major segment of society that believes in the "emperor system," even in Okinawa. However, Field exposes how these people have been forced to conform with this system, though social pressure, threats, and even violence. But despite these obstacles, there are still people like Shoichi who will speak out against this system and its historical amnesia. However, this fight has only just begun and not all those who stand up against the system are successful. Mrs. Nakaya was unsuccessful in her attempt to stop the government from using her husband to reinforce a system that she felt was unjust and restricted her religious beliefs. The response by the government signifies how deeply ingrained into Japanese society is the "emperor system," and how many Japanese, including the Japanese Supreme Court, see no differentiation between tradition Shinto-based emperor worship, which includes the deification of those who die in service of the Japanese Emperor, and Japanese society and government. Traditional beliefs are completely fused within modern Japanese laws and government, as is the "emperor system;" as represented by the forced Shinto deification...

Nakaya's husband.
Mayor Motoshima's story once again demonstrates how there are elements in Japanese society that will stop at nothing to maintain the "emperor system," but it also illustrates the growing dissatisfaction among the Japanese people. Motoshima was a lifelong participant in the traditional "emperor system," but also a victim of that system as well. His city of Nagasaki was the target of one of only two atomic bombs ever used in warfare in the history of mankind, and he lived through the aftermath of such a tragic experience. If one who had been a participant and supporter of this system could bring himself to openly and publicly criticize the Emperor and his role in World War II, then Field seems to indicate that the "emperor system" has deeper faults in its foundation than previously thought. And with the death of Hirohito in January 1989, Japan was on the brink of a major transformation in Japanese society. However, this transformation would be fervently opposed by a large segment of Japanese society who would stop at nothing to maintain the "emperor system."

Works Cited

Field, Norma. In the Realm of a Dying Emperor. New York: Pantheon, 1991.…

Sources used in this document:
Works Cited

Field, Norma. In the Realm of a Dying Emperor. New York: Pantheon, 1991. Print.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Rome Vs. Christianity in Order to Understand
Words: 2531 Length: 8 Document Type: Term Paper

Rome vs. Christianity In order to understand the importance of Jesus' claim as the King of the Jews, it is important to understand Judaism at the time of the New Testament. This can be done by looking at the New Testament, but also by looking at contemporaneous historical documents. However, it is important to realize that, from a theological standpoint, Christian theology is separate from its counterparts in the Roman Empire,

Song of Roland or La
Words: 4736 Length: 15 Document Type: Term Paper

These characters possess freewill, such as Ganelon and his plotting against the Franks. But the God in the epic does intervene to make sure that good really comes out victorious in the end, such as when he makes Thierry win over Pinable in a duel. The unknown author of the epic presents the Muslims as unquestionably and inherently evil and base, the reverse of the Christians (Bouneuf 2005). Although the

Biography Cleopatra
Words: 942 Length: 3 Document Type: Research Paper

Cleopatra of Egypt is perhaps one of the most well-known of all historical figures and yet what is "known" about her, is mostly from Hollywood movies, books, and plays. Most records about the queen were written long after she had passed away and so, much of what is accepted as fact is really conjecture or acceptance of the validity of documentation written as much as a century after the events

Ethical Practice Involves Working Positively Diversity Difference
Words: 2498 Length: 8 Document Type: Essay

Ethical Practice Involves Working Positively Diversity Difference Counseling is a profession that involves associations based on principles and values ethically. Patients are able to benefit by understanding themselves better and through creating relationships with others. Through counseling, the clients are able to make positive alteration in life and enhance their living standards. Communities, organizations, couples and families are different groups of individuals are main sources of relationships (BACP Ethical Framework, 2013,

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now