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Tsuruta’s Blog (February 2025)

How is everyone doing?
It is already February, and the cherry blossoms will be blooming soon.

The global economy has changed significantly.
In the United States, the cost of food, buildings, travel, and other expenses has skyrocketed to unimaginable levels.
Meanwhile, in Japan, prices have also risen, with inflation affecting gasoline, electricity, school fees, and nearly everything else.
Even ordinary salaried workers are shocked by the high cost of meals.

Even when companies raise salaries, it has become an era where people do not gather for jobs.
Former President Trump declared that the United States would no longer support other countries and has started stating that illegally immigrated foreigners will be deported.
Additionally, in the past, Chinese women who visited the U.S. during their pregnancy could give birth there and, if desired, automatically obtain U.S. citizenship for their child.
However, Trump has declared that he will no longer permit this.

It is uncertain how things will unfold in the future.
After World War II, Japan was able to maintain peace without engaging in any battles.
On the other hand, the United States has fought in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, conflicts in the Middle East, and various other disputes, resulting in significant loss of life.

If North Korea, China, or Russia were to challenge Japan militarily, would the United States step in and fight on our behalf if we asked them?
Would simply providing financial support be enough?
We must think seriously about this.

There was a time when Japan's actions in the Middle East were completely misunderstood, and only after providing enormous amounts of money later did it finally manage to maintain its dignity.
However, even then, the United States completely ignored Japan despite its financial contributions.

Such an approach will no longer be sufficient.
Japan must establish a state of readiness to fight at any time.
Seeing Ukraine fight desperately against Russia makes one feel deep sympathy for their struggle for survival.

If Japan were to be attacked and said,
"Dear America, please fight for us. We will pay for it,"
we would likely be met with cold eyes and told, "You must be joking."

Times are changing rapidly.
The question of which countries are strong and which are weak will become a focal point.

Greenland, which enjoys extensive autonomy as part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has been suggested by Trump as a territory that should be sold to the United States.
Similarly, he has stated that the Panama Canal should be returned to the U.S.

When Nippon Steel attempted to acquire an American steel company, both Biden and Trump rejected the move.
How should the Japanese people protect themselves in the future?

In the automobile industry, Japanese manufacturers must hire Americans and produce cars in the U.S.
These cars are then exported to Japan.
Manufacturing cars in Japan takes a significant amount of time and expense.
It takes about six months.
Transporting cars produced in the U.S. by ship to Japan is actually cheaper.

The world has become much smaller.
Many foreigners are visiting Japan.
They come as if they were simply traveling domestically.

Since I own a store in Yoyogi, I have noticed a significant increase in the number of foreigners.
Recently, it has become difficult to distinguish whether someone is Japanese or not.
I am amazed by the increase in Asian acquaintances.

The number of foreigners working in Japan is also growing, and we have gradually become accustomed to it.
However, whether we can truly integrate with them remains a challenging issue.

Many Chinese people are visiting Japan.
Since the cost of living in Japan has decreased, they can enjoy inexpensive meals, travel, and accommodation.
Moreover, Japan is still considered a safe and secure country.

However, I do not necessarily share that sentiment.

Recently, a customer told me,
"In the future, working three days a week in Japan will be enough."
I was astonished.
In my working days, we worked six days a week.

I said, "At this rate, we will only fall behind foreigners,"
but perhaps this is something we cannot avoid.

As a sword dealer, one of my recent concerns is that more foreigners are coming to Japan, purchasing Japanese swords, and selling them abroad.

Many Japanese people assume that foreigners know little about Japanese swords.
However, in reality, they cherish them greatly.
They study them diligently and learn about Japanese customs and the significance of Japanese swords.

The number of dealers selling Japanese swords and armor abroad is increasing.
As a result, the number of swords and armor available in Japan is decreasing.
Eventually, Japan may be left with nothing but low-quality swords.

In fact, due to the large number of swords and armor exported from Japan recently,
the number of pieces available in the domestic market has noticeably declined.

Even in the Edo period, high-quality swords were likely only owned by daimyo and high-ranking samurai.
Ordinary samurai probably could not afford good swords.

Japan's climate is not particularly suitable for sword preservation.
However, the Japanese habit of valuing and taking care of possessions has preserved these treasures.

If Japanese people show their children Japanese swords and teach them their value,
they will come to respect and preserve them even more.

By explaining,
"Why are Japanese swords kept in pristine condition?"
"Why is regular maintenance necessary?"
future generations may feel more pride in Japanese swords and pass them down with care.

Today, an American couple and their two children visited my store and purchased a wakizashi.
If we continue to educate people about Japanese swords without fear,
they will develop a deep affection for them and ensure they are carefully preserved for the future.

To young people, I want to say:
"It is essential to form your own opinions and express yourself clearly."

Respect the elderly.
Before long, you, too, will grow old.

Help those in need with kindness.
Cherish your parents.
Sometimes, take them out for a nice meal or a trip.

Children are not foolish.
Talk to them often.
Like in the Boy Scouts, let the older children teach and care for the younger ones.

Engage in campfires and let them experience nature.

Life ends around the age of 90.
Live a fulfilling life, endure hardships, and overcome difficulties.

If you do, you will surely have a good life.