How did Japan cope against all odds?(SERIOUSLY)?

Question

I would like to know some reasons why Japan survived against all odds. And since I am not so good at understanding some stuff like this, can you please explain it?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Historically, the Japanese have always been very eager to learn and quick to understand. Also, the Japanese have always been looked down upon by the people they deal with, which has made them very determined people. Back in ancient times, when Japan was considered a land of barbarians by the Chinese, the Japanese began learning from the Chinese and adapted (and often improving upon) Chinese concepts. They were very much aware that they were not well respected by the Chinese, and the Japanese worked very hard to prove them wrong.

Before WWII, Americans also believed that they were superior to the Japanese and considered them to be backwords and underdeveloped. The Japanese truly tried to gain the respect of Europeans and Americans, but Europe and America refused to place Japan on the same level as them (developed nations), mostly due to racism. Even before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Americans and Europeans were quite surprised to hear of the Japanese defeating both Russia and China. Once the US entered WWII against Japan, the Japanese proved to be relentless fighters; a force to be reckoned with.

After the defeat of Japan, the Japanese once again were determined to rebuild and once again prove that they were indeed a developed nation. Like they had done with China in the past, the Japanese eagerly studied modern methods of business, manufacturing, etc. and worked to perfect them and once again rise as a world superpower (this time economically and technologically, rather than militarally) to prove the world wrong.

Answer 2

against all odds?

I'm not sure about that.. by virtue of being comprised of mountainous islands - Japan has been able to essentially keep invaders at bay, isolate and nurture its unique culture over the last few thousand years..

They had a remarkable and evolved society and then - when they decided to embrace the modern western way of doing things in the Meiji period (1800s) they proved exceptinal at it and in a few decades had expanded their empire to hold significant parcels of Asia - from Burma to China to Taiwan to Korea.. They went toe to toe with the Russians and the Chinese and came out as the first non-European superpower..

Only the devestation of WWII might be considered a true blow to Japan - but throught the Marshall Plan and rebuilding efforts they came out of that even stronger.

Don't get me wrong - I love Japan and its culture and people - one of my favourite places ever is the remarkable city of Kyoto..

but it the poker game of geo-politics.. Japan were dealt a pretty good hand.

Answer 3

"Against All Odds" is the very cheesy movie from 1980s.

You have the good memory.

Phil Collins is singing and I have the sad memory for that scene.

Answer 4

dunno