[Nadya]

I really can't agree with you enough. What's troubling though is that any ideas of nationalism are often confused with extreme right-wing or jingoism, largely (and possibly rightfully) due to history. So it sounds bad to even say Japan is a nationalistic society.

But you've hit the nail on the head - and it is something many foreigners have little to no concept of. Being proud of one's cultural heritage and history. Even if that means recognizing the bad stains on the tapestry.

I've recognized the ones who have the worst problem with nationalism are those who are completely full of guilt of their own culture/history.

[nostrebored]

Except Japan is astoundingly horrible at recognizing "bad stains on the tapestry" like the Rape of Nanking and comfort women (in fact calling the now elderly women who were abducted and raped prostitutes with an agenda). Nationalism is a cancer and you're blind to it because of your country's thorough inculcation.