It is often said that Japanese people do not love their country much. People rarely see the flag in everyday life, sing national anthem, and care about its politics. It was only in the old days – before the war that Japanese people used to show their love towards Japan by demonstrating on the street or paying attention to its politics. It seems Japanese had lost its samurai spirit these days.
Japan is a homogeneous society. People speak only Japanese. Most of people in Japan are Japan-originated. However, this has been changing by the wave of globalization. Some people say it started changing after Japan lost World War 2 and let habits and customs of the United States in Japan.
Is globalization affecting the loss of Japanese samurai spirit? As one of Japanese youth, I do not think I am patriotic person. It is probably affecting me because I am interested in foreign culture more than Japanese one. Even though I have grown up in Japan, I could have much information about foreign countries by media. And in Japan, there is some kind of feelings that it is too much when someone is supporting its country so much. When the U.S. found Osama bin Laden died this year, people in the U.S. were celebrating it by shouting “U.S.A! U.S.A!” on the streets. In Japan, many people thought that it was a little bit crazy calling country’s name loudly on the streets.
Strong nationality sometimes can cause problems. But as being one country in the world, country loses its identity and it’ll eventually vanish. In this globalized world, we should hold on to our own identity harder than ever.
by Naoko Matsumoto
JAPANsociology 
I think China is also facing the national identity crisis problem though it has rather longer history. For example, the young generation in China has been used to drinking Coca cola and eating Mcdonalds, they watch foreign movies and adore foreign idols. I think the foreign culture is invading gradually. Fewer and fewer Chinese celebrate the traditional Chinese festivals, but they love the western festival such as Chrismas and valentine’s day, which makes me feel sad sometimes.
As you talk in this blog, Japanese people may be losing their national spirit. I remember a Japanese friend told me that there are many Japanese young people that only know little about Japanese traditional culture, including the songs, fine arts and some customs. I’m thinking that if the Japanese spirits are embodied in these traditions? And because of the popularity of foreign culture in Japan, the spirits are disappearing in the process?..
I think that the loss of the Japanese patriotism can be attributed to Japanese attitude towards politics. Even though Japanese interests towards politics has been decreasing over the years, people still care about your neighbor’s attitude towards you. If you are patriotic, you may be regarded as extreme right wing person.