100 Reasons

Author: Hu Ping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: When it comes to Japan, the Chinese people indeed find it difficult to remain calm and composed. They are often filled with fervent emotions. However, without a rational dam, this passion can become a raging flood, spreading uncontrollably and ultimately destroying everything, including their own homes. Hu Ping's 100 Reasons is both filled with passion and rich in reason, a "perfect combination" of rationality and emotion. — Renowned scholar, researcher at the Institute of Modern History, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Lei Yu Many books on the War of Resistance Against Japan, as well as recent CCTV programs, have kept our attention fixed on the pain and cruelty of war. Hu Ping's book, however, guides our gaze deeper into the hearts of the Japanese people. It delves into the deeper structures of Japanese national character and the cultural differences between China and Japan to explore the underlying causes of the human tragedy. This is even more important for humanity to better understand its own sins and avoid the repetition of such tragedies. — Renowned economist, director of Macro Strategy at the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission Research Center, professor at the School of Economics and Management, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Zhao Xiao
Where is the secret of China-Japan relations? At least since the past 140 years, China has been responding to Japan. Japan is not just a mirror for China but also a symbol of shame. Is China not Japan's rival? Is Japan not China's future? Regarding Japan, we have thousands of ways to interpret it, but which one is the most accurate? Regarding China-Japan relations, we have tried thousands of remedies, but which one can truly heal the illness? The works of Zhou Zuoren and Dai Jitao on Japan, written decades ago, tell us that the Chinese people still do not understand Japan. Hu Ping's book may provide us with a key to getting closer to the truth. — Executive Editor of Hong Kong Phoenix Weekly, renowned book planner, Shi Yonggang
We have a hundred reasons to hate Japan—it brought humiliation and war to our nation in history, and continues to pose challenges and troubles in reality. But we cannot ignore the thousand-year-old entanglement and grievances between our two countries, the blood ties in culture, and the mutual dependence in the economy. Nor can we overlook the diligence and resilience of the Japanese people, their strong national power, and their dazzling achievements in modernization. Of course, we must remain vigilant against the expansionist ambitions and aggressive consciousness of this nation. On the other hand, we should reflect on and critique ourselves more deeply: what we lack is the deepest love for our nation and country, the courage to stand up, and the confidence to believe in ourselves. We have forgotten the suffering of our nation and also forgotten its victories. On a deeper and broader level, both China and Japan must cross each other's threshold to become mature modernized nations.