The question "For what you feel proud of Japan?" -- has appeared in the government-sponsored surveys for many years; and the answers are most often: long-standing history and tradition, beautiful natural sceneries and outstanding culture and art.

    In a series of polls, merely 3-4 percent of the respondents said they take pride in the unity of Japan and some 80 percent held it unnecessary to foster patriotic spirit.

    At the same time, however, an increasing number of Japanese officials regard China's military upgrade as a big threat to Japan. The Sino-Japanese diplomatic ties are now passing the worst period since 1972, with their dispute focusing on Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's Yasukuni Shrine visit.

    Results of many polls have shown a vast majority of Japanese are concerned about Japan's relations with China. Though after the media reported about the "anti-Japanese demonstrations" in China, the figure of Japanese harbouring ill feeling towards China skyrocketed to 70-plus percent, a survey by the foreign ministry still indicated 78 percent of the respondents believed it necessary to better relations with China.

    A poll by the conservative major Daily Yomiuri in April showed 61 percent Japanese ascribed the deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations to Koizumi. Even among those supporting his shrine visit, as high as 43 percent held him to be blamed.

    Most Japanese think the crux of Sino-Japanese relations lies in Koizumi's shrine visit and the historic issue of Japan's aggression war. In short, the Japanese people do not welcome nationalism that advocates confrontation.

    However, nobody is really willing to face up to the country's history, as it goes contradictory to all what they believe in today. They hope time will do the job and finally erase their bad memory. The only consequence this attitude has led to is a stalemate in the Sino-Japanese relations.

    Opinion polls show 47 percent Japanese believe Sino-Japanese relations will improve in the following 20 years while 11 percent think otherwise. This demonstrates the Japanese public is comparatively optimistic about the Sino-Japanese relations. Major newspapers have advised Koizumi to give up the visit and the public's opinion about his foreign policy during his five-year office has touched almost the lowest level. Since Japan is rapidly becoming an ageing society and its population decreasing, what really concerns the Japanese people is their social security, medical service and community safety.

    Currently, 45 percent of Japanese think Japan is at a risk of being involved in a war. In their minds, however, number one enemy is not China, but DPRK. Being in the process of a tremendous change, Japan's political operation, economic rules, daily life style as well as international relations are all undergoing changes. The last such tremendous change Japan went through was the one after World War II taking place under U.S. guidance. This time, nevertheless there is no ready blueprint and the Japanese are groping their way to move forward.

    The Liberal Democratic Party hopes for a new constitution. A survey indicates 55 percent of respondents stand for amendments to the constitution, particularly approving the pacifist spirit in Chapter Nine. Moreover, 72 percent maintain the task of making a new constitution should not be left to the Diet members. Undoubtedly, Japan is going through a period that is very interesting. Enditem

    (Agencies)