Japan, with an external image of an industrially developed country has an interior reality — the Asian psyche. A human encounter with ordinary Japanese people reveals similarity of social situations in other Asian countries. In terms of human rights, Japan seems to be backward — by its denial of basic rights to the Koreans and other Asian laborers. The Asian laborers, most of whom are facing acute housing problem — wind up in the streets.
In India, Brahmins being vegetarians consider meateating people as polluted. In Japan almost all religious people including Buddhists eat meal-beef, pork, lamb, etc. Yet the Japanese society discriminates the Buraku people because of their profession – butchering or serving in the meat industry. In marriage and jobs, social discrimination is subtle and painful. Separate cemetery for Burakus and discriminated areas for housing are visible forms of discriminations. On May 23, in Tokyo, | saw thousands of people mostly human rights activists holding a protest rally against such a discrimination. (DV July 16, p.14).
The world headquarters of International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism is in Tokyo. It provides a vital link with us, the Dalits of India. The National Council of Churches in Japan and some of its member churches have clear ideas of struggle for justice and peace and supporting human rights. Everywhere | went, | saw a group of dedicated men and women, taking great interest to promote ties among Asian action groups, which easily creates the base for an Asian network. When | returned to Madras, | have letters from Japanese Christians wanting to spend a few days in Indian villages.
