Business of Yojimbo

The relationship between the United States and Japan looks like that of a Yojimbo, or a bodyguard, and the owner of a bar, rich but an idiot, who hired him. There was a man named Toichi Mannen, who was called "God of Hooligans." He died in 1985, but I had a chance to have an interview with him about the business of being a bodyguard. Mr. Mannen played the role of yojimbo not only for the late Eisaku Sato, Japanese Prime Minister between 1964 and 1972 and other conservative Japanese lawmakers but also for yakuza gangsters. He was a true professional in his business.

According to Mr. Mannen, the most desirable customer he could imagine was a rich man, clutching his money begging for protection. He has to be plagued with fear against something that does not exist. The proper way to treat such a customer is that the yojimbo must produce some peril once in a while in front of the customer to cast him further with the shadow of fear.

By putting this analogy on Japan-U.S. relationship, there are some things I could see. Since the end of the World War II, Japan has been paying handsome amount of money as bodyguarding fee to the United States. The main reason why Japan ended up showing the full support of the Americans attacking Iraq derives from a fear that North Korea makes its final decision to strike against Japan. And it could not bear to see the Americans choosing not to defend Japan, because she holds grudge against Japan for her lack of support of the U.S. in the Iraq War. This, was the conclusion of our idiot bar owner Junichiro Koizumi.

However, when you look at the Japan-U.S. Mutual Cooperation and Security Treaty, the Americans have the obligation to defend Japan when she is attacked by foreign nation. Americans has no choice under circumstances. Moreover, what could you say if most of the "crises" concerning North Korea is actually choreographed by the United States?

By the way, Mr. Mannen's favorite maxim was: "He that is born a fool is never cured."