Sometimes the simplest statements are the deepest. Also props to PK's stunning photo. FWIW I think Japanese xenophobia pre-dates Hiroshima. Hasn't this been an issue since at least the first European contacts with the islands, if not earlier, regarding the various historic conflicts with China? Japanese culture is so particular and peculiarly refined, and maintaining order for the greater good is traditionally such a deep value there that I can sort of see the origins in nationalistic (for lack of a more historically comprehensive term) virtues that were originally good, rather than more contemporarily specified resentments. After all, while eschewing the perceived inferiority of gaijin, Japan also obviously has a remarkable way of mimicking and recontextualizing cultural ways and icons of the West. That's part of what got me obsessed with contemporary Japan and its conflicts, long before I was familiar with how Mishima or Kurosawa had tried to tackle post-WWII changes. In the early '80s I'd buy copies of Hot Dog and other youth culture magazines at Japan Center and was always amazed at how much better the Japanese were pulling off punk rock haircuts and fashions that I associated primarily with the UK. If what we're calling the xenophobia were really hateful, I doubt if the embrace of other cultures would permeate contemporary Japanese culture at the expense of the Shogunate ways to the extent that it has. Anyway, this is not to forgive Bemon man for his alleged anti-gaijin feelings. Besides, we can always remind him that he's a bootlegger profiting off of someone else's creation.
this thread is ridiculous. The guy behind the Bemon and Longnecks is a strange guy - thats all. He also didn't want to sell his Bemons to us (German & Japanese) If he doesn't want to sell his Bemons to Kozik who cares? Please Mr Brian stop this silly discussion about patriotism nationalism and generalism...
Volkspielzeug? Has nothing to do with me. Came up during a conversation about J toy lines and personalities. Bemon dude doesnt like non Japanese people buying his toys. Just thought it was interesting.
4. If you post anything, you are inviting commentary. Therefore, accept the responses positive or negative without being a baby. http://www.skullbrain.org/bb/viewtopic.php?t=13720 6. Yes, everyone here is a jerk, we already know that though. http://www.skullbrain.org/bb/viewtopic.php?t=13721
But we are charming jerks! I like the diversity of perspectives. This thread may have gone places that Frank didn't intend with his original post, but isn't that typical of 'net board discussions? There's plenty of on-topic toy talk here. None of these toys exist without some cultural context anyway, so sometimes the "extracurricular" discussions can be relevant, if not just entertaining. Back to the original point ... If I wanted a Bemon, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one just because the maker doesn't want non-Japanese to have them. It's not like it's a sacred Kachina doll or something where extra-special consideration might be due to the "artist." I don't care for Wagner's anti-Semitism, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the incredible beauty of his music. Same kinda deal IMHO.
I also like diversity of perspectives and opinions, especially strong or passionate opinions, and how threads can take different tangents and morph. I have a bunch of Bemons and still love them despite how the creator feels about the non-Japanese. Had them for almost two years and still love to look at them. This only gives them more context and background. Almost makes them more forbidden.
as humans we want forbidden things. now anybody that's patriotic enough to ditch their Bemons because of this, shoot me a PM.
I wish I had one to show Mr. Bemon man. He can buy it back from me for $20,000 US or something if he feels that strongly about it.
Seriously? If you're serious, isn't there anything you have that you want to hang on to out of love of the figure, or to maintain a stable collection that you've put so much effort into building? You seem to have a remarkable collection. Surely that isn't built just to turn around and sell again is it? Maybe I misunderstood and you're just kidding. If not, I don't understand, but ... to each their own.
