Japan & Judaism

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

http://japundit.com/archives/2007/11/19/7406/

I read an interesting entry (and the comments) on a Japan blog about the putative connection between one of the lost tribes of Israel and the Japanese.

Since a couple of our members are both Jewish and living in Japan, it might be interesting to get their take on it.

[okisteve]

"Putative" is the correct word. It didn't impress me as scientifically valid (especially the hook nose on the mask!). Most of the comments posted seem to agree. I think some producer thought NHK would pay up for a little filler on the subject.

But it's true that the Japanese have treated Jews well. I read that book that one poster described as "silly" and don't understand why he said that. It was about the WWII experience of European refugees who ended up in Kobe and Shanghai, and the Japanese ambassador who risked his life by signing fake passports to get a few thousand out of occupied Poland.

Asia is generally a good place for Jews. I had dinner with the Israeli ambassador to the Philippines a few years ago, and even though he was accompanied by security guys he said it was fantastic to live in a country that didn't hate Israel.

[Isaak Brodsky]

I have been in Okinawa for just about thirteen years. The only explicit contempt communicated towards Jews in general were from a few Chinese in our international church. I'm glad I didn't tell them I was of Jewish descent because it would have been an ugly situtation.

The Japanese appear to be very accepting of Jews. I'd like to read more about the supposed lost tribe.

The article reminds me of some of the research done on the very strange relationships between very ancient Chinese ideographs and ancient Jewish concepts.

[okisteve]

I'm trying to imagine what sort of problem Chinese Christians might have with Jews... Some of my best friends are Chinese.

(Little-known fact: many American Jews' first experience with non-kosher food came at Chinese restaurants)

[Isaak Brodsky]

i'd thought the same thing.

ja..., likely an anomaly

[okisteve]

Some of my best friends are Chinese.

C"mon Ian, how about a chuckle....

[Isaak Brodsky]

oh yeaaaaah,
niiiice slider,
went right by me.