Category: 
You sure do get a different perspective when you read foreign magazines!
Oh, you don’t read Japanese? Here, maybe this will be better.
That’s… uh… wow. Just… wow.
Note: the second graphic is just the first one, photoshopped, with my translation of various interesting parts. Oh, and yes, the “scare quotes” really are in the original.
Originally found at Riding Sun.
Hm, you know, I’m kinda thinking these guys figure none of us can read Japanese.
This turns out not to be the case. This is fascinating reading, I must admit. Here’s an overview of the cover story:
http://www.nwj.ne.jp/public/toppage/20050202/toppage.html The day America died Although Bush calls for an “expansion of freedom,” the world is not yearning after the “country of freedom,” the United States, any longer. New evidence of a decline of the United States in every sphere has been confirmed. From the editorial staff “Since Newsweek is an American magazine, why would it tell us of problems with Bush?” we are occasionally asked in an ironic tone. However, we do not take sides, but only analyze the meaning of events from various viewpoints. Perhaps this has led to misunderstandings. What have Americans lost due to the Bush administration in the last four years, and what will the world lose in the next four years? Verified facts, not opinions from any viewpoint, are laid forth in the special report in this issue. |
And here’s a more detailed breakdown of what’s covered:
| http://www.nwj.ne.jp/public/toppage/20050202/editorsnote.html
The Day America Died Although Bush calls for an “expansion of freedom,” the world is not yearning after the “country of freedom,” the United States, any longer. New evidence of a decline of the United States in every sphere has been confirmed. America / The ideals of the second term, and the world’s reality In his second inaugural address, President Bush held forth a vision of expansion of freedom. But from the current disorder in Iraq, it is plain that concrete proposals are more important than ideals. Whether or not Bush can make a contribution to history turns on this point. Viewpoint / America’s dreams fall into ruin The era in which every corner of the globe yearned for the freedom and equality of America has ended. The brightness of the American dream has faded, while the influence of anti-American sentiment, and the EU, has grown. We examine the cause of this decline in politics, the economy, and foreign policy. Telecommunication / The IP revolution will eliminate telephone lines In the 130 years since Graham Bell’s invention, “one telephone call, one circuit” has been the accepted norm, but now a huge paradigm shift has occurred. It is only a matter of time before IP telephony, transmitting and receiving voice data via a network, becomes a global standard. Popular series:
|
Well, although they may all hate us, it’s gratifying they still want to be able to talk to us. Fascinating.
Update: Even more!
| http://www.nwj.ne.jp/public/toppage/20050202/twcontents.html
America The ideals of the second term and the world’s reality. Though expansion of freedom is the goal, the reality does not follow. Foreign Affairs Where is Rice’s diplomacy taking us? Her true intentions not seen. As expected, the next Secretary of State is a neocon? Viewpoint When America’s dreams fall into ruin. With America in decline, to call it a “great country” is an illusion. Iraq Free elections without freedom. To bring about elections, U.S. military forces tighten their stranglehold. |
Update: From the page where you can order back copies:
| http://www.fujisan.co.jp/Product/5766/b/53550/
URGENT/EMERGENCY REPORT! The Bush inauguration is the death anniversary of the “ideal of freedom.” |
Oh yes, here it comes! I’m now reading on various forums that “Newsweek doesn’t even have a Japanese edition,” and the image of the Japanese cover is completely made-up.
Here’s a link to the made-up cover image on the actual web site of the Japanese edition Newsweek doesn’t publish. PUHLEEZE.
