That Japan’s dignity is now a central issue should surprise no one. For this is a moment when Japan must chart its course – either decline or dignity – as a “state” (kokka) in relation to its giant neighbor, China.
事实上，日本这种把国家尊严上升为中心议题的现象并不令人吃惊。因为此时正是日本必须规划其未来之路的时刻——作为中国这个巨大国家的邻邦，要么走下坡路，要么努力维持自身的尊严。