The Book of Life

Each of them stepped forward like porters, carried our bags on their shoulders, and in moments placed all our luggage on the platform. As the train moved again, each youth shook hands with us, embraced us, greeted our relatives, and waved goodbye before boarding. They left us with warm memories of that journey as they continued on their way.” A LESSON T he cover story of Time magazine (10 February 1992) was: “America in the mind of Japan, Japan in the mind of America.” The report’s conclusion, in the magazine’s own words, was that the apparent friction between America and Japan hides a deeper truth: both nations need each other. “Friction between the U.S. and Japan masks a deeper truth: the two nations need each other.” (p. 8) The magazine observed that the U.S. economy, while still strong, feels like it’s weakening. The fall of the Soviet Union has cleared the way, but a new threat is emerging: Japan. Americans are increasingly viewing Japan as an economic rival, fueled by the $41 billion trade deficit: