---

The Unrequited Love
A recent poll by the Yomiuri Shinbun on the different attitudes of the Japanese and Americans has been greeted in Japan with disappointment.
In particular concern has been expressed that only 44% of Japanese are proud of their country while in the Land of the Free it is a mighty 77%.		Worries also surround the higher faith that Americans have in their political institutions but it has to be added that the poll was taken before the recent debacle on counting the Presidential votes.
Perhaps the saddest result to emerge is the continuing unrequited love which the Japanese have for the Americans. 44% of Japanese cited the US as the country they felt closest to but as usual the Americans have other ideas. Only 9% feel close to Japan. Come on America! At least you could send a Valentine this year.