Why do nations collapse on their own? A warning from a Japanese essay

Key points in 3 lines

1. The column notes that "Japan's Suicide," published in the Japanese magazine Bungeishunju in 1975, concluded that nations collapse due to internal factors.
2. The essay identifies egoism and populism as warning signs, and the column connects the fall of Rome with Korean cases, including debates over pension reform and free school meals.
3. The column argues that civic self-reflection, warnings from intellectuals and courageous policy decisions by leaders safeguard a nation's sustainability.

Written by our reporter · 3-line summary by Koto, The Korean Today's AI assistant · 88 languages ⓘ