Meaning: The quote by Kenzaburo Oe encapsulates the profound impact of World War II on the Japanese society and the subsequent transformation of their moral and ethical principles. In the aftermath of the war, Japan faced a period of introspection and rebuilding, both physically and spiritually. The devastation caused by the war, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the Japanese people. Kenzaburo Oe, a renowned Japanese writer and Nobel laureate, reflected on this transformative period in Japanese history and the profound moral and ethical choices that emerged from it.

The principle of eternal peace, as mentioned in the quote, represents a fundamental shift in the moral framework of the Japanese society. It signifies a conscious commitment to prioritize peace and reconciliation in the wake of the destructive and traumatic experience of war. This principle served as a guiding light for Japan's post-war reconstruction and redefinition of its national identity. The acknowledgment of the horrors of war and the resolve to pursue eternal peace became central to Japan's moral regeneration and societal rebirth.

In the context of Oe's quote, the concept of eternal peace goes beyond the absence of armed conflict. It encompasses a broader vision of harmony, compassion, and the rejection of militarism and aggression. This moral foundation not only sought to prevent future conflicts but also aimed to foster a culture of empathy, understanding, and cooperation both domestically and internationally. The principle of eternal peace became a cornerstone of Japan's moral compass, shaping its domestic policies, international relations, and the collective mindset of its people.

Oe's reference to the principle of eternal peace as the basis of morality for Japan's rebirth underscores the transformative nature of this guiding ethic. It suggests that the pursuit of peace and the rejection of war as a means of resolving conflicts became intertwined with the moral fabric of Japanese society. This moral stance not only reflected a pragmatic response to the devastation wrought by the war but also symbolized a profound moral awakening and a commitment to charting a new path for the nation.

Moreover, Oe's emphasis on the principle of eternal peace as the basis of morality highlights the enduring impact of this ethical framework on Japan's cultural and societal ethos. It suggests that the moral imperative of pursuing peace and reconciliation transcended the immediate post-war period and became deeply ingrained in the Japanese psyche. This enduring commitment to peace as a moral imperative has shaped Japan's identity as a nation that values diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.

In conclusion, Kenzaburo Oe's quote encapsulates the profound moral and ethical transformation that took place in Japan in the aftermath of World War II. The principle of eternal peace became the guiding light for Japan's moral rebirth, emphasizing the nation's commitment to peace, reconciliation, and the rejection of militarism. This enduring moral principle continues to resonate in Japan's cultural and societal ethos, reflecting a profound commitment to peace as a fundamental aspect of its national identity.