Mitsubishi Harbor Theme Park

19Aug/100

Mitsubishi Harbor Theme Park

An Artist's Rendition of USS Arizona Memorial sporting Mitsubishi logo and Rising Sun - Proposed "Mitsubishi Harbor Theme Park"

Q: What do you say to people who see the move to turn Pearl Harbor into a theme park as an unnecessary provocation of the sensibilities of the American Public?

A: We see the Theme Park as a great opportunity to promote product - at Mitsubishi we are always looking to promote the Brand. We do not seek in any way to offend. Quite the opposite, in fact. As good corporate citizens, we feel it is our obligation to bring attention to products of benefit to the marketplace.

Q: What do you make of the charge that Mitsubishi is the very last company - and Japan the very last nation - that should be looking to capitalize on the atrocities visited upon this nation?

A: We are not looking to capitalize on so-called atrocities. The location is incidental. And further, it cannot be said that all Mitsubishi employees - whether managers or otherwise - are culpable for the acts of the pilots and navy personnel of the past. Most are fun-loving people, in fact. It would be un-American to paint every one of them with too broad a brush. In fact, it would be tantamount to racism in our opinion. Xenophobic to be sure. Potentially racist. I think a better question is to ask who is funding the opposition to Mitsubishi Harbor.

Q: No doubt there will be legal challenges.

A: You are correct. But we are not breaking the law. Quite the opposite, in fact. We are taking every precaution to work within the law.

Q: Even so... is there anything to be said about having enough restraint and empathy for survivors and the memory of the victims? I mean just cause you can doesn't mean you should... What do you think of that?

A: As I have said. We have not, nor do we intend to run afoul of any law.

Q: That wasn't my question. It is hard not to see this as an idea that is in really bad taste.

A: Ha! We didn't build the bombers used in that attack. And anyway, the attack at Pearl Harbor was, at least in part, a response to American aggression.

Q: But you built and profited from the fighters used in the attack.

A: The A6M3 Zero was quite a machine, no doubt. And out ingenuity and engineering skills have not waned one bit since that time. In fact, we have redoubled our efforts to remain at the forefront in this respect.

Q: Why the Rising Sun flag? Why not a contemporary Japanese flag?

A: Good question. Well, we see it as a nod to the ... era. That is, it is important to preserve the integrity of that bygone era. Plus, many proud Japanese put their lives on the line that day. And a few lost their lives too.

Q: But the Rising Sun? It smacks of a certain militant and hostile period in the history of Japanese Imperialism.

A: No. No. No. We are a peaceful nation. Any one who looks at the history books with an open and objective mind sees that we prefer peace. It's just, ours is a small island... and, well, occasionally we do look for some elbow room. And, well, none can say America is innocent. Some might say she deserves what she gets. I mean, we aren't saying that... at least not publicly... but some might be thinking it. And, well, unless you are close-minded in general, it is hard to argue with the fact that you can't provoke a dog with a bone and not expect to get mauled. You know? And plus, let's face it, our product is superior and of benefit to all consumers. Even women.

Q: Erm.