The west has always shown a sympathetic, although patronizing, appreciation of the old Japan. Many a foreign observer would remark with a sigh: 'What a pity that things of the past, of beauty and joy forever, should be so mercilessly sacrificed on the altar of modernism!

Summary

This quote highlights the Western perspective on Japan's transition from traditional to modern society. The quote suggests that Westerners tend to romanticize and pity the loss of Japan's old customs, seeing them as beautiful and joyful. However, it also implies a somewhat patronizing attitude, viewing Japan's embracing of modernism as a ruthless sacrifice. Ultimately, the quote revolves around the clash between preserving the past and embracing progress, shedding light on the complex admiration-and-pity relationship that the West has historically held regarding Japan's cultural transformation.

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