"MUHAMMAD ALI: His Life and Times" Symbolizing Situations
"MUHAMMAD ALI: His Life and Times" by Thomas Hauser, published in 1991, was translated into Japanese and divided into two parts, each of which is sold separately.
I recently bought its second part, consisting of 441 pages including foot notes, at 1200 yen (US$10), which was renewed for pocket editions in 2005.
It would cost more if we buy an original and imported version of the book written in English.
Most of Japanese people read famous American books in their Japanese versions for various reasons, including prices and difficulties in reading English.
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One interesting report contained in the book is that one of close associates of Mr. Muhammad Ali once said, before a match, that a Muslim was for the first time in history going to fight a Christian on the ring. And, Mr. Ali won.
The issue is whether this kind of facts on Mr. Ali has had significant influence on young Muslims all over the world up to this day.
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It is not so very rare to spot African Americans in Japan, partly due to existence of US military bases in Japan. Generally speaking, they look like well respecting the Japanese society.
Perhaps they could see the difference in various human aspects, such as distinction between a Christian and a Muslim among their races which Japanese cannot easily.
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My belief is that God admits Japanese as he does with Christians and Muslims regardless of their races.
Besides, if the ancient Persian Empire had defeated the ancient Greek Coalition, there would not have been Alexander the Great as well as the Roman Empire; and thus neither European dominance nor discovery of New Continents by Europeans.
Therefore, my belief is that God admits Japanese as he does with European Americans and African Americans regardless of their religions.
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Mr. Muhammad Ali is still very famous in Japan, mostly because he symbolizes super success of an individual in whatever profession, especially in America.
Or, whatever race or religion he belongs to, worldly success itself might matter to most of Japanese.
Conversely, whatever race or religion a saint belongs to, spiritual authority itself might matter to most of Japanese.
If God is pleased with Japanese and Mr. Muhammad Ali, we assume that there are no problems between Japan and African Americans, and Japan and Muslims.
(In conclusion, we have to symbolize something valuable to succeed even if God promises our success.)
"PLEASING TO HIM, AS USED TO BE"