[3] The Dignity of a State criticizes the emphasis on Western logic and individuality in Japanese society, and calls for a return to the value system of bushido.

[citation needed] It also criticizes the market economy, which Fujiwara claims is widening the economic gap between the wealthy and impoverished in Japan,[4] and globalism, which Fujiwara claims is only a "strategy of the U.S. that seeks world domination after the Cold War.

"[5] A recurring theme of the book is that American ideas of freedom and equality do not even work in the United States, so they should not be applied in Japanese society.

[1] Andrew Rankin of The Japan Times agreed with some of Fujiwara's criticisms of Western morality, but pointed out that "you can listen to most of Fujiwara’s other ideas for free at any noodle stand in Japan.

[6] It also inspired books with similar titles and themes, including Mariko Bando's The Dignity of a Woman, which sold more than three million copies.