This is such an in-depth research. 👍 as someone who grew up in Asia with East Asian heritage but heavy Western influence, I find myself a mix of what's mentioned here. There are virtues on all sides, and knowing which to embrace is wisdom. Easier said than done; I'm still battling daily with myself and what to uphold now at home and to pass on to my children. :)
What an interesting post! And so all inclusive. I have Japanese friends and have learned some of these things (but not all). And though of course not Japanese, I worked in a Chinese-American small corporation (200) for 16 years and learned so much about how Asians vs Western world. It was an eye-opener for a gringo and really broadened my sense of the world, and economics, too, as American parents, imho, tend to not discuss finances much w. their offspring. I got a business education while working for them. Also, it was humbling to realize how Asian cultures revere 'the whole' and 'team work' as my boss used to call it, over the individual.And the loyalty factor - if one proved themselves as a 'hard worker' you became part of the family. Me and my husband were embraced - going to every wedding, Red Egg baby baptism-one year party, New Year festivity, and funeral. Loved this!
I made a mistake. It should say "Moritaist literature." Your comment put me to work! I forgot the spelling, couldn't find it online, and had to check my Cultural Psychology textbook. Thank you! It's literature that explores Morita Therapy.
Nolan, this is an excellent and quite accurate look into the thinking and culture of Japan. I’ve lived here over 30 years and agree with most everything you’ve written.
Even before the pandemic, people here were using masks, but for a variety of reasons, in order not to spread colds or flu, but also because, as one of my students said, “I didn’t have time to put on makeup this morning.” Age doesn’t matter, and more recently, though far fewer than during the height of COVID, you will still see people wearing masks anywhere you go. Servers and bank tellers, for example, still wear them, perhaps to show they are “protecting” the public.
I write this to give yet another example of consideration for others. However, people are people, and there are many who don’t consider older people or those who are more susceptible to viruses, etc., especially on trains and other shared public spaces. So, peer pressure doesn’t always work.
Thank you, Louise! I wrote this based on research and interviews because I haven't been to Japan. Which parts of the article don't correspond with your experience? Much of the research is before 2010, so a lot could have changed.
It's all such a fascinating spectrum! Whenever I watch old Star Trek episodes, I think, "This is so stupid! It's like these entire planets just exist to make whatever point the show wants to make!" But as I travel, I sometimes think that too -- that cultures can be SO DIFFERENT just to make an interesting point about humanity.
P.S. I will never accept that "alright" (and not "all right") is a word. Just sayin'!
haha, I just read through so many other opinions about 'alright' and 'all right.' I guess since this is published and not a text message, I should go with all right.
This is such an in-depth research. 👍 as someone who grew up in Asia with East Asian heritage but heavy Western influence, I find myself a mix of what's mentioned here. There are virtues on all sides, and knowing which to embrace is wisdom. Easier said than done; I'm still battling daily with myself and what to uphold now at home and to pass on to my children. :)
What an interesting post! And so all inclusive. I have Japanese friends and have learned some of these things (but not all). And though of course not Japanese, I worked in a Chinese-American small corporation (200) for 16 years and learned so much about how Asians vs Western world. It was an eye-opener for a gringo and really broadened my sense of the world, and economics, too, as American parents, imho, tend to not discuss finances much w. their offspring. I got a business education while working for them. Also, it was humbling to realize how Asian cultures revere 'the whole' and 'team work' as my boss used to call it, over the individual.And the loyalty factor - if one proved themselves as a 'hard worker' you became part of the family. Me and my husband were embraced - going to every wedding, Red Egg baby baptism-one year party, New Year festivity, and funeral. Loved this!
For sure! Thank you, Jeanine. I've noticed a of what you mentioned here as well, especially the loyalty!
" Mortise literature "? As in woodworking?
I made a mistake. It should say "Moritaist literature." Your comment put me to work! I forgot the spelling, couldn't find it online, and had to check my Cultural Psychology textbook. Thank you! It's literature that explores Morita Therapy.
Thanks Nolan for broadening my scope.
Nolan, this is an excellent and quite accurate look into the thinking and culture of Japan. I’ve lived here over 30 years and agree with most everything you’ve written.
Even before the pandemic, people here were using masks, but for a variety of reasons, in order not to spread colds or flu, but also because, as one of my students said, “I didn’t have time to put on makeup this morning.” Age doesn’t matter, and more recently, though far fewer than during the height of COVID, you will still see people wearing masks anywhere you go. Servers and bank tellers, for example, still wear them, perhaps to show they are “protecting” the public.
I write this to give yet another example of consideration for others. However, people are people, and there are many who don’t consider older people or those who are more susceptible to viruses, etc., especially on trains and other shared public spaces. So, peer pressure doesn’t always work.
I enjoyed reading your article, Nolan!
Thank you, Louise! I wrote this based on research and interviews because I haven't been to Japan. Which parts of the article don't correspond with your experience? Much of the research is before 2010, so a lot could have changed.
It's all such a fascinating spectrum! Whenever I watch old Star Trek episodes, I think, "This is so stupid! It's like these entire planets just exist to make whatever point the show wants to make!" But as I travel, I sometimes think that too -- that cultures can be SO DIFFERENT just to make an interesting point about humanity.
P.S. I will never accept that "alright" (and not "all right") is a word. Just sayin'!
haha, I just read through so many other opinions about 'alright' and 'all right.' I guess since this is published and not a text message, I should go with all right.
Visiting for the first time later this year. Will get to see this firsthand for myself!
I’m looking forward to reading what you write about Japan!
We hope to be there almost three months, so a fair bit!