Japanese Culture
Abstract
Japan is a country with unique culture, which has developed as a result of the isolated geographic position. For centuries, political and cultural doors were locked for the cultural exchange with other countries. Extreme climatic conditions, such as frequent earthquakes and typhoons also influenced the Japanese mentality. For these reasons, the Japanese culture and Japanese mindset have distinct features like group mentality that distinguish them from what can be seen in other countries.
Expressing Image About Japan
The first word that comes to my mind when I think of Japan is harmony. It is one of the main values of the Japanese culture. The Japanese are trying to harmonize all aspects of life. (Dale, 1986, p. 69). Japanese skyscrapers coexist in accordance with nature, modern busy life flows parallel to the leisurely pastime of traditional tea-ceremony, the night clubs are as popular as national Japanese theater and ritual dance. Japan has managed to become the country which harmonized ancient traditions and innovations. Traditions is the other keyword that characterizes Japanese culture. Since the Middle Ages the Japanese have preserved unchanged the traditional outfit, national interior design, Japanese literature and language, national cuisine and more. This nation has unique marriage customs, traditional festivals and manner of giving gifts. Customs and etiquette code play very important part in the life of the nation. (Dolan, Worden, 1994) The Japanese strictly observe dining etiquette, the custom of bowing instead of shaking hands, traditions of drinking of alcoholic beverages, traditional bathing, business etiquette, etc.
These numerous rules determine social behavior of the Japanese people. In Japanese society an individual always belongs to a certain social group, with a clear social hierarchy within the group. (Kobayashi et al., 2014) This principle applies to both public and private life. Respect, cooperation, seniority, consensus are the key social values. The Japanese are not individualists, they prefer to work for the good of the group, doesn't matter if it's a family or corporation. (Elashmawi, 2001, p.52) In Japan such social concepts as duty and liability are of great importance.Thirst for the change is another characteristic feature of Japanese nation. Having bold ideas and be committed to traditions at the same time, the Japanese create innovations that go over the technological borders.The Kind Of Country Japan Seems To Be In The WorldJapan is not only traditional but also is a technologically highly developed country. Japan has been making considerable efforts to preserve its traditions, without giving away to the influence of globalization. Japan exports not only technologies, but also its culture. Japanese food, music and anime have gained popularity outside the country. Japan remains conservative and closed country from my point of view. It has an image of a country that has followed the path of a peaceful nation since the end of World War II. Japan seems to be quite passive in global politics and doesn't show leadership in global society. (Tsukada, 2015) Japan has managed to re-evaluate …
