Japanese culture...?

Question

I need some opinions and strong viewpoints. You have to convince me of what you are saying:
" Themodern Japanese culture is so uncomplicated and simple. It has no nuances or finer points. I find the Japanese to be an emotion-less people who beleive in organizing themselvesin strict hierarchies. Their culture is homogeneous, and every single person who lives there is just Japanese; they do not beleive in any difference between one person and the next. Their religious identity is so strong that it holds them together as a single, cohesive whole. In fact, they have historically been rigid, stratified, and group-think sort of people. Perhaps it is the lack of individuality that makes the Japanese so successful."
Do you agree or not or partially agree/disagree.

Answer 1

Completely disagree... on every point.. The Japanese are a lovely people, complicated in every sort of way, just like every other culture. There are many different "types" of people just as here in the states.. If you have ever spent any time with Japanese schoolgirls, or even adult Japanese women, you will quickly realize that they are very emotional people just like everybody else. Sometimes, people might think that Japanese are emotionless because in their language, they don't place accent on a particular syllable of each word, but show emotion in their language in other ways. Their culture seems homogenous at first glance, until you really start looking around. It is said that no matter how long a foreigner stays in Japan, whether they marry into a Japanese family or not, they will always be considered a foreigner. This may have been more true in the distant past, but even then I am not sure. Looking around you will see Japanese, who are ethnic Japanese mixed with Chinese, Australian, European, American, even occasionally Latin American. Whether it is natural or not, you will see Japanese people with black, brown, red, blond hair, curly, straight, spiked, what have you (some are of ethnically mixed descent and have differing characteristics from what you would normally expect a Japanese person to have), some have died and curled or straightened their hair in order to show their individuality. All Japanese schoolchildren must wear uniforms, but they decorate them individually and after hours, you will find all kinds of different students: the ones that dress like gangstas, the preppy look, the outdoorsy look, looks that I don't have a name for because we don't have similar looks in the states, the skateboarders, the surfers, the mountainclimbers, the drivers.. etc. etc.. and these distinctions continue through life as adults too, like to show individuality in the activities they enjoy, etc. (However, most everyone - even the gangsta kids are all sweet and polite).. Some older (elderly) people aren't so excited about this aspect of modern Japanese life as they hold onto traditional beliefs and values (just like elderly in any culture), and a few have a "fear of foreigners" (forgot but their is an English and a Japanese word for this).
In discussing the idea that Japanese culture in some ways is non-homogenous, look no further than comparing the various large islands. Ethnically and culturally, hokkaido has its historical culture in a different indigenous culture than mainland Japan who also has a different indigenous culture from Okinawa in the South. Different cities and different regions have different specialty foods, some areas are known for their religious culture and some regions are known for their pottery.
"Their" religion is a mix between Shintoism, Buddhism, and Christianity and different individuals and communities either pick one to follow, two to merge, or dab a little in all three. There is more of a group mentality there than in the states, however there is still much individuality. The group mentality comes more into play in terms of being polite and considerate of other peoples needs and ideas and watching out for the community as a whole. It is actually a very sweet part of the Japanese society.
The Japanese are very successful as a society, because they do work together for the common good. Also, in terms of viewing other cultures, the Japanese take what they like from other cultures and "Japanize" these things to fit better into their society. When they want to improve on anything in their society by studying other cultures, they study and learn from the other cultures and then copy the bits that they need to master and then use their own skills and creativity to expand upon what they have learned and enhance that aspect of their society.
These are just a few brief points, but I could go on.. probably for days, weeks, or months debating the finer points of Japanese society, good and bad. Send me a message throught he message board if you would like to discuss more.. There are many things I love about Japanese society (and a few that I don't) and I love talking about it.. :) Good luck with your project

Answer 2

Interesting point you put down.
Did you know that Japan is one of the most homogenous society in terns of "race"?
As such they can preserve their identity rigidly. That also makes them conformist.
This alone does not make them successful. Success shouldnt be measured in a group context unless u have valid reasons to. After all, how do you grade success?? is there a measure that is standard?
isnt it great that they make no distinction. doesnt that show an undrstanding of respect?

Answer 3

Well.... actually if you read about communication styles, you will find out that Japanese culture is considered a "rich" communication style. That basically means that westerners misunderstand the "understatements" of their culture. Don't judge their culture based on ours.

Answer 4

I agree/ i love japenese culture. I have always wanted to go to Tokyo

Answer 5

I think the younger generation is mixing that all up.