where is Japanese and Japanese tradition?

Question

How do you think the Japanese people of today??
Personal opinion I think modern Japanese lost there tradition.
I mean we can't see the real honer, loyal...like they used to had any more. The last Samurai is a good example. Japan is a really good country now. But should Japanese try to find out the old the tradition that Japanese lost??

Actually a l'm a really young. But I live in Japan for many years. And I meant most of teenager lost their tradition.

Actually I think the Japanese left their tradition day by day.

Answer 1

yes and no to losing their tradition. Many urban dwellers who have moved to the big cities have lost touch with their local rural traditions. It's much the same in many modern countries.

But even the most urban of Japanese still go to shrines and temples on New Years.
http://samuraidave.wordpress.com/2006/12/30/new-years-eve-at-a-japanese-shrine-in-tokyo/

They still flock by the thousands under the cherry blossoms for hanami parties.
http://img294.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010977hh9.jpg

Many 20 year old girls wear their furisode - long-sleeved kimono on Coming of Age Day
http://samuraidave.wordpress.com/2007/01/10/kkk-kimono-klad-kuties-japans-coming-of-age-day/

Nov 3rd is Culture Day and numerous demonstrations from historical parades to martial arts demonstrations take place
http://samuraidave.wordpress.com/2006/11/18/26/

Matsuri - festivals are where you still the Japanese of all ages being traditional:
http://samuraidave.wordpress.com/2006/08/18/the-drums-of-tohoku-the-sansa-odori-festival/
http://samuraidave.wordpress.com/2007/02/06/setsubun-devils-driven-out-in-japanese-spring-ritual/

Then of course you've got your modern sub-cultures such as the Harajuku goth girls:
http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/1896/internews2206441300470no5.jpg

Don't judge Japan on the fickle youth group. They will no doubt when they get older become like the older generations now and look more deeply into their past while lamenting the younger generations' lack of interest in it

Answer 2

>>I mean we can't see the real honer, loyal...like they used to had any more. The last Samurai is a good example. Japan is a really good country now. But should Japanese try to find out the old the tradition that Japanese lost??<<

Because somewhere along the line people start realizing how much a facade all that is. Or at least how much BS actually comes with it. Honor and loyalty are fine traits to hold and certainly contributed to the meteoric rise Japan enjoyed in the 20th century. On the other hand, Japan had until very recently the highest rate of suicide among the world's industrialized nations. Of all thing, people killed themselves out of grief and shame. For a society that is so centered around the family, Japan contains several contradictions along those lines. Of course, Japan's birthrate was substantially higher in those days, too, so maybe the whole loyalty and honor thing would be answer to that. Seems rather draconian in retrospect.

Answer 3

I lived in japan for a couple of years. A lot of them are very traditional. Even the ones that are not are very polite and good. And yes, the men still have a strong sense of honor. I would feel safe leaving my car unlocked with the windows rolled down in an empty parking lot. Something I would never do here. Maybe actual visual tradition is lost, but I think the real way is still there. Make a trip there if you have not already. You will love them!

Answer 4

You obviously haven't travelled around anywhere else in Asia. I think Japan should be commended for developing without sacrificing their culture to do so. Most countries in Asia have thrown away their traditions for the sake of modernization, keeping only the food and some holidays. Japan made sure it modernized in a Japanese fashion and has never abandoned its culture.

Answer 5

After living in Japan for a couple of years, I would say that I agree AND I disagree with what you wrote. The Japanese have lost some of their traditions and values, but they still keep some. For example, they are still extremely group oriented and considerate of others, yet they don't commit suicide if they are dishonored or if they are trapped in a bad marriage.
They do still have a lot of pride and sense of loyality, but not the way they did before.

I would recommend reading about Mishima who killed himself (in the traditional Japanese manor) in the 1970s in protest of Japanese lossing their cultural (aka "Japanese-ness") and becoming too "Westernized".

Answer 6

they dont lose the tradition they are just adapting new from other country like the US.

Answer 7

Uhh, how do you know they've lost it? Have you ever been to Japan?

Answer 8

i think of "otoh toh toh toh" isn't as hassle-loose as "Ma ma ma ma". only pass to an Izakaya and you will see human beings doing the "Ma ma ma ma" a minimum of as quickly as in the process the nighttime. as a count number of fact, I say "ma ma ma ma" when I drink with human beings from my workplace!! i assume which skill i'm a factor of the Oyaji (Older business enterprise adult males) society now....guy that sucks! Ma ma ma ma!!!!