Is Japanese culture so unique??
Posted by: kirin on 
Aug 13th, 2009 | 
Filed under: Something Interesting
I enjoy exchanging emails between my blog readers and online friends, besides the comments on each post. The other day, my online friend Ivy from Nanyate.com mentioned something very interesting in her email, and I’d like to write about that today.
Ivy is my first online friend as far as I remember. She visited my former blog, “Japanese Cuisine Daily Recipes and Something Kawaii From Harajuku?” several times and I started to exchange comments between her. It was when I started my first English blog and there was very small number of my blog readers at that time. So she’s been someone special to me since I started blogging in English to the world, and also someone I’d like to see in person if I have a chance. Ivy speaks 9 or 10 languages and Japanese is one of them. She says she learned it from Japanese anime and I am so much impressed with her ability and potential. Anyway, please go check her cool blog for more!
That was a little bit about Ivy. She has lived in various countries in her life, and I don’t know if I should call her Singaporean just because she lives there now. But let’s say she is Asian. It was a surprise to me when I read she mentioned Japanese culture was something very unique, because I thought it was only Western people who might think in that way. But Asian people, too? So I asked her for further opinion. Her reply was something very interesting to me and it was too good to be left in my mailbox, and so I’d like to share it with you, as she agreed with me. 
Ivy wrote:
“I think Japan has done a good job preserving its own customs and culture. And being an island nation, it also has a history that is less affected by other countries (as opposed to Europe where the countries are all next to each other, so they share similar language, values, cultures and/or religion. And with Britain and the Netherlands colonizing almost the whole world at one point, even the colonies share similar culture to Europe. Singapore has a lot of roots in England for example). So to the rest of the world, Japan seems to have its own value system and mindset.”
“I don’t see any other country preserve its culture as well as Japan today. In university, I did some research on intercultural communication and there are quantifiable data showing that Japanese people think differently from others. I didn’t really research into Japan so much (since my research focus was on China) but I remember that Japanese people don’t like to deal with
uncertainty (rank #1 in the world). If you’re interested in seeing the data, I suggest you read Geert Hofstede. He has a website showing the statistics for each country but he doesn’t really explain what it means.
You have to read his books to interpret the data. I think one of his books is translated into Japanese.”
“Statistics and history aside, from my interactions with Japanese people, from watching anime and from listening to Japanese music, I can *feel* that there is something fundamentally different in Japanese people. They have more emotional depth and understanding, maybe? I haven’t really figured out what it is, which is why I am so interested in Japanese culture. If I have the chance, I would really like to live in Japan for a while to find out
what this difference is.”
Wow, how academic she is! I might wanna read the book in Japanese. (It’s nice I can read it in Japanese!) It’s convincing when she says things like this because she’s been brought up in several different countries and people. She has seen and spent her life in various places and various cultures. But she says this. I was born, raised, educated and employed in Japan. Except 1 year in the U.S college, and another 1 year in Australia for work and travel, I have been spending too many long long time in Japan only, and there’s NO WAY I realize something is unique about our country. It’s very difficult for Japanese people like me to realize any uniqueness of Japan, because I’ve soaked up Japanese culture from a date of birth and everything I see in Japan is just very natural.
Thank you, Ivy for your insightful email! 
So how unique Japanese culture is to you? Let me hear what you think!
Tags: 
August 13th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Comment 1:
I think there are alot of truths to Ivy's comment. Japan is unique that they are able to retain the traditions and customs like none other. I'd say the Chinese comes to a close 2nd but their goal of trying to catch up w/ the Western world made them abandon alot of it. I think that is mostly why I do keep up with so much Japanese things. Asides from the cuteness factor, the custom, the traditions, on top of the willingness to innovate and cultivate what other countries are not willing, that's truly what makes Japanese unique. I would say Korean is a close match as well except they have too much political turmoil that people had a hard time getting to know the culture.
August 13th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
comment 2:
I think each culture has its rich custom but are often not displayed, some for fear that they are not appreciated by outsiders, some because it's so specialized (think weddings or holidays). I mean, when was the last time you've seen a German wearing his lederhosen walking around town? You may see them go drinking for Oktoberfest, but not wearing the full gear. But you can often catch Japanese women in their kimono and no one would blink. So, there is a difference and I think outsiders can appreciate it.
August 13th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
To me, Japan has done a very good job in preserving their 'Japan-ness' even when taking 'Western' culture. That way, the pride of being a Japanese is still in tact. For example, western food is adapted to suit the Japanese tounge, fashion too (everything became bright, colourful, and kawaii) ^_^
August 13th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Great article! People have always asked my why I like Japanese culture and I really could never express myself, but your friend Ivy is on the money!
I will be going to Japan in two weeks and now I can't wait to go. I really want to study my environment and get a better understanding of the Japanese culture.
August 14th, 2009 at 12:57 am
Japanese people may think differently, but I'm going to disagree on them having more "emotional depth and understanding." Perhaps different emotional expression.
And Japan certainly has been influenced by other countries and cultures. No country stands alone and uninfluenced by others (even if it is an island). Just a few examples off the top of my head:
While it's debatable, I suppose, whether there has been any significant, lasting influence, European missionaries and traders did come to Japan for a time before it closed its ports. Even when it did, it still had contact with the Dutch. Physical signs of this contact (such as architecture and local foods) are observable if you visit certain cities, such as Nagasaki or (I've heard) certain parts of Hokkaido. And of course other Asian countries, especially China and Korea, have greatly influenced Japan. The Japanese writing system was adapted from Chinese, and off the top of my head I can think of at least a couple foods that are not originally Japanese, but are sometimes considered to be so (ramen and bibimbop). And by just spending some time in Japan, especially in or near a city, you can see what a large influence America has, at least in the pop cultural sphere.
Japan has a very distinct culture, but every country is unique. I certainly wouldn't go so far as to place Japan above or outside of the rest of the world in this regard.
August 14th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
I agree with Ivy. I can see Paul's point, and agree that the Japanese may not necessarily have more emotional depth, but they are a lot more open with expressing it. Take anime, for instance, most American cartoons are definately meant for children, and if they are meant for adults they're comical (and often vulgar). With anime it's different, while some of it is most certainly meant for kids, there seems to be a deeper meaning displayed (Shugo Chara, for instance, though a magical girl anime it has a lot of depth about discovering your true self and your dreams). There are many genres of anime that display a lot of emotional depth, and not the simple Hollywood Romantic Comedy type either; I may not have much experience but I have yet to read a manga or watch an anime that does not display some kind of emotional depth. The influences of other countries has definately touched on Japanese culture, but the Japanese still carry their ancient traditions and religious ideas, and seem a much more united country in that.
August 14th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Hello, Kirin, thank you for a very interesting post and Ivy ,thanks for the long and interesting mail.
From personal experience, I was born and raised and have always lived in Belgium, but have traveled quite a lot ( work and leisure) . I've been to Asia and to Arab countries, South America and well yes, I have found that cultures differ.
From what I read and experienced myself , Japanese culture is unique.
And so are other cultures. To think European cultures are becoming the same is wrong. If anything, they're starting to move further apart. Even in my own country with only 10 million people , we have two language groups and they're quite different culturally .
Something I read in a book by one who's lived in Japan and in other Asian countries many years seems to sum it up quite nicely " Japanese take great pride on presenting themselves as a unified and unique people (" We're the Japanese" ) and they would love to be appreciated by everyone else for their culture, history, achievements, etc.. But they also like to protect their uniqueness. When meeting someone from abroad , who shows a clear understanding of their customs, language and society, they feel threatened."
Is this so ?
I've never been to Japan ( well I have for about 20 minutes , but that doesn't count) , so I'll have to verify that for myself.
It fits well with the little I've experienced so far.
Is being unique and wanting to keep it that way bad ? Personally, I think not : cultural differences make life more interesting. Japan is not alone in it's uniqueness.
Is keeping it to yourself so others will be eternally puzzled at how you think and why you act the way you do OK ( "You have to be born and raised here ; an outsider could never understand us" ) ?
Personally, I think not . None of us live in this world, isolated from everybody else anymore. Give me an open insight into what you are and how you came to be that way. How else can you expect me to appreciate you ?
August 14th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
End of June at my ( very multi-international ) company we had a presentation , where we were being made aware on cultural differences and how this affects dealing with business meetings, communication, people on a personal basis etc.. It was an eye-opener.
Held by Chris Smit of Culture Matters (http://www.culturematters.com/index.php/home) , we were invited to guess at the following cultural properties of different countries.
We guessed right some of the time, and wrong a LOT
While Chris Smit refers ( even on his site ) to Geert Hofstede , he has his own set of classifying cultures and although he has an organisation that sells consulting on the matter, his site has at least a ( short) blog , a FAQ and a search page
so you won't need to read the book right away to learn a bit more, haha!
The four classifications can be found here : http://www.culturematters.com/index.php/culture-b...
I haven't had much time checking out the rest of his site, but I have received a list of classifications at the conference
here are the levels for
Belgium HI 65 – WI 77- PG 56- AA 89
Japan HI 55 – WI 47- PG 96 – AA 91
Singapore HI 75 – WI 30 – PG 49 – AA 18
Malaysia HI 99 – WI 29 – PG 52- AA 34
Anxiety avoidance which Ivy talks about is AA ( Looking at these figures Singapore seems a pinnacle of carefree 'unregulatedness' which copes well with uncertainty
August 14th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
That Belgians have a high AA stunned us all, but of course it's true : we have many rules and laws ( and we're world champs at trying to evade them
and our society is not very fond of changes, etc..
That we are slightly more hierarchical (HI) than the Japanese is also interesting, since Japan has a long history as a feudal state with social castes, but then looking at our history, so does Belgium.
You'll have to look up the rest of the explanations on the site of Chris (http://www.culturematters.com/index.php/culture-b...
but before I end this , here's an interesting observation from the blog http://www.culturematters.com/index.php/culture-b...
Boy and girl on train ( yes it's in Japan on a train ) (see the post of 10/4/2009 .
Interesting. (I'll need to learn how to recognize such a badge, so I know when to get up )
In our country , people would stand up for you of their own accord ( if you're visibly pregnant or old) , or they wouldn't. A badge would get you nowhere : you can ask and then it would be quite unacceptably rude for the sitting party not to stand up. I'm sorry to say that I find people these days seem to get better at pretending not to notice you. Some are unacceptably rude.
I always get up for pregnant women , no badge required. Hontoni!
August 15th, 2009 at 1:30 am
Don't know much about Japan except cool gadgets, cute girls, Bon Odori and WW2…No offence, I am more interested on what japanese have to think about the chinese. For instance, I like people who is environmental friendly. どうぞ よろしく。
August 15th, 2009 at 2:01 am
PLEASE REMEMBER TOO LONG COMMENTS ARE REJECTED DUE TO SPAM CONTROL, AND I'M SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE! SO I'D SUGGEST YOU SPLIT YOUR LONG COMMENT INTO 2 OR 3 COMMENTS JUST LIKE PATTY OR WALTER DOES ABOVE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND YOUR COMMENTS!
August 15th, 2009 at 2:17 am
I would have to agree with Paul.
A few of my Asian and European friends weren’t impressed and abit irked by what Ivy wrote. It sparked off a pretty interesting debate. So just to stray a little off topic, sorry if it’s kind of long….
Being born and raised in Singapore for more than over 20 years, then having studied, worked and lived in Australia and the pacific islands for another few years and similarly in Europe for more than 15 years now….also having traveled most continents shy of USA and Canada…..this is my humble insight….
I love and appreciate Japanese culture, food and arts (anime, music, fashion, toys etc) very much and they have many unique qualities to offer to the world but I wouldn’t say more so than how I love Chinese, Thai or Indonesian traditions, food and culture; likewise for Spanish, French, Greek or Italian food, art, music, fashion and culture. Each has its own uniqueness and value systems to contribute to the world, historically and till the present day.
Listening and watching certain Japanese music and media does have *emotional depth and understanding* however not more so than some Chinese, Spanish, French and English (UK and US) music or movies etc. In fact I have found that some Chinese & Spanish music and movies to be far more passionate, heart felt and riddled with moral and ethical undertones.
cont…
August 15th, 2009 at 2:18 am
To make an assumption and generalization that Europeans are similar because the countries are next to each other or their languages and cultures are similar; is neither true nor politically correct. It would be like saying China, Japan, Korea and South East Asia are all basically Chinese who speak similar languages with a dash of occasional sanskirt because their roots are from China or Brahman….
Similarly, it’s not fair to say most of the world share similar culture and roots to Europe just because the British, Spanish, Dutch or Portuguese colonized most of the world at some point….religion aside. Loosely speaking, Native Americans are not Spanish, Europeans are not Turks nor Asian Mongols or Australians criminals. Yes, there may be some reminiscence influences but I think fundamentally it is more ancestral heritage and assimilation by the indigenous people into their own culture. Hmmm…eg think voodoo, an original African religion that variety of different ethnic groups amalgamated their religions into and formed what we know it today?
Singapore – she may have origins of Malay, colonized by British and occupied by Japanese but fundamentally all the different traders and people that came to this island nation, have kept and preserved their original traditions, heritage, religions and culture as well as assimilating western, modern, and technological advancements creating an eclectic and dynamic nation very much so like Japan. I have often seen my friends or family members in a cheong sum, kebaya, baju kurung or sarees, all traditional clothes, so knowing Japanese girls still wear kimonos is not unique or a surprise to me. They have still kept their traditions, foods and customs too even though we all celebrate xmas and other western celebrations. I would say Singapore roots are very much Asian. English is only the first language there not because of the British but rather a strategic political and economic move to unite the many different races of people together and to be a viable global economic and commercial hub.
Likewise many Asians, Indians, Africans, Latin and Nordic countries have done well in preserving their customs and culture….but less known to the masses perhaps because its not so commercially marketed throughout the world.
August 15th, 2009 at 2:19 am
cont….
What I like and appreciate about Japan culture? They are fascinating because to a once closed country policy and culture stemmed in strict traditional doctrines, etiquette and conduct where it is impolite to powder your nose in public or laugh without covering your mouth, they are also paradoxically very open to learn, adapt and reinvent things. Hungry for much influences of the world especially US and Europe eg jpop, robotics, visual kei, steampunk, gothiclolitas are just some examples with origins from foreign influences. Strapped by strict traditions and mindset and harsh lessons of the past, they express their freedom to *rebel* through their expression of modern day jpop culture, art, manga anime music etc perhaps? …wakaranai. We know the Japan of today is very different from that of 50 years ago. This vibrant evolutionary mix of past and modern has also seen much creation of what uniquely Japan is today. And they do it with such enthusiasm and tenacity. I like their mentality – proud, hardworking, perfectionist, imaginative, expressive, innovative, bold, bizarre, extreme, humble, curious…….etc yet I find a strange mix of innocence, childlike wonder, gentleness, kindness tethering on the other extreme of hierarchy, provocation, violence, sexiness….to me its this fine balance of extremes that make me attracted and appreciate Japan. There is also the extreme cuteness! A beautiful melodic language, very expressive and easy on the ear! And well tasty yummy food full of umami taste sensations!
Nonetheless, this is only my opinion and thanks if u have read this far! hehehe
Stepping off the soapbox now lol
August 15th, 2009 at 2:33 am
Thank you for your long comment, Patty.
I found it interesting when you mentioned, " on top of the willingness to innovate and cultivate what other countries are not willing" because we may invest time, labour and money for something strange like this. http://tokyokawaiietc.com/archives/980 Which other country may create such a strange thing seriously? XD
As for Kimono, it's not as usual as you may think it is. There are special occasions when many people get dressed with Kimono, but except those special days (such as graduation ceremony, become-an-adult day, and so on. As for Yukata, fire works observation event or bon dance is the good occasion.) we'd normally wear normal clothing, just like T-shirt and pants.
August 15th, 2009 at 2:38 am
I heard that some Western people moved to Japan said on TV that Japanese people are good at copying the local taste as truely as possible. Meaning French cuisine in Japan tastes exactly like the one in France, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, whatever, you name it…
I don't know exactly about this, but as for fashion, I think it's totally mixed up! It's interesting that we long for Western culture and so copied Gothic or Lolota looks and now it is exported, back to the origin, and popular in Europe, too. XD
August 15th, 2009 at 2:40 am
Oh you come to Japan? How exciting it'd be!! Please share your experience and any questions you might have while your stay in Japan with me when you are back home!
August 15th, 2009 at 2:58 am
Thank you for your comment, Paul.
It's true that our culture is much influenced by China, Korea, and the U.S. We also have many foreign cuisine restaurants and foreign brands or companies just as well as all the other countries.
But I think I can sense what Ivy's saying "emotional depth and understanding" although it's hard to be explained.
I think that one of the big difference of Japanese culture from most of the others are that being ambiguous is considered good, while at most of the other countries YES and NO occupy the most answer and people may not say something inbetween. I've just done translation work at the interview from an American the other day and I had to ask several times to the Japanese speaker if it rather means yes or no to clarify his answer to the American.
August 15th, 2009 at 2:58 am
-to be continued-
Japanese Kanji is influenced by Chinese and we are located close to China and Korean, but I think our nationality (character) is a lot different from Chinese or Korean. They show their emotion more clearly or apparently than us. We are not good at showing emotions clearly because our culture is something that we are supposed to *sense* them each other without a word. (Don't take me wrong, I don't say which is better or worse. ) And such attitude sometimes is confused by foreigners and some of them may have negative images on Japan.
August 15th, 2009 at 3:08 am
Many of Japanese anime have great messages. They are not just superficial entertainment for kids. Some could deserve novel or movie, and it's not strange even adult watch anime. I'd rather think Japanese anime is a lot better than Japanese TV dramas. I also like to see the details of anime drawn on the screen where not many people may notice but have some significant meanings to the work.
August 15th, 2009 at 3:29 am
Thank you so much for your …such a long comment!
I cannot check the links fully at a moment, but let me reply to you on some points.
I have no idea if we have a pride for being Japanese, but we are single race, single country without any other places spoken Japanese, and this means we have a feeling of being one, altogeter. Each person should be different however, we like to listen to the vioce saying "The Japanese are…such and such" We may like to be categorized into a certain type of character. I'll write a post about it in the near future. Thank you, you gave a new idea on my blog posting.
August 15th, 2009 at 3:39 am
What we think about the Chinese? Many of us have to feel sorry for the Chinese people or the Korean people because of what our ancestors did to them in our old history. But young generation like us may not think of such things although we learn them in Japanese history classes. I think we should look forward, not the backward.
こちらこそ、よろしく。
August 15th, 2009 at 4:11 am
Thank you so much for your long comments. Actually I tried to do this for you and at the point of approval comments, I found your comments, so I just deleted the ones I made for you. Thank you for understanding characteristics of this comment form and submitting your comments with separated messages.
It sounds like people may feel unique to some very different culture. I'd feel so if I see European countries, African countries, or south Asian countries. Pleple living far away from Japan or not very much familiar with Japan may think Japanese culture is distinctively unique.
Yes, we are hardworking in a good way and a bad way. It's stupid we cannot easily take a long holiday because our work is too hard with less people and our co-workers have to bear so much workload if we have days off. That makes us keep working on and on… Many of us leave paid holidays without used due to such business culture.
Worksharing as in European countries didn't work out in our country. There are almost 2 options left: You have a job but you have to work too hard or you have no job. How is it? This is one of the part I dislike about Japan. 
August 16th, 2009 at 12:16 am
@Miss Ia – anime is generally more adult, yes. But Japan does have comedic, vulgar anime, as well (Shin-chan, for example). Just as American animation, while generally childish, can have deeper appeal (like many Disney and Pixar movies; WALL-E comes to mind at the moment).
Gen had some valuable insights. I think that Japan does, of course, have many unique elements. This much is almost certainly granted for a country that kept to itself for so many years and has worked to preserve its homogeneity. The part about having "more emotional depth and understanding" is what irked me. Just because Japanese people express emotions differently, do they have more "depth and understanding?" In Japanese society and culture, emotions (not even just emotions – many thoughts and intentions) are generally more masked. The anime that Miss Ia was referring to, with over-the-top emotional expressions about love and friendship, is in direct opposition to normal behavior in Japan. I suppose that is what makes it exciting here.
Please bear in mind that I do admire many things about Japan, which is why I'm living here…but I don't think of it or its people as being superior, especially not emotionally.
August 17th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
I'm the same! I haven't watched many Japanese dramas, but I always feel more drawn in with anime (to the point that I get sad when the character is going through something rough, haha). Plus, the art and all the effort that goes into creating an anime is staggering.
August 17th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Wall-E is a great example, as is Up (highly recommend it!). Though, when I said cartoon, I had meant things like Spiderman, and Sixteen – those sorts of serialised cartoons (I should've been more specific, my apologies). I'm positive there are comical and vulgar animes in Japan, but I was mostly comparing it to the standard television cartoons americans are exposed to and what I've witnessed. Since Wall-E is a movie, I didn't really think about comparing it. But that is certainly a good point! I find that most people in general are not very open about their emotions, not just the Japanese (though, from what I've seen, they are more modest). I definately agree with you, Paul, that the Japanese are not superior or necessarily have more depth and understanding – but they have a way of showing their depth and understanding which I find very unique. I'm of the mind that we're all humans, no matter where we hail from.
I've really enjoyed reading all the comments! I feel like I've learned more.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
I think nowadays TV dramas even have to count on anime, (because anime does a better job?) for example, Kochikame (Kochira Kameari Keisatusyo こち亀） is on TV now with popular actors. Hatarakiman (働きマン）used to be, too. But anime was good enough and I have already an image of the characters from anime, I don't feel like watching them in live action. Same can be said to NANA and Death Note, or Dragon Ball and Yatterman (http://tokyokawaiietc.com/archives/1563)…there maybe more.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
I think nowadays TV dramas even have to count on anime, (because anime does a better job?) for example, Kochikame (Kochira Kameari Keisatusyo こち亀） is on TV now with popular actors. Hatarakiman (働きマン）used to be, too. But anime was good enough and I have already an image of the characters from anime, I don't feel like watching them in live action. Same can be said to NANA and Death Note, or Dragon Ball and Yatterman (http://tokyokawaiietc.com/archives/1563) …there maybe more. <SPAN class=idc-smiley><SPAN style="BACKGROUND-POSITION: -12px -36px"><SPAN>:(</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
August 17th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
I think nowadays TV dramas even have to count on anime, (because anime does a better job?) for example, Kochikame (Kochira Kameari Keisatusyo こち亀） is on TV now with popular actors. Hatarakiman (働きマン）used to be, too. But anime was good enough and I have already an image of the characters from anime, I don't feel like watching them in live action. Same can be said to NANA and Death Note, or Dragon Ball and Yatterman (I have a related post on this. http://tokyokawaiietc.com/archives/1563 ) …there maybe more…:(
August 18th, 2009 at 10:33 am
I heard japanese like to talk about people’s blood type, Is that true? Please enlighten….
August 19th, 2009 at 2:15 am
Oh what a good timing! I was about to write about the blood type and even started preparing for related photos!
Thank you so much for your opinion, and the post will be soon available, if I am not too busy…
August 26th, 2009 at 4:30 am
Japanese people are CRAZY! I mean in the good way! I just love how they express them shelves so 'openly'. Look at how they did to the fashion culture, the cosplay and stuff. And they did it perfectly, they add so much stuff to wear but they still look amazing!
August 26th, 2009 at 5:06 am
Ahahaha! Is that so? That's unlike your country? Thank you for your comment, CandyMaywood. I recognize you from twitter! Thank you for coming over here.
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:32 am
Great site…keep up the good work.
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