The ancient concept of a Samurai warrior holding his sword or a young Geisha pouring tea plays a great role in interpreting the nation’s rich and distinctive cultural heritage which has been rooted in a history of traditional values and norms passed on from one generation to the next.
Cultural Norms and Values
In Japan, the behavior of every citizen is presumed to be in conformity with its society and norms where family and organization comes first before their individual needs. This is evidenced by their strong family ties, their devotion to companies and an undying dedication to their country. They hold on to their deep-seated beliefs and are somewhat hesitant to embrace changes. They hate skepticism and conventional opinions and would rather focus on predictability and long-term vision. They would sacrifice petty pleasures for long-term success and rewards. In business, they exercise power based on seniority or family ties.
Political/Economic Systems
Japan is a democratic country with its prevailing Liberal Democratic Party which has been in power for more than 50 years. Other political parties are the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) which has the largest party in the House of Councilors, an ally of LDP which is the New Komeito and the newly formed Japan restoration party. The constitutional monarchy of Japan is headed by its ceremonial monarch Emperor Akihito who stands as “the symbol of the state and the unity of the people”. The current Prime Minister is Shinzo Abe of the Liberal Democratic Party, serving a four-year term with an official residence called Kantei. The bicameral framework of Japanese Legislature is called Kokkai or Diet where decisions are made on a majority vote. The House of Representatives which is the lower house is called Shugi-in with 480 seats and members serving a four-year term. The House of Councilors or the upper house is called Sangi-in with 242 seats and members serving a six-year term.
Japan is the world’s third largest national economy after the U.S. and China. It is also the world’s third largest automobile manufacturer and has the largest electronic industry. The country’s economic success was influenced by two significant economic eras such as the Meiji Era and the post-war Economic Miracle. During the Meiji Era, there was a rapid industrial growth due to the government’s efforts to modify its educational system and created strategic means for private and public businesses to progress. The advanced education and the strong business knowledge coupled with their ethical attitude towards work were the basis of a huge economic growth in the post-war Economic Miracle era. However, in 1990, Japan’s economic growth slowed down due to the asset price bubble and the crash of Tokyo Stock Exchange. The earthquake and tsunami in 2011 caused billions of damages to homes and industries. However, the Bank of Japan was able to release economic aid to stabilize the financial market.
Marriage and Family Life
The Meiji civil code emphasized that the family is the basic element of the society where men are the rulers and head of the household and women’s roles were to bear their offspring but has no authority over marriage, divorce or inheritance. Arranged marriage has been practiced for reasons of continued family assets and bloodline where partners should be from equal status and family background. Over the centuries, marriage in Japan had radically changed. Today, women were given more equality and legal rights to divorce their husbands. They began to regard themselves as equals to men and the society and enjoying independence and power. A love marriage made them realized that families should not rely much on their children and descendants in terms of economic status. In a normal family life, the husband goes to work and the wife takes care of domestic things. However, more women are now working and some men are now helping in the housework. The husband’s salary is handed to his wife who takes care of the household expenses. The bond between the mother and children is very strong where the mother plays a vital role in their children’s education.
Living Conditions and Work
With their high standard of living as well as their material possessions, the Japanese enjoy good health, good food and have a long life expectancy. However, one of its major problems is the housing and its limited space. The high cost of land prevents them from building large houses. Small houses and apartments are very common which are furnished with straw mats on walls and carpeted or wooden floors. Japan’s city streets are safe despite of its crowded city life. The group-oriented work environment in Japan expects employees to prioritize the company’s interest over their personal needs and long hour of working is normal. Most men work for a company after graduating from high school or college and stays with the company until retirement age. However, younger Japanese prefer a more adventurous and rewarding career. Women usually work in a service or clerical jobs and teaching or government careers. Corporate career for women is very rare.
Status of Women, Children and the Elderly
Though the modern Japanese woman exercises all her rights, she is still a picture of modesty and endurance which are the qualities inherited from her ancestors. She does not compete with men and keeps a low profile contented to be a good wife and a wise mother. With the new generation of educated women wanting to be a career woman, more Japanese women are joining the labor force. However, most companies do not invest on women in terms of training and promotion due to the presumption that women quit their jobs once they get married or when pregnant. Maternity leave is not common and if women return to work after giving birth, she is more likely to have a lower position and salary depriving her of her benefits and higher wages. Problems also arise when the welfare of the family and children is neglected. A working mother could no longer fulfill her obligations to discipline her children which could contribute delinquent citizens in the society.
With both parents working, children are placed in Day Care Centers and Kindergarten Centers. The first graders are more independent and would take public buses on their way to school and cross the busy streets on themselves. Japanese kids are passionate of video games, computer software and the Internet. Children are always busy with their school activities that they have very limited time for fun and social development. Since Japanese society is group-oriented, it is important for children to interact and get along with others. Friendships among teenagers are encouraged to prepare them for adult relationships. They usually go shopping when hanging out with friends because spending money is such a trend among teenagers.
The elderly in Japan lead a very active and high mobility life. The female elderly interact with friends, relatives and neighbors and are stronger than the male elderly. They assist in the family farm or business and are getting special care from family and the community. Some are still employed and living a full life. Most of them maintain separate homes, some are living with families of adult children and some are placed in nursing homes. Respect for the Aged Day is Japan’s holiday for the elderly where public buses and trains reserved seats for the elderly riders. Despite of the government’s concern for the health and welfare of the elderly, the rise of the aged population is putting a strain to the country’s financial health and public pension plan.
Religion
There are two major religions harmoniously existing in Japan. These are the Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto which is “the way of the gods” is an ancient faith as old as Japan. It is deeply rooted in the Japanese people and tradition and doesn’t have sacred scriptures, propaganda and preaching. The Shinto gods “kami” are sacred spirits in the form of wind, rain, mountains, rivers, trees and fertility. Shinto shrines are the places of worship where festivals and weddings are held. Shinto ritual is to keep evil spirits away by purification, prayers and offerings to the kami which is usually performed by the Shinto priest. Buddhism originated in India and was introduced to Japan from China and Korea. It is composed of complex theories and teachings. Funerals are carried out in Buddhism style due to their belief that death is a source of impurity.
Racial/Ethnic Relations
Although the Japanese Constitution states that all citizens are equally important, cultural conflict exist between its multi-ethnic minority groups such as the Ainus, Burakumin, Chinese, Koreans, Nikkeijin and Okinawas. The Ainus are the indigenous group living in Hokkaido. During the Meiji government, they were restricted from farming on government lands, absorbed their tradition and banned their language. Racial discrimination against Koreans and Chinese also exist which were influenced by their history and culture. The Japanese government is planning to make changes on work permit requirements to foreigners concerning its refusal to issue work permits unless his/her skills are proven and cannot be rendered by the local citizen. Despite of racial discrimination, the government lacks the concern to enforce penalties or implement legislative laws. .
Works Cited:
Acevedo, Laura. “About Japanese Culture”. Travels.Com.2013. Web. 18
March, 2013.
Hays, Jeffrey. “Japanese Families: Married Life, Wife-Mother-In-Law Relations, Single Member Households”. Facts and Details. January, 2013. Web. 18 March, 2013. http://www.factsanddetails.com
