Literature Review
Takakusu (2006) looks at the family unit in the article The Social and Ethical Value of the Family System in Japan. In doing this, comparisons are drawn with the west. According to Takakusu (2006), while in Western societies the individual forms the unit of the society, in Japan; it is the family that is the unit of the society. According to Varley (2000), the Japan’s family system ensures mutual cooperation on the part of those people who are related by family ties. For example, parents assist their children and children assist their parents. An example provided by Takakusu is that of an older brother who is a “millionaire and yet he does not feel obligated to support a younger sibling who ends up being a beggar because of his own wrong-doing” (2006). This does not happen in the Japanese family system whereby elder brothers assist the younger, and the younger assist the elder. As such, the honor and glory of the family is the primary concern in Japanese family system.
In terms of language, Berglund (2003) notes that the Japanese language has five strong traits which include: sensitivity to the verticality or power in interpersonal relationships; a group culture orientation that usually uses announcements in interpersonal relationships; a vagueness that smoothes the rough edges of human interactions; a recognition of the significance of face in human relations and; a grammatical structure that puts emphasis on the concrete over the abstract by placing the verb at the end of the sentence. Finney (2001) observes that the Japanese are comfortable with a particular level of ambiguity in interpersonal relationships and communication. This means that their language tends to be rather indirect whereby the receiver has to decipher the message. Another significant aspect of Japanese language is the face. Berglund (2003) observes that the face is considered a mark of pride and is the basis of an individual’s social status and reputation. Preservation of face is ensured by avoiding direct criticism and confrontations. Causing an individual to lose face can be disastrous for business relationships. Therefore, according to the Australlian Trade Commission (2013), when doing business in Japan, it is important to explore the cultural aspects of the family system and language so as to understand etiquette and best business practices.
References
Australian Trade Commission. (2013) Doing Business in Japan: Current Business Situation. Australia Unlimited, 2013. Retrieved from http://www.austrade.gov.au/Export/Export- Markets/Countries/Japan/Doing-business
Berglund, J. (2003) Japan-Its People, Its Language, and Its Culture. Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press.
Finney, M.K. (2001, January 26) Japan Communication Within Family Contexts. DePauw University, 2001. Retrieved from http://acad.depauw.edu/~mkfinney/teaching/Com227/culturalportfolios/japan/familycont exts.htm
Takakusu, J. (2006) The Social and Ethical Value of the Family System in Japan. International Journal of Ethics, 2006; 17(1): 100-106.
Varley, P. (2000) Japanese Culture. Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press.
