Reaction Paper 10/29/12

It is very interesting to see the many concepts and terms we have learned in class come together as an interdependent explanation of Japanese culture. We have studied the cultural concepts of  “kenkyo”, “aimai” and “honee and tatemea” just to name a few. All of these concepts work together to create a unique kind of society and culture for the Japanese people.

            Firstly, this idea of “the nail that sticks up gets hammered down” is apparent in Japanese society. All of these various concepts we have learned seem to stem from this cultural component. “Honne and “tatemea” for example, are cultural norms which socialize individuals to manage emotions according to particular situations. “Honne” is a concept used to describe one’s true emotional feelings that are normally only shared with close friends and family, while “tatemea” is the feeling and emotion one shows to the public. In other words, one is discouraged to draw attention to their feelings in public situations. It is understood that displaying emotion in public is putting one’s emotions on someone else and is completely inappropriate. Again, this can relate to the overarching concept evident in Japanese society: that the group is more important than the individual. An individual’s feelings are not appropriate to share with the group for the sake of the general population.

            Also, “kenkyo” or, modesty, is yet another concept that demonstrates the idea that the group is more important than the individual. “Kenkyo” is the concept used to describe the way in which individuals interact with one another, with a sense of modesty or humility. For example, Japanese are often uncomfortable receiving a compliment, and will not eagerly accept the compliment they are given. If one is told that they are a good writer, it is polite to say “oh no, I am not a good writer at all.” Again, we see this trend that to emphasize the individual is not socially appropriate.  It is clear that individuals are uncomfortable when the spotlight is on them, such as receiving a compliment. We see this kind of behavior in schools as well. While in America, the students are motivated to excel and compete, in Japanese schools, academics are very much about the general group rather than the individual. Students are expected to remain on the same level, in a vigorous and egalitarian academic setting. For example, students in the U.S. will ask many questions, until each student fully comprehends the subject. Each student is taught to succeed at their own level, regardless of others abilities, and classes are conducted in some way in which there is personal attention, time for questions, and help on an individual basis. However, in Japanese society, students are culturally expected to remain silent and refrain from asking questions. Asking questions individually is seen as a set back for the group overall.

            “Aimai” is another way in which Japanese society maintains the general group by placing cultural norms for interaction between individuals. Aimai is the way in which one expresses oneself ambiguously or indirectly. Again, it is discouraged for one to straightforwardly express their individual feelings and thoughts. Rather, one must articulate their thoughts and feelings in an indirect manner in order to avoid conflict and offense to others. The idea of the “rule of unanimous” is carried out through this cultural facet. There is a need for strong emotional unity in Japan, and going against this means going against the group. Therefore, individuals must be discreet in their individual expressions as a means of maintaining harmony. For example, one must disagree in a roundabout way in order to preserve relationships, and keep a positive public environment.  Again going against this would violate a key social norm of Japanese society, often described as: “The pheasant that keeps its mouth shut is least

likely to get shot.”

            It is apparent that through the many specific aspects of Japanese culture we have come to learn of this greater societal theme regarding the group versus the individual that so greatly influences every feature of Japanese society.