Guide to Japanese Culture - Part I
Read Japanese Culture Guide Part 2
There
can be no definitive guide to Japanese culture. It changes too fast
while staying the same, destroys preconceived notions at every turns,
endlessly mutates, and yet somehow remains steadfast in the hearts and
minds of many. The vision of Japanese culture is often just that--a
fleeting vision that may never have really even existed. Yet there's no
doubt Japan's is a unique and highly advanced culture.
While
there are many aspects to culture--religion, art, tradition, history, poetry, people--our guide will
try to answer some of the more common questions. History
weighs heavily on any portrait of Japanese culture, so we'll keep things
light in part one.
What's with all the rice?
Rice
is to the Japanese what apple pie is to Americans: a food as well as a
symbol, although rice is a little more important than apple pie.
Japanese rice is polished white and symbolises purity. It is eaten,
used to make rice wine, rice cakes, rice snacks, rice crackers, and
more. In some ways this country was formed around rice, and it's
culture reflects that today. Harmony, the need to get along and work
well together is critical to community rice farming where everyone
needs to help out..
What does "The nail that
sticks out gets hammered down." mean exactly?
This
old Japanese proverb means what it says: coherence and harmony are very
important. Being too individualistic, and not respecting
others, often results in the proverbial hammer being dropped. Just ask Takafumi
Horie.
Why do the Japanese have
such a liberal view on sex?
With
adult-oriented massage parlours, soap-lands, health spas, and brothels
to be found in virtually every Japanese city, it's easy to see the
Japanese have very few hangups when it comes to sex. This attitude
stems from the fact that there is no Judeo-Christian influence,
that
is, the shame of nudity and sex has not been instilled in the Japanese
the way it has in other countries. Because of this adults have a very
liberal view of sex in all it's forms. From video games for the
PS3
to pornographic animation movies and everything in between, the
Japanese have a live-and-let-enjoy attitude towards sex. In other ways,
the cutlure is also very conservative, which may seem
contradictory.
What does 'Inside face,
outside face" mean?
This
refers to the Japanese often maintaining two opposing opinions at the
same time. This means a Japanese person can be very conservative in the
office, but very liberal at home, or on the inside for example.
Appearances are very important in Japan, so maintaining a 'low profile'
outside face is always a good idea.
Are there still Samurai today?
Yes.
Although they no longer carry katana swords and dress traditionally,
many families today can directly trace their relations to Samurai
families. Many top businessmen, bureaucrats, and politicians are
technically Samurai, and Samurai names are still popular for boys.
While the Samurai may have vanished visually, there are
still here--just invisible.
Is sushi really just raw
fish on rice?
No. Sushi is rice that has been rinsed in a special vinegar. Raw fish
is sashimi.
What is cosplay?
Cosplay
refers to costume-play, and is a cultural phenomenon in which Japanese
young people dress in various costumes (usually of animation or manga
characters). Originating on the streets of Tokyo, today Cospla festa's
(festivals) are held all over Japan and in many countries around the
world.
Read: Japanese Culture Guide Part 2
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