Cultural Culture In Japan

Culturally Unique: Japan The country of Japan has a rich history from which many of their cultural values and traditions maintain their roots; however, they have certainly evolved over the course of the millennia. Japan has absolutely looked to their neighbors of Asia for influence in their modern day culture, but further continents such as Europe and even North America have had a significant impact as well. So much has changed for them throughout the years socially and economically, as well as their military powers. For many people who have never been to Japan, some of their customs and values may be difficult to understand. Their society as a whole, abides by certain social standards that may seem foreign to an outsider. Most of their

Although things have begun to change more recently, Japan and its people, hold the belief that each person is expected to conform to society’s norms. It seems almost dangerous to stray from the pack, because the society’s needs and wants as a whole, reign above that of the individual’s. It is part of Japanese culture to not draw attention to yourself or disrupt the harmony of their societal duties. Some believe that these strict social standards and unyielding beliefs are to blame for their alarmingly high suicide rates. Why their collectivism is a problem for them economically is because of the high value placed on consensus. Before politicians make policy changes, they “prefer to secure agreement from a wide range of interest groups rather than a mere majority vote in the legislature” (Hudgins, 2010). Similarly, a citizen cannot just purchase land to build a store on. First, all competitors, based on the terms and location of the establishment, must grant them permission to do so. If disapproved, a sense of shame may befall upon them and their families. The lifestyle of these people does make for a very amicable, dedicated, and hardworking society. However, it does mean that much of what the individuals worry about is social acceptance. This has a tendency to stifle imagination and innovation, a necessity for advancement and growth. Luckily for Japan, current

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