Essay On Japanese Culture

The term culture has many different meanings in relation to psychology. It can mean the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively; a refined understanding or appreciation of different values; the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group; or the attitudes and behavior characteristic of a particular social group. Culture does not have a distinct or universal meaning and can be associated with ethnicity, race, or country of origin. Many factors contribute to culture differences such as: geography, climate, and natural recourses; population, money, government, and religion; as well as temperament or personality of the population. People

Any Japanese is a member of a group, and thus ideologies, practices and behavior ought to adhere to interests of the society. Individualism is considered a taboo and punishable by seclusion. Therefore, Japanese people tend to consult widely before reacting to any new situation and their actions are conformed by traditional beliefs hence rendering them appear primitive when compared to the western culture. Though , Japanese culture borrows a lot from the Chinese culture, Japanese tend to live a completely different life, possibly due to the distance separating the island from main land. Basically, Japan is over 100 miles always from mainland and hence this seclusion, especially during ancient days instilled the difference in belief and practice. As a matter of fact, Japanese tend to belief in brotherhood and any person not following their culture is considered as them and handled differently. Thus, Japanese tend to have interaction difficulties with strangers, for they strive not share their secrets with others as well as act in a manner that harms their fellow Japanese (Brightman, 2005). All in all, Japanese are hardworking, embrace selflessness as a virtue and honor their dressing and fashion culture. Though Japanese fashion is fading away with the spread of civilization and western culture, there are still traces of Kimono, especially during special occasions such as

Americans are risk takers and invention is honorable. Therefore, while Japanese shy away from venturing into new and risky procedures, Americans seek in glory via creativity and invention. For that reason, japan has lagged behind in the service industry, an industry that finances a considerably high proportion of USA’s economy. But then again, ten again Japanese are hardworking and learn quickly for they are good listeners. Moreover, in verbal communication, Japanese respect the feeling of their communication partner and maintain harmony by being indirect. Basically, Japanese often interrogate the other party by using blunt question to understand them before gettingengaged in the communication. Raising ones voice is considered a taboo (Brightman, 2005). Americans apply exactly the opposite, they speak out their minds with minimal consideration of the other party’s reaction. Literally, Americans express their emotions while conversing, either via non-verbal signs or changing voice tones including but not limited to raising voices. The non-verbal code of respect involving bowing, standing and sitting to honor the other party evident in Japanese culture has no place in American