Japan: A Homogenous Culture

Chapter 7Case Study

How does homogeneity influence communication?

Hofstede’s results indicate that despite the common stereotype of Japan’s “group-oriented” culture, it is in the middle of the Individualism-Collectivism scale.

Woodring believes that this is because younger Japanese – those 25 years old and younger are less group oriented, hierarchical, and formal (p. 172).

Interdependence & Interconnectedness

Geography: Japan is an archipelago of four main islands & 3,000 smaller ones.

Land mass is equivalent to the state of CA.

Japan has a Constitutional Monarchy

Emperor Akihito& Empress Michiko

Japan combines tradition with modern interpretations of the West. U.S. popular culture influences fashion, food, and language.

Shintoism is a state religion dating from the Meiji Restoration, 1868- WWII.

Shinto Wedding Ceremony

2 main types of Shintoism: Popular Shinto & State Shinto, a 3rd existed but was abolished by order of the Allies in1945. Means “way of the Gods”

Buddhism came to Japan from KoreaSects

When surveyed about what they are proudest of Japanese say:

Maintenance of social orderNatural beautyHistory and traditionsDiligence and talents of its peopleHigh level of educationThe country’s prosperityCulture and arts

98% of the population is Japanese

• Indigenous native peoples include the Ainu.

• Koreans and Chinese make up the rest.

Japanese Cultural Patterns

Japan’s relative isolation from the world until 1853 (Perry’s exploration voyage) meant it developed its own ways free of outside influences.

Key beliefs include: cooperation, minimizing conflict, and face saving.

“communication without language” everyone is on the same page through schooling and socialization.

Japanese worldview• Language imparts information about where

you stand:• gaikoku – outside nation• Gaijin –outside person

Social Interdependence

• Amaeru- looking to others for support.• Amae – feeling of nurturing for and

dependence on another. Also a sense of complete dependence based on a wish to be loved and cared for unconditionally. Seen in relationship between mother and child, later in child’s teachers, and ultimately to one’s boss/employer. P. 177.

Japan’s “Faceless Fifty”• http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20707753

• The term, yamato-damashi, or Japanese spirit refers to group responsibility and collective consciousness.

Japan

http://www.createtv.com/CreateProgram.nsf/vEpisodesByTitle/Japan+Hokkaido+and+Honshu#sthash.QcovTB2F.dpbs

Activities