Japan is as an island state and is also called the land of the rising sun and is a fascinating country to behold. It consists of almost 7000 islands, big and small, and is one of the influential G8 known for its technologically advanced economy and industry. The Japanese culture and economy attracts students all over the world, but the Japanese society is different from the Western society. Common etiquette and professional relationships differ from how Americans or Europeans normally interact. This difference could cause an embarrassing situation so it is important that students and dieticians know the basics of the Japanese culture to prevent serious insults. So, what are the cultural aspects of Japan?
Japan's isolation, an
abstinence of all that is Western
In the 1630's the rulers of Japan at that time imposed an isolation policy called Sakoku to prevent all Western trade, diplomacy and potential religious conquest till the 1800's. (Cullen, 2003) This caused all cultural influences from other Asian countries before the isolation like China and Korea to develop with limited influence from the outside world and hardly changing a bit. A long stretch of peace and prosperity was ensured. There was some limited communication and trade with countries like Holland but any more was prohibited. This is one of the reasons why Japan is incredibly conservative of their own ways, it has become part of their culture. When you as a foreigner go to Japan to work there you will need to adapt to their culture and ways. This will be expected of you.
Language is one of these things that Japanese are conservative in and it is very difficult to adapt to from a Western language like Dutch or English. Traditionally Japanese people had very little desire to travel outside of Japan because they felt no need to go elsewhere making it so that Japanese know very little other languages . Only recently the rich part of Japanese society travels abroad and the increasing influence of Western society has made Japan more willing to learn English. It however remains the case that learning Japanese and showing willingness to do so earns respect in Japan and is a great thing to do if you want work there.
Religion, individualization and collectivism
Japan's most popular religions are Shinto and Buddhism. Both were introduced during the past centuries and have become steady parts of society. (Olds, 1943) The big difference between these religions and those of the West like Christianity and Judaism is the focus on the individual in the West and the focus on the group in the East. (John W. Berry, 1980 ) In Japan it is believed that through caring for others and their care for you the best situation can be obtained instead of the individual approach in the West. This impacts very differently in behavior and etiquette so let's take the 8 foremost aspects of this collective culture you will need to know before going to Japan.
In the 1630's the rulers of Japan at that time imposed an isolation policy called Sakoku to prevent all Western trade, diplomacy and potential religious conquest till the 1800's. (Cullen, 2003) This caused all cultural influences from other Asian countries before the isolation like China and Korea to develop with limited influence from the outside world and hardly changing a bit. A long stretch of peace and prosperity was ensured. There was some limited communication and trade with countries like Holland but any more was prohibited. This is one of the reasons why Japan is incredibly conservative of their own ways, it has become part of their culture. When you as a foreigner go to Japan to work there you will need to adapt to their culture and ways. This will be expected of you.
Language is one of these things that Japanese are conservative in and it is very difficult to adapt to from a Western language like Dutch or English. Traditionally Japanese people had very little desire to travel outside of Japan because they felt no need to go elsewhere making it so that Japanese know very little other languages . Only recently the rich part of Japanese society travels abroad and the increasing influence of Western society has made Japan more willing to learn English. It however remains the case that learning Japanese and showing willingness to do so earns respect in Japan and is a great thing to do if you want work there.
Religion, individualization and collectivism
Japan's most popular religions are Shinto and Buddhism. Both were introduced during the past centuries and have become steady parts of society. (Olds, 1943) The big difference between these religions and those of the West like Christianity and Judaism is the focus on the individual in the West and the focus on the group in the East. (John W. Berry, 1980 ) In Japan it is believed that through caring for others and their care for you the best situation can be obtained instead of the individual approach in the West. This impacts very differently in behavior and etiquette so let's take the 8 foremost aspects of this collective culture you will need to know before going to Japan.
Japan in 8 words
Genki, Mottainai, Ganbatte, Kawaii, Shibui, Otsukare, Shoganai, Yoroshiku
These 8 words represent 8 cultural aspects that are part of the Japanese culture. Being adapt at them will help make you respected as a foreigner in Japan.
Genki; In Japan Genki means health, enthusiasm and energy. These are values considered to be very important for a happy life. Japanese people therefore in general will work hard for their health and energy. A fat and lazy person will not often be seen as a good person in Japan.
Mottainai; When people waste food or other things Japanese people experience Mottainai, a feeling of regret. Japan is a country with limited resources so what they have is very special. If you are careless in wasting food you will be looked at in a negative way so do not throw that burger away!
Ganbatte; The Japanese working ethics are renown around the world and Ganbatte is how it is described. It is translated in 'do your best! ' and shows why Japanese workers give their all in everything they do, crafts or work.
Kawaii; A Japanese aesthetic that has been a part of their culture for a very long time. It means cute and shows why brands like 'Hello Kitty' and 'Miffy the Rabbit' are immensely popular in Japan. Kawaii is a chance to escape from the real world for a lot of Japanese women but should not be seen as a sexual incentive. A lot of logo's and brochures are done kawaii style as well for its popularity.
Shibui; In Japan is it very rude to point out a mistake in someone's face because a mistake is a blow for the honor of the family. Avoid direct conflict like confronting and disagreeing in an openly fashion. People in Japan will send messages in an indirect way to save your face and it is normal and polite to do so for them as well.
Otsukare; When you go to Japan and want to earn respect from co-student or workers work yourself to exhaustion. Doing so means you gave your all that day for your boss and your effort will be highly respected. If your boss says 'otsukaresama deshita' (you are tired) it is almost like being employee of the month.
Shoganai; A part of the Japanese Buddhism philosophy. It means 'it cannot be helped'. When something bad happens Japanese people often will not stay sad in the situation but move on. This may seem strange at first for Western people to experience as if they just keep going without a stop.
Yoroshiku; Last but not least an important cultural aspect of Japan is their modesty and politeness. Yoroshiku can be roughly translated into 'please be nice to me'. It is used as an introduction and shows the immense value of politeness and modesty for Japanese people. It is common for Japanese people to do a bow as a salutation but many Japanese people know this is uncommon for Western people so they do a handshake as well. A bow is best but in doubt a handshake is better.
Genki, Mottainai, Ganbatte, Kawaii, Shibui, Otsukare, Shoganai, Yoroshiku
These 8 words represent 8 cultural aspects that are part of the Japanese culture. Being adapt at them will help make you respected as a foreigner in Japan.
Genki; In Japan Genki means health, enthusiasm and energy. These are values considered to be very important for a happy life. Japanese people therefore in general will work hard for their health and energy. A fat and lazy person will not often be seen as a good person in Japan.
Mottainai; When people waste food or other things Japanese people experience Mottainai, a feeling of regret. Japan is a country with limited resources so what they have is very special. If you are careless in wasting food you will be looked at in a negative way so do not throw that burger away!
Ganbatte; The Japanese working ethics are renown around the world and Ganbatte is how it is described. It is translated in 'do your best! ' and shows why Japanese workers give their all in everything they do, crafts or work.
Kawaii; A Japanese aesthetic that has been a part of their culture for a very long time. It means cute and shows why brands like 'Hello Kitty' and 'Miffy the Rabbit' are immensely popular in Japan. Kawaii is a chance to escape from the real world for a lot of Japanese women but should not be seen as a sexual incentive. A lot of logo's and brochures are done kawaii style as well for its popularity.
Shibui; In Japan is it very rude to point out a mistake in someone's face because a mistake is a blow for the honor of the family. Avoid direct conflict like confronting and disagreeing in an openly fashion. People in Japan will send messages in an indirect way to save your face and it is normal and polite to do so for them as well.
Otsukare; When you go to Japan and want to earn respect from co-student or workers work yourself to exhaustion. Doing so means you gave your all that day for your boss and your effort will be highly respected. If your boss says 'otsukaresama deshita' (you are tired) it is almost like being employee of the month.
Shoganai; A part of the Japanese Buddhism philosophy. It means 'it cannot be helped'. When something bad happens Japanese people often will not stay sad in the situation but move on. This may seem strange at first for Western people to experience as if they just keep going without a stop.
Yoroshiku; Last but not least an important cultural aspect of Japan is their modesty and politeness. Yoroshiku can be roughly translated into 'please be nice to me'. It is used as an introduction and shows the immense value of politeness and modesty for Japanese people. It is common for Japanese people to do a bow as a salutation but many Japanese people know this is uncommon for Western people so they do a handshake as well. A bow is best but in doubt a handshake is better.
Some small tips
- People with proper business cards are highly esteemed in Japan
especially when having one with an English and Japanese side. Do not forget to
have one when going there.
- Dress well and neat. Not often will you find someone in Japan that does ‘casual Fridays’ so always dress impeccable for respect.
- Small gestures are important. When arriving even a couple of Japanese words are considered very polite and shows you respect the Japanese culture.
- Do not tip in restaurants! This is considered to be highly impolite. It is seen as highly demeaning.
- Slurp! It shows you like the food someone has prepared for you and is an esteemed compliment.
- Dress well and neat. Not often will you find someone in Japan that does ‘casual Fridays’ so always dress impeccable for respect.
- Small gestures are important. When arriving even a couple of Japanese words are considered very polite and shows you respect the Japanese culture.
- Do not tip in restaurants! This is considered to be highly impolite. It is seen as highly demeaning.
- Slurp! It shows you like the food someone has prepared for you and is an esteemed compliment.
Dietary habits and culinary rituals of
Japan
Japan's dietary habits have been characterized by several reasons over the years creating a unique dietary style of eating. This is caused by the unique surroundings of Japan and the effect it has on dietary habits. (Kumakura) Japan is a mountainous island with warm and cold seas streaming around with plenty of rain each year through monsoons and storms. As a result the Japanese diet is diverse and has several different habits.
- Seasonal diet
The monsoons and climate around and in Japan create a distinct four seasons experience so product availability is different around the year. This causes a large product diversity in Japan. Do not expect to eat a lot of the same things all year long. (Kumakura)
- Rice at every meal
Japan has a mountainous landscape and combined with the high rainfall every year a perfect climate is available to grow rice. This has become a staple of meals in Japan and is included at every meal.
- Religious taboo on meat
The Shinto and Buddhist religions in Japan both have strong negative opinions about killing animals, it is taboo. This made killing animals for food quite unpopular. It is only since the 19th century when Western influence became more profound animals were eaten more often in Japan. However: rice, fish and vegetables are still considered to be the staples of the daily diet. These are considered gifts of nature. (Lien & Nerlich, 2004)
- Raw products
The Japanese cuisine consists of a lot of raw products like raw fish, raw vegetables or fermented/pickled products. This is because in Japan people highly enjoy raw products for the taste it naturally has without the influence of other strong flavored additions or cooking techniques.
- Manners
Japanese people consider politeness to be of high importance so table manners are a very important part of dietary habits in Japan. Expressing gratitude to the host before (Itadakimasu) and after the meal (Go-chi-so-sama-de-chita) is considered to be standard politeness at meals. Both show your respect and gratitude to others in Japan. Do not poke your chopsticks vertically in your meal as this is a funeral ritual done by Buddhists.
- Hara hachi bu
A popularized Confucian teaching tells all to eat only till you are 80% full. This is done by eating for only around 20 minutes when the stomach tells the brain it is full. It is as of now one of the few calorie restrictions done in the world by larger parts of society. This is primarily an aspect of the Okinawan people and is currently popularized by the West. (Imai, 2009)
Japan's dietary habits have been characterized by several reasons over the years creating a unique dietary style of eating. This is caused by the unique surroundings of Japan and the effect it has on dietary habits. (Kumakura) Japan is a mountainous island with warm and cold seas streaming around with plenty of rain each year through monsoons and storms. As a result the Japanese diet is diverse and has several different habits.
- Seasonal diet
The monsoons and climate around and in Japan create a distinct four seasons experience so product availability is different around the year. This causes a large product diversity in Japan. Do not expect to eat a lot of the same things all year long. (Kumakura)
- Rice at every meal
Japan has a mountainous landscape and combined with the high rainfall every year a perfect climate is available to grow rice. This has become a staple of meals in Japan and is included at every meal.
- Religious taboo on meat
The Shinto and Buddhist religions in Japan both have strong negative opinions about killing animals, it is taboo. This made killing animals for food quite unpopular. It is only since the 19th century when Western influence became more profound animals were eaten more often in Japan. However: rice, fish and vegetables are still considered to be the staples of the daily diet. These are considered gifts of nature. (Lien & Nerlich, 2004)
- Raw products
The Japanese cuisine consists of a lot of raw products like raw fish, raw vegetables or fermented/pickled products. This is because in Japan people highly enjoy raw products for the taste it naturally has without the influence of other strong flavored additions or cooking techniques.
- Manners
Japanese people consider politeness to be of high importance so table manners are a very important part of dietary habits in Japan. Expressing gratitude to the host before (Itadakimasu) and after the meal (Go-chi-so-sama-de-chita) is considered to be standard politeness at meals. Both show your respect and gratitude to others in Japan. Do not poke your chopsticks vertically in your meal as this is a funeral ritual done by Buddhists.
- Hara hachi bu
A popularized Confucian teaching tells all to eat only till you are 80% full. This is done by eating for only around 20 minutes when the stomach tells the brain it is full. It is as of now one of the few calorie restrictions done in the world by larger parts of society. This is primarily an aspect of the Okinawan people and is currently popularized by the West. (Imai, 2009)