Running head: JAPANESE CULTURE 1

Japanese Culture

Michael Diaz, Rachel Booz, Christina Allen, Melissa Tobias

Alvernia University

JAPANESE CULTURE 2

Abstract

An in-depth study into the Japanese culture and the many factors that influence individuals and

help create a unique atmosphere. The objective was to gain insight into a culture that many may

not be familiar with in order to better understand a culture much different than our own.

Keywords: culture, beliefs, Japan

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Japanese Culture

It is important throughout life that one must keep an open mind about cultures that may

differ from one’s own culture. There are always going to be people that believe different things

and have morals and values that are not the same as our own. Therefore, everyone must be open

to differences and be able to look past those in order to gain knowledge of another culture. It is

not always an easy task but yet very necessary to ensure human growth and acceptance. When

one is a healthcare professional, it is extremely important that each culture is cared for and

respected, as well as considered as important as any other culture. The Japanese culture hasn’t

always allowed their people to share their culture, but instead hid their culture from all foreigners

and shut everyone out. It is through this action, that our group believed it was important to

investigate the Japanese culture and shed light on a culture that for a long time, did not want to

share their unique ways of life, in belief that they may be judged.

Japan does not have any official motto but is known as the “Land of the Rising Sun.” It

also has characteristics that bear strong resemblance of the Chinese culture however Japanese

culture has spent many years banned from having any interaction with any surrounding countries

leading to a very unique culture and belief system. Originally, Japan acquired individuals from

the Korean peninsula. Nowadays, many Japanese people have settled primarily in Hawaii and

along the Pacific Coast. “The marked Chinese cultural influence began in the late 400sand

included the Chinese system of writing, the calendar, Confucianism, Buddhism, and East Asian

beliefs about health and illness”(Purnell, 2013, p. 319). However, even to this day Japan still has

U.S. military bases on the land, to act as protection against surrounding countries.

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The Japanese archipelago (island chain) is located in the western Pacific Ocean

surrounded by Russia, Korea, and China. “The population of around 127 million resides mainly

on the four largest islands: Honshu, Kyushu, Hokkaido, and Shikoku” (Purnell, 2013, p. 319).

Many of the islands are covered in mountainous areas and there is very little actual mainland.

The seasons are similar to the United States but Japan can also experience tidal waves, volcanoes

(such as their most famous Mt. Fuji, which is considered a dormant volcano), and earthquakes.

Japanese is the language of Japan with the exception of the Ainu people. High school

graduates are forced to take six years of the English language so that they are able to speak the

language, however may have some difficulty interacting with other people. Before the 4th century

AD, the Japanese did not have a writing system however now the “modern Japanese is written

with a mixture of hiragana and katakana, plus kanji (Written and spoken Japanese) Also the

Japanese language the direction of writing can be right to left in vertical columns or left to right

in horizontal lines and both orientations are still used to this day.

“Light social banter and gentle joking are mainstays of group relations, serving to foster

group cohesiveness” (Purnell, 2013, p. 320). During social gatherings the Japanese culture often

drink green tea and only drink “sake” (a fermented beverage) during negotiations. Also, during

negotiations Japanese rely on non-verbal communication clues such as facial expression, tone of

voice and posture to tell them how one feels. They rely on non-verbal communication because

they don’t always trust the spoken word because it can have many different meanings. They also

believe in “saving face” which means if one is asked to do something that they cannot do, it

creates shame and humility, so instead of admitting that they cannot do something, they will try

to do it, in order to avoid any shame brought to them.

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The Japanese educational system had been reformed after World War II. The old 6-5-3-3

system was changed to a 6-3-3-4 system (6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high

school, and 3 years of senior high school and 4 years of University with reference to the

American system. The gimukyoiku (compulsory education) time period is 9 years, 6 in

shougakkou (elementary school) and 3 in chuugakkou (junior high school).

Japan has one of the world's best-educated populations, with 100% enrollment in compulsory

grades and zero illiteracy. “While not compulsory, high school (koukou) enrollment is over 96%

nationwide and nearly 100% in the cities” (Abe). The high school dropout rate is about 2% and

has been increasing. About 46% of all high school graduates go on to university or junior

college. The Ministry of Education closely supervises curriculum, textbooks, and classes and

maintains a uniform level of education throughout the country. As a result, a high standard of

education is possible.

The “modern” educational system begun in 1872, which was modeled from the French

education system, and the new school year begins in April using a three-term system. There are

many Japanese students who study abroad many in the United States, but with the school year

system staring in April, interferes with the ability for students to be able to study abroad causing

some o have to repeat a year at the university level. The average school day is 6 hours, which are

considered the longest school hours in the world. Students are given homework during their time

out of school including vacations. Student vacations are 6 weeks in the summer and about 2

weeks each for winter and spring breaks.

Every class has its own fixed classroom where its students take all the courses, except for

practical trainings and laboratory work. During elementary education, in most cases, one teacher

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teaches all the subjects in each class. Because of the rapid population growth after World War II,

the numbers of students in a typical elementary or junior high school class once exceeded 50

students, but now it is kept under 40. At public elementary and junior high school, school lunch

(kyuushoku) is provided on a standardized menu, and it is eaten in the classroom. Nearly all

junior high schools require their students to wear a school uniform (seifuku). “A big difference

between the Japanese school system and the American School system is that Americans respect

individuality while the Japanese control the individual by observing group rules. This helps to

explain the Japanese characteristic of group behavior” (Abe).

There are several food categories which consists in the Japanese culture, one of the

staples in the Japanese cuisine consist of “rice," you will have plain white rice possible mixed

with a raw egg and soy sauce, or most popular in Japan, sushi using flavored rice called “rice

vinegar” and cooked or raw seafood combinations. Other meals include Seafood dishes, Noodle

dishes, Nabe dishes “hot pot” prep dishes, Meat dishes, and Soybean dishes. The magic of Japan-

style eating is a healthier balance of filling, delicious lower-calorie foods. This way of dining

encourages you to "eat with your eyes" by enjoying the beauty of your food. You'll want to slow

down to savor every bite, which means eating less, because it gives your brain time to realize

your body is full. (Kovacs, n.d.)

There are large variety of cuisine in Japan that include specialty dishes regional, the

ingredients include curry, fruits, gyoza, mushrooms, pickles, rice, soba, tempura, udon, tofu

wasabi and sushi. Sushi is the most popular food in Japan, which consists of small pieces of raw

seafood that is placed on vinegar rice and seaweed; the hot ingredients are tuna, shrimp, salmon

and roe. Concerns with Western influenced dishes that have Japanese eating more and being

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diagnosed with diabetes 2, there are more weight clinics on the rise due to the weight gain in

their culture.

The eating habits of the Japanese people have changed dramatically over the years. In

addition, with these changes have brought poor nutrition, waste in food, higher average of fat,

and in turn have changed lifestyle changes in each person. This includes separate meals or

eating alone with no “family” setting of all members eating together. The following are a few

examples of the dietary guidelines from The Japan Dietetic Association. (web, n.d.)

Avoid too much salt and fat

Avoid salty foods and reduce the amount of salt intake to less than 10 grams per day

Avoid oily and fatty foods and make a balanced choice of fat from animal, plant, and

fish

Check nutrition labels in choosing foods and setting menus

Learn your healthy body weight and balance the calories you eat with physical activity

Weigh yourself as soon as you feel like you have gained some weight

Have a habit of appropriate physical exercise

Good health is essential to beauty

Do not attempt to lose too much weight

Chew your food well and do not eat too quickly

(web, n.d.)

The history on Japanese clothing is traced back to the Han Dynasty in 200 BC; the

clothing resembles the Chinese clothing this is due to the trading with China. During the Sui and

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Tang dynasties (late sixth to early 10th centuries), Chinese culture provided a model for

civilization throughout the Far East. In the seventh century, Japan aspired to empire hood.

Previously, Japan had been a loose collection of clans. Now it strived to become like its big sister

to the West. Clan leaders were gradually persuaded to declare fealty to a central figure in

exchange for the colored caps and gowns of royal rank. Clothing, shoes, hairstyles and paintings

of the time all reflect Sui and Tang styles. (A Brief History of Japanese Clothing, n.d.)

There are five periods of Japanese dress, the Chinese influenced the Nara period, which

was worn in the early part of the eighth century. The Heian period began around 894 BC, where

they used the Japanese “native” styles and using color and combinations of fabric textures. The

Kamakura period was the era of military power and politics, the dress during this time was not

glamorous and was not welcomed at court, and they went to pure functionality of dress during

this time. The Muromachi period included the civil war time causing the Imperial household to

split into Northern and Southern courts, at this time the decadence of Japanese dress was

returning with elaborate style of dress. The dress included wearing robes and veils over their

head. This period brought one of the most popular style dresses, rom the seventh century

“kimonos.”

Although the “kimono” seems to be the same garment that has been around for millennia,

it is not. This misconception arises from its status as National Costume of Japan, implying

ancient origins. Although it is true that what we call “kimono” today originated in the seventh

century, it is hardly true to say it is the same thing it was then. The long, narrow, obi-tied

silhouette of the modern kimono was not achieved until late in the Edo period (17th – 19th c).

The original garment from which the modern costume derived displays obvious similarities, but

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no so much that one can wear modern apparel and still be considered “Period.” (A Brief History

of Japanese Clothing, n.d.) The Momoyama period (16th century) with many years of war,

military and political battles peace was restored and introduced to the Japanese people was the

ultimate decadence of dress having robust, opulence and dynamic style to this period.

There are over 15 declared national holidays celebrated in Japan. The most

popular is the first holiday of the year, the Japanese New Year. January 1st starts the celebration

of the Japanese New Year and typically lasts for several days. Locals and visitors all gather at

Buddhists temples to watch the first year’s sunrise as a reflection of what the year has to offer.

January 2nd is also a national holiday in Japan known as Coming of Age Day. This day is used to

celebrate all the teenagers who are turning 20 that year. The day is celebrated in surrounding

cities and towns by throwing parties. They serve alcoholic beverages since this is a privilege to

adults only. On February 11th is the celebration of National Foundation Day. This is a day of

reflection on the founding of the nation and to show the love one has for their country.

One of the busiest travel times in Japan is the Golden Week. This week holds four

national holidays. This week of festivals starts off with celebration of Emperor Showa birthday

on April 29th. The rest of the holidays are in May, consisting of Constitution Memorial Day on

May 3rd, Greenery Day on May 4th, and Children’s Day on May 5th. On the third Monday in July,

Marine Day is celebrated (Rodgers). This national holiday was established as a day to pay

respect and appreciation for the oceans. On the third Monday in September they hold the

national holiday known as Respect for the Aged Day. On this day media will take time to

feature the elderly, and report to the people the population while highlighting the oldest in the

country in local newscasts. The elderly gain much respect from these announcements to the

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public. December 23rd is the emperor’s birthday and has been declared a national holiday. On

this date the Imperial Palace of Tokyo is open to the public and thousands gather to show respect

by waving flags outside for the emperor to see.

Japanese culture is famous for two main ceremonies and rituals. The first is known as

Sado, also known as the Japanese Tea ceremony. The Japanese Tea ceremony has very specific

traditions that have been followed closely and heavily influenced by the Zen Buddhism

teachings. There are two different types of tea gatherings. Ochakai is the more the laid back,

simple tea party. Ochakai includes servings of usucha (thin tea) and ten shin (a light meal. Chaji

is the more formal of the two ceremonies. Chaji includes kaiseki (a full course meal), as well as

the koicha (thick tea) and usucha (thin tea). These ceremonies can last up to four hours in length.

The second most known ceremony in Japan is the Japanese Incense ceremony, also known as

kodo. This is a very refined art that can take up to as many as thirty years to master. The legend

says that agarwood came to Japan when a log of the incense wood was washed up on the

shoreline of Awaji-shima Island in 595 CE. After the wood was put on open fire to burn, the

people noticed the pleasant aroma that it gave off. The wood was first burned at religious

ceremonies but after some time was simply burned for appreciation and became a popular art

form. Kudo consists of all the people sitting together taking turns sniffing a container filled with

the burning incense. Everyone takes his or her turn guessing what materials are used to make the

particular incense.

The workforce industry and career paths go hand in hand in the Japanese culture. The

culture is known for “lifetime employment”, a slogan used by large companies with a reputation

for making people work long hours to prove the devotion to their company. In return the

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companies provide some form of security or benefits to the employee. This could include

housing, insurance, pensions, or the privilege to use other recreational facilities. Similar to the

United States work salaries, new hires at a job will start with low to minimum wage and

gradually receive a wage adjustment. Smaller companies that provide jobs are unable to give the

same luxury of benefits to the employees as the large companies. Many businesses will give

their employees the luxury of working over time extended hours, without pay, to allow the

worker to show how much they appreciate their business. The top three high-level products in

Japan are vehicles, aircrafts and robots. Japan’s automotive companies currently maintain on

average about 30% of the global market share. Japanese manufacturers also account for 35% in

the construction of the new B787, which is the most fuel-efficient aircraft of its type in the

world. This improvement in the wing designed by Japan will provide a 20% increase in fuel

efficiency when compared to the B767 by drastic decrease in weight by using carbon fiber

composites in 50% of the aircraft. Japan’s two high-level components in their industry are fine

chemicals and carbon fiber. Japanese manufacturers represent 70% of all carbon fiber

production. Robot production is constantly on the up rise due to the increasing technologies and

advancements. Japan’s robot makers have more that 70% of the global market and now profit the

country as much as 700 billion yen annually with the value set to increase to 2.9 trillion yen in

2020 ("Japan's manufacturing industry" 2010).

When comparing the Japanese to the American, typically the Japanese would be

described as shy and formal while Americans would be outgoing and casual. The Japanese

culture takes great pride in their unique set of values, customs and traditions gathered from over

the many years in practice. Japanese are very respectful to all members of their society,

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especially the special members with higher status (Hoke). Within the Japanese culture, people

prefer to stand at an arm’s length away from one another. The preferred distance is three feet for

personal, social or public dimensions. When meeting strangers, the proximity would be greater

than three feet. It is ironic at the distance preferred since the transportation methods including

subways and daily trips to the market involve very close proximity to strangers and in very close

quarters. In these situations, space can be limited and pushing up against one another is very

common. Eye contact is preferred to be indirect. Japanese may take a direct eye contact as a

threat or someone trying to be intimidating. Indirect eye contact is looked at as a form of

respect, so it is utilized when speaking with superiors or elders.

There are two types of housing in Japan, consisting of single-family detached home and

the multifamily dwelling. A common practice that the Japanese follow is that every 20-30 years

the single-family homes are torn down and rebuilt. It is thought that homes are not designed to

be long-term buildings and should be reconstructed after this time has passed. The modern

single-family home is constructed similar to the way homes are built in the United States,

including wood and iron. Older homes are designed of wood and paper and usually are single

level. Modern and older style single-family homes both have one room referred to as the

“washitsu”. This room is furnished with tatami mats as flooring and usually has a large sliding

door. Multifamily dwelling homes consist of apartment buildings, or large rooms in a building.

Apartments in Japan consist of one room and a kitchen. Both the single-family and multifamily

dwelling homes have an area or room known as the “genkan”. This is the entrance where the

shoes must be taken off to avoid bringing dirt into the house. The bathroom and toilet are kept

separated due to filth and design. The typical Japanese toilet consists of a fancy hole in the

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ground. To enter the toilet, shoes are removed and special toilet shoes are put on. This helps to

prevent the spread of germs (“Housing information in,” 2001).

Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government, which means the

country is ran by an Emperor and a Prime Minister. Japan has three branches of government.

They consist of the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. The Legislature is composed of the

Japanese parliament called the Diet. The Diet is made up for the House of Representatives and

the House of Councillors. The Japanese people elect all members of the Diet. The Executive

branch consists of the cabinet and is headed by the Prime Minister. The cabinet also holds the

ministers that are appointed by the prime minister, and are also members of the Diet. The Prime

Minister is also elected by the Diet. The last and final branch of the government is the Judiciary.

The highest court is the Supreme Court. The cabinet appoints judges of the court systems.

Elections for the House of Representatives are held every four years, and half of the House of

Councillors is elected every three years. The Emperor does not have effective power, but

represents a symbol of the country (Darlington, 2014).

The Japanese people believe in legends that tell them they descend from the Sun

Goddess. They are, however, of Mongolian descent. The Japanese people are smaller in stature

with arms that are shorter. They have a yellow tinge to their skin, black hair, dark brown eyes,

and high cheekbones they also have a fold in their eyelid causing the slanted eye. The Japanese

value politeness, personal responsibility, loyalty, and people working as a whole for the greater

good which all relates back to the Zen influence. They also value punctuality, expecting

meetings to be started on time. They also expect their commuter trains to arrive exactly on time.

The Japanese also value schooling, starting as early as preschool the children are taught

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socialization, propriety, and ethical values. The Japanese children compete for their junior and

senior high admission which will give them an opportunity to enter a higher caliber of

universities. The Japanese have 70% of their high school graduates going on to a higher

education.

The Japanese value family honor and their deceased ancestors and also hold a high regard for

the older people of the family which may explain their typical living arrangements. The

traditional living arrangement within the Japanese culture is having three generations in one

home, creating the nuclear family. The household begins with a parent living with the eldest

child, either son or daughter, with one child. Traditionally a marriage is arranged by family,

employers, or friends with a first meeting ceremony called o-miai. The Japanese men are the

sole breadwinner, while their wives serve as the center of the family, completing daily household

chores. In recently years the Japanese women have found new independence outside of

household work. The modern influences have caused the Japanese women to refrain from

getting married, therefore, bearing fewer children. The traditional Japanese view of marriage

was gamma which is translated “enduring the unendurable”; however, divorce has been on the

rise. Soaring divorce in the ages of 50 and 60 year olds is taking place and also evident in the

middle age class as well.

The Japanese have a wide range of recreation, but the hobby that is chosen is expected to be

a mastered one involving formal studying. The popular hobbies in Japan are chadō or sadō

which is a tea ceremony, ikebana which is flower arranging, bonsai, kimono wearing, shodo

which is calligraphy, painting, wood carving, and doll making that is studied by many women

and some retired men. Karate, judo, and oikido are also popular in Japan as well as around the

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world. Sumo wrestling is usually preferred by Japanese men who weigh more than 280 lbs,

however, one of the best sumo wrestlers ever weighed less than that. The Japanese women could

choose to be a Geisha which is the art of conversation, traditional dance, and singing.

The Japanese culture is rooted in Zen Buddhism as well as Shintoism. Shintoism is the

dominate religion with 83.9% of the population and Buddhism at 71.4% of the population.

Shintoism is a form of nature worshiping and is generally a way of thinking, versus actions or

rituals. According to the Shinto belief, death is impure and should not be given much thought

and the Buddhist belief is that all human beings suffer. A Buddhist altar is made for the

deceased and is comprised of photographs and floral arrangements. Typically the mourning

period is 49 days and at the end of that period there is a family prayer service. Traditionally the

Japanese pray for the deceased at a shrine, as well as, give thanks for their blessings and

prosperity. It is believed by the Japanese that special prayers should be said on specific

anniversaries of a person’s death to avoid haunting from the dead who rob them of rest.

In 2003 Japan was one of the countries with the lowest death rates related to AIDs; however,

many other illnesses are prevalent. Three of the leading causes of death in Japan are malignant

neoplasm, heart disease, and cerebrovascular diseases. Japan has been ranked 9th in relation to

death by suicide. Pollution in urban areas along with typical floor mats cause asthma and

allergic reactions. Despite the possible causes of death among the Japanese culture, the average

life expectancy of men is 80 years old and women with 86 years of life. Less than 1% of Japan’s

population has Rh negative blood types. It is common for the Japanese to wear surgical masks

when they go out in public places if they have a cold. The Japanese, along with people of other

Asian descent, genetically are poor metabolizers, requiring a lower dose of medications to be

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prescribed. The Japanese attribute their well-being to their hot bath tradition. The water

temperature is usually 105⁰ and is used by the whole family. The Japanese parents make

healthcare decisions considering the future economic needs of their children which motivate

them to maintain better health.

Japan is filled with rich cultural background, which many Japanese people are very

proud. Their culture is something that they hold to the highest respect and believe that all others

should respect them as well. In the healthcare setting, it is very important that all healthcare

employees respect this culture and hold their beliefs and values to the highest standards in order

to ensure the best care. When in the healthcare setting, it is very important to watch all body

language since the Japanese people are more in tune to the unspoken language that healthcare

employees perform. As a culture they are able to read “between the lines” and pick up on things

that the healthcare employee may not be telling them, which could result in distrust between the

employee and the patient.

Regardless of the situation one may be in, it is highly important to remember what the

Japanese people respect the most and their cultural differences. Although the Japanese culture

intertwines with other cultures, it is important to remember the differences in the culture and

respect their wishes. The Japanese culture is indeed unique but still deserves to be held to the

highest degree of respect, in the healthcare setting or in everyday life.

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japanese-clothing.html

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Central Intelligence Agency (2014). The World Factbook regarding people and society.

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Darlington, R. (2014, January 4). Japanese political system. Retrieved from

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