An Overview of Japanese Culture Generalizations

The Basics

Japan is a TIGHT culture, meaning group conformity it praised and encouraged; divergence is more often than not discouraged. Thus, it is natural that interdependency be the norm in Japanese society.

Though Japan is encroaching upon individualism, collectivism is still the norm. Harmony is of utmost importance in any situation.

Their culture is vertical in that hierarchy occurs naturally.

Defining whether their culture is definitely active or passive is sort of a draw; getting along with nature and prizing the collective is valued, as well as achieving success in the academic and business circles. I suppose for the most part they are passive. But this line is still shady. because, while they do pursue competitive endeavors, it is always with a certain group in mind.

Japan is more particularistic than it is universalistic. Women and minorities are still often discriminated against. A person from a certain background is expected to follow a certain path. Men are more commonly and acceptably higher educated than women, and those who possess a certain type of education—to a certain level from a certain school—are more apt to achieve high goals than those who did not qualify for such institutions.

Japan appears to be expressive via its emphasis on the social relationship of those in one’s group than on getting an assignment accomplished. However, the completing of an assignment is of utmost importance, it depends on the situation (group or individual, i.e. planning committee or student doing homework) as to whether the group is priority or the job at hand. The process of the relationships amid the project and unanimity in it seem to be important.

Control, propriety, humility, and harmony take precedence over one’s own emotional expression. Thus, emotional suppression suits their collectivist, others-focused mentality.

Nonverbal communication

Concerning physical appearance, one must remember fashion and appropriateness hold much sway in Japan. Uniforms are also a fashion statement—the more creative and attractive, the better (but not flashy).

The proxemics which the Japanese operate are of a slightly longer distance than that of the US, with the exception of forced personal space invasion (such as in public places in large cities).

Chronemics: The Japanese start activities on time if they are formal in nature, but their end is indefinite. Relational issues such as unanimity take precedence over a punctual end.

Kinesics: A bow, as high as a nod of the head or as low as kneeling facedown on the ground, is still an appropriate greeting in Japan. A greeting which involves touch is best left undone, unless the Japanese person initiates it. Touching could be misconstrued very easily, so it is best avoided whenever possible.

Oculesics: Eye contact can be deemed as rude, disturbing, or even threatening. Lack of eye contact shows respect and humility, both of which are positive attributes.

Vocalics/Paraglanguage: The Japanese speak (and even function) much more quietly than Americans. Americans are often perceived as loud and therefore rude by the Japanese.

Olfactics: The bad smell of a certain food (like natto) can be overlooked if the taste subsidizes it. But this depends on personal preference. A pleasing smell is better.

* The Japanese value silence and indirectness. Nonverbal traits include information being given in the physical context or internalized in the person. {CONTEXT}

* Group harmony is valued, but nonverbal traits could include distant proximities, and coordinated facial expressions and body movements. {IDENTITY}

* Status is respected, touch is not encouraged, and nonverbal displays are regulated. {POWER DISTANCE}

* Material success is essential, but this comes with the burden of high stress levels and carefully prescribed nonverbal behavioral rules for men and women to adhere to, such as men being dominant and aggressive, and women being warm and emotional. {GENDER}

* The Japanese prize certainty and consider what is different, dangerous. [While they are curious about foreign things, they take them in under the assumption that these things will be conformed to Japanese standards, essentially, becoming “Japanese.”] In the appropriate contexts, more emotions are displayed and the level of anxiety is higher than that of tolerant cultures. {UNCERTAINTY}

* Public and body contacts/touch are not comfortable (this is an understatement!). They stand apart and touch much less than Americans. {IMMEDIACY}