generate a new title here, between 50 to 60 characters long
Written on
The Nature of Japanese Culture: A Deep Dive into Formality
Japanese culture has long been subject to Western romanticism and exoticism, leading to a perception of its uniqueness and depth. Oscar Wilde famously remarked in 1889 that "the whole of Japan is a pure invention," highlighting this notion of cultural misunderstanding. Today, many still view Japanese culture as possessing an inherent essence, a belief that aligns with cultural essentialism, which implies that cultures are static and unchanging.
However, this perspective oversimplifies the complexity of culture. As someone well-versed in societal studies, I reject the notion of a singular cultural essence, particularly regarding Japanese culture. The term "Japanese culture" itself raises important questions: Are we referring to the avant-garde street fashion of Harajuku, the traditional rituals of Gion's geiko, or the intricate hierarchy present in Japanese language?
Despite these complications, the term still holds value because humans inherently categorize experiences. We create distinctions—good versus bad, safe versus dangerous, self versus other—to navigate our interactions. This categorization leads us to ponder the general character of Japan as a nation.
In my extensive experience living in Japan, one striking feature is the society's preoccupation with rules and rituals. This does not imply that all Japanese individuals adhere strictly to regulations or that organizations lack flexibility. Rather, there exists a prevalent dedication to doing things correctly, which I term an obsession with form.
If there is any essence to Japanese culture, it is defined more by its forms rather than any intrinsic quality.
Forms, Rules, and Rituals
When I began learning Japanese, I was struck by its logical structure. The language is organized with very few irregularities, making it accessible for those with an analytical mindset. This structural clarity is mirrored in Japanese society, where forms permeate daily life.
The concept of "kata" (型) in martial arts exemplifies this idea. "Kata" refers to predefined forms that serve as the foundation for all movements. This principle is not only evident in martial arts but also manifests in how the Japanese approach various tasks, whether it’s writing characters in the correct stroke order or performing daily activities.
In Japan, there is often a right way and a wrong way to accomplish tasks.
Rituals in Business
For fresh graduates entering the Japanese corporate landscape, their introduction typically begins with a formal company induction ceremony known as nyūushashiki. Attendees don suits and spend hours learning about the company’s values from executives. Business communication is also steeped in ritual; there are established protocols for email correspondence that must be followed meticulously.
In client interactions, the use of honorific language, or "keigo," is standard practice. New employees are trained not only in their job functions but also in the nuances of business etiquette, including how to bow, exchange business cards, and use polite language. Such formalities are non-negotiable aspects of professional life in Japan.
I find it hard to imagine such a rigorous adherence to formalities in my home country, Singapore.
Rituals in Everyday Life
Have you ever entered a convenience store in Japan and felt out of place? Fear not—the staff often accommodate foreign customers. However, as you approach the checkout, the clerk will revert to the standard practice of announcing prices in Japanese, a procedure they have memorized through repetition.
This phenomenon showcases a deep-seated reliance on established protocols, executed almost instinctively. A visit to a clothing store will likely greet you with an enthusiastic "irasshaimase!" and, if it’s an upscale establishment, you’ll be properly escorted out with a courteous send-off. This commitment to doing things correctly—kitchiri—is a key factor contributing to Japan's high standards of customer service.
Moreover, rituals extend to safety measures in public transportation. For instance, railway staff engage in "pointing and calling" (shisa kanko, 指差喚呼), a practice where they physically point at signals while vocally confirming actions. This method significantly reduces errors, as evidenced by studies showing a sixfold decrease in mistakes when both pointing and calling are practiced.
Japan: Prioritizing Form Over Essence
This concept of prioritizing form over essence is not entirely my own idea. A guest speaker at a networking event I attended once stated, "Japanese culture lacks essence." He argued that Japan has historically absorbed foreign forms and adapted them to meet its needs—be it through Chinese characters, Western clothing, or English vocabulary.
While Japan did experience isolation during the