Reaction Paper

Stephanie Buff

Reaction Paper

September 21, 2012

  

    The past four weeks of Japanese Culture study has provided an extensive basis for cultural understanding. Each week focuses on difference aspects of society that contribute to the rich culture of the Japanese nation.

The first week of studies was an introductory time period, where basic concepts of Japan were introduced. In the video, “Discovery Atlas Japan Revealed”, I received a few noteworthy cultural bases. Primarily, a sense of underlying spirituality became apparent in each cultural aspect described. Specifically, the idea of the appreciation for seasons was emphasized on several occasions. Lastly, the concept of a geisha was revealed, and the rigid nature of the program was telling of a culture that values hard work, respect, and manners.

The second week of cultural inspection focused mainly on Geography and Transportation. Personally, the geographical education was important for receiving an accurate sense of the country. Prior to the geographical learning, I had only been able to visualize Tokyo on a map of Japan. Now, I am aware of the eight regions dividing the island, and the importance of various cities aside from Tokyo, like, Kyoto and Fukushima. For example, Kyoto has a population of approximately one and half million (Mongabay). Furthermore, I can now understand that the country is connected by an intricate railway system that is streamlined with precision and impressive efficiency.

Week three of our course of study focused on House and Family structures. The concepts that were most emphasized included the idea of the IE and gender inequalities. The IE refers to an established form of familial hierarchy, where the elders inevitably receive the most respect. Emmett-san established that the IE is based on patriarchal structure, and that the entire concept is based around ones ancestral history. This idea carried over into the hierarchal family system. Ikuji, or childrearing practices, correlated with the study of family life. This highlighted many of the Japanese ideals, concerned with cooperation and respect. It also touched on the importance of concealing ones emotions, and adhering to social normalcy by way of manners.

Finally, week four focused on Socialization and classification. This centered on more ideas that were brought up in Ikuji, and expanded on these ideas. Uchi and Soto, inside and outside. There are different behavioral practices for each environment respectively, which require a conscious effort too apply manners and control ones expression in a public setting. The idea of kindergarten was brought up as a transitional period for children to enter the public.

Several concepts regarding Japanese culture have become apparent in reflecting on these last four weeks, and outside sources relating to course material. The course material, as well as “Finding Japan” by Robert Reed, bring up many concepts that reinforce my impression that Japanese culture is deeply rooted with traditional practices. Specifically, Finding Japan entitles a chapter “The festivals of the Japanese Year”, and continues to describe traditions of festivities like Japanese New Years (Reed). These celebrations and traditions seem to have a spiritual foundation. Additionally, respect for ones ancestor is a staple of Japanese cultural practice. An Ancestor Worship site articles reiterates, “Despite modern trends, ancestor worship continues to be an important mechanism through which the living feel that they are spiritually connected to the deceased family members, thereby ensuring the continuity of family lineage” (Ancestor Worship). This proves true in ideas we covered in class, like the EI, and familial hierarchy. Furthering my reflection on upcoming course materials will provide an ever understanding into a culture that I previously knew nothing about.  

Discussion Questions:

1.     Do you think the basis of ancestral respect will eventually be lost in Japanese culture?

2.     Do you think that the idea of public behavior inhibits the creation of personal connections in Japanese society?

Works Cited

"Ancestor Worship - Ancestor Worship In Japan." - Family, Japanese, and Ancestors. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2012. <http://family.jrank.org/pages/85/Ancestor-Worship-Ancestor-Worship-in-Japan.html>.

Reed, Robert. Finding Japan: A Guide to Seeing Its Beauties and Unlocking Its Mysteries. Tōkyō: J Risāchi Shuppan, 2005. Print.