Kimonos, sushi, an economic juggernaut, graceful arches, bonsai trees, stylized watercolors (particularly of koi), strict hierarchy, Toyota and Honda, Samsung and Sony, 80-hour work weeks, gardens where every item – rocks, plants, empty spaces, path direction - are carefully placed, are highly deliberate. That’s what I think of when I think of Japan and its culture.
What I don’t immediately think of is Emperor Hirohito, Pearl Harbor, the Bataan death march, comfort women, prisoner cruelty (by our standards), Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In short, the Japan that comes to my mind is not the same Japan that might come to the minds of people a generation removed. Nor do I think of anime or manga as people younger than I might.
However, it seems the characteristics that forged the 1930s and '40s Japanese war machine and unbridled expansionist ambition are the same ones that fueled the Tiger economy of the 1990s - blind obedience to authority, nationalistic pride and a strong work ethic. But, then, maybe I’ve been overly influenced by Shogun and Noble House.
When a corporate scandal occurs, the CEO doesn’t receive a slap on the wrist and a golden parachute to bail out the troubled company. He (I don’t remember there being a “she”) is deeply humiliated and resigns in disgrace. Some have committed suicide, if the breach is bad enough. My impression is that the Japanese do what needs to be done, regardless of the personal cost. The good of the community comes before that of the individual.
From my perspective – and this is by no means a scholarly one – Japan and its traditional culture, its overarching community-centric system, has been as different from Western culture as it possibly could be. Hall’s description of the space in Japanese houses where the center remains and the walls and décor move reminds me of a kaleidoscope, its stationary mirrors reflecting bits of colored glass that cascade into artistic tableaus before melting away. It’s like being in the eye of a hurricane, an oasis amidst the chaos, a Japanese garden in the cen
ter of a city.
Even now, with Tokyo out Wall Streeting Wall Street, behind that consumerism and drive for success, the heart of traditional Japan continues to beat. Parents are still treated with respect. Feng shui still dictates design. And Japanese gardens still gently discipline nature, expanding perspectives that free the soul. I want to explore those sensibilities, adopting the ones that instill peace.
What I don’t immediately think of is Emperor Hirohito, Pearl Harbor, the Bataan death march, comfort women, prisoner cruelty (by our standards), Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In short, the Japan that comes to my mind is not the same Japan that might come to the minds of people a generation removed. Nor do I think of anime or manga as people younger than I might.
However, it seems the characteristics that forged the 1930s and '40s Japanese war machine and unbridled expansionist ambition are the same ones that fueled the Tiger economy of the 1990s - blind obedience to authority, nationalistic pride and a strong work ethic. But, then, maybe I’ve been overly influenced by Shogun and Noble House.
When a corporate scandal occurs, the CEO doesn’t receive a slap on the wrist and a golden parachute to bail out the troubled company. He (I don’t remember there being a “she”) is deeply humiliated and resigns in disgrace. Some have committed suicide, if the breach is bad enough. My impression is that the Japanese do what needs to be done, regardless of the personal cost. The good of the community comes before that of the individual.
From my perspective – and this is by no means a scholarly one – Japan and its traditional culture, its overarching community-centric system, has been as different from Western culture as it possibly could be. Hall’s description of the space in Japanese houses where the center remains and the walls and décor move reminds me of a kaleidoscope, its stationary mirrors reflecting bits of colored glass that cascade into artistic tableaus before melting away. It’s like being in the eye of a hurricane, an oasis amidst the chaos, a Japanese garden in the cen
ter of a city.Even now, with Tokyo out Wall Streeting Wall Street, behind that consumerism and drive for success, the heart of traditional Japan continues to beat. Parents are still treated with respect. Feng shui still dictates design. And Japanese gardens still gently discipline nature, expanding perspectives that free the soul. I want to explore those sensibilities, adopting the ones that instill peace.
3 comments:
Hi Gina! Your post does a great job of presenting the historical facts and actions that define Japan's darker side of focus, formality and control alongside the lighter, more positive aspects of its culture and arts.
I agree- Japanese culture definitely cannot be fully viewed without taking into account its "warrior ethos" that permeates: the work ethic, codes of honor, the worse-than death disgrace to be captured or shame oneself, one's family and country and thus the practice of Seppuku and so forth... fascinating elements within both war time situation and their cultural perspective overall.
A really great movie out of Japan featuring much of this is "Ran".
Enjoyed your post, best, Lachlan
Gina,
I love your generational discussion. My first thoughts of Japan have little to do with war or any truly negative concepts. Before your blog, I hadn't really thought of how different generations view another culture while the generations co-exist.
Sheri
Hi Gina. Great post! You noted the disciplined garden..the primary thought I have when thinking about Japan is discipline. Even their artwork (gardening) is very structured that way. Also, you noted the different reactions to the wall street/executive meltdowns. I couldn't agree more, the West bails out and the East puts the blame directly where it needs to go. Accountability is very much a part of cultural beliefs and this is a great difference b/t the W/E. Take care, Noelle
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