The Translation

Or rather, what the above 2 posts were translated from:

What is different between Japanese culture and other countries? Both Japanese and Americans ask me that question often. I think that is a very interesting question. I have often thought about it, and read many books and articles on this topic. Maybe you will be surprised at my answers.

The most distinct aspect about Japanese culture is the extremely distinct gender roles. Compared to America and Taiwan, Japanese men are extremely masculine and Japanese women are extremely feminine. In work and family, about emotion or sex, what is expected of men and women are completely different. Do you know any female school principles? Do you know any husbands who cook meals? Yet both are quite common in America and Taiwan.

There is another unique characteristic about Japan. Generally speaking, I think　Japanese culture is a culture that is averse to uncertainty. What is unknown is not curious, but dangerous. I think this explains many things I have observed in Japan. For example, rules, ceremony and formality (which seems to have the purpose of minimizing the unknown) are everywhere in Japan. Japanese always seem to be in a general state full of stress and anxiety. Students prefer getting a correct answer over open-ended expressions. In the workplace, most companies adopt lifetime employment, and job changes are seldom.

Compared with America, Japan is a much more collectivist country. Everyone think not in terms of “I” but “We.” I think this is related to Japan’s uncertainty-averse culture. For example, during presentations in class, it is difficult for students to speak up individually, but as a group students will speak without hesitation. Also, in personal relationships, I think Japanese generally prefer harmony over honesty. This reminds me a lot of Taiwan, but it is completely different than America.

Lastly, I think difference in power is a common theme for interpersonal relationships in Japan. Figuring out who should respect whom is important business, and unequal relationships are expected and often desired. Senpai, kohai, or honorific are nonexistent ideas in America (but Taiwan too has similar ideas).

These are what make Japan different from MY world. However, these don’t make Japan any more different than America or Taiwan. Maybe one day I will write a book about it.