Japanese stereotypes: fiction, speculation, debunking myths, historical facts and real events

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:44

When it comes to the Japanese, a huge number of stereotypes immediately appear in my head. There are many different legends and myths about the representatives of this nation. They are considered enigmatic, mysterious, educated, cultured and different from Europeans. As a rule, everyone thinks that the Japanese are very fond of sushi, they always go dressed in kimonos, work hard, that women are wonderful wives, and men are loving and devoted husbands. Is this really true?

In our society, some stereotypes about Japan and the Japanese have developed, but those people who lived, worked, studied in the Land of the Rising Sun or simply communicated with the Japanese began to notice that many of our ideas about their way of life and culture are only just myths. So, here are the main prevailing stereotypes about the people and the country.

The Japanese are hardworking people

Many tourists note that this is indeed true. The Japanese are very hardworking and responsible. They like to work both alone and in a team. In addition, they do not like to spend time assigning responsibilities and figuring out who is in charge, but simply get to work, no matter what needs to be done. That is why there is a feeling that there are no leaders and bosses among them, that in any team everyone is on an equal footing.

Besides, we have stereotypes about the Japanese that they are all very disciplined and responsible. This is also true. Of course, there are exceptions, but in general, the Japanese are really very responsible workers. They are ready to sacrifice their interests in order to do the job efficiently and on time. They work in good faith. Firstly, because it is not customary to stand out, and since everyone works qualitatively, everyone should try to do the same. This is the rule of conduct in Japanese society.

The second rule of society is never to inconvenience others. That is why they work efficiently and responsibly, and even when they forget or mix up something, they will apologize and cover the damage if any of it was caused. At the same time, it should be noted that many Japanese have a 12-hour working day, short holidays, a lot of overtime.

The Japanese are punctual people

This stereotype about the Japanese is also true. If they promised to see each other, they will put it in a notebook and they will never forget about the meeting, and they will come on time. For example, out of a group of 20 Japanese, only one was late for the tour, and then becausehe was waiting for the bill in the restaurant, and due to poor knowledge of English, he could not rush the waiter.

The Japanese are well-mannered, grateful and respect elders

This stereotype about the Japanese is true. But, according to the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun themselves, society loses these qualities more and more every year. Many young people are not as polite as they were a few decades ago. However, even now, good manners and respect for others in Japanese society are developed at a high level.

They, for example, neatly line up in front of the doors to the train, let everyone out and only after that they enter the car one by one. At the same time, no one pushes anyone and does not try to enter before the rest. The only thing that may surprise you is that it is not customary to give up your seat to anyone on the train and other public places. This distinguishes a person from the crowd and humiliates the one who is inferior.

They thank you for any little thing or favor, and not just verbally. Smile, bow, nod your head. And not just once. Good manners are taught to children from childhood, which is why it is pleasant and calm to be in the company of the Japanese.

Japanese eat sushi very often

And this stereotype about the Japanese does not correspond to reality. There are other foods that they love very much. Most of all, they prefer noodles and rice, these products are either contained in the dish or are an addition to any meal. The most common traditional dishes are udon (noodles), ramen (noodles), soba (buckwheat noodles),tempura (foods in dough, usually served with rice).

He althy lifestyle, sports and only he althy food

There are many useful products in Japan. For example, algae, fresh fish, cognac (a plant that is eaten is very he althy and low in calories). But restaurants offer completely unhe althy food: meat is usually fatty and served with rice or noodles; shrimps and vegetables are cooked in tempura dough, fried in a large amount of oil; pickled cabbage and cucumbers.

Besides, the stereotype about the Japanese that they are all small and thin is a myth. There are a lot of overweight and obese people in the country. In addition, even the smallest Japanese can eat an incredible amount of food. Regarding a he althy lifestyle - they all love water procedures, go hiking, running and doing other sports. In general, the nation is very mobile and active.

Japanese people love nature and everything natural

This is also a myth. Ordinary Japanese do not consider anything alive except a person. They don't pet cats or dogs outside, they never touch a lizard. They will not offend, but they will disdain to touch. Wildlife is treated with great care. They strive to cut the bushes, trim the grass, plant everything in even rows. Nature must be disinfected and controlled.

Love for all things traditional

The country has preserved many traditional holidays, the Japanese are happy to go to temples, put on yukatas, sleep on the tatami, and their houses retain the generally accepted look. At the same time, the Japanese are very fond of everything bright and shiny: plastic watches in catchy colors, sneakers with LEDs, if dishes, then only modernist style.

Everything is modern and super-technological

The stereotype that the Japanese are the biggest nanotech enthusiasts in the world is a myth. Not everything is computerized and robotic. For example, in the migration service, the queue, of course, is electronic, but employees hang cardboard numbers above the table manually. A man leaves, they fix a new sign. In addition, Japanese houses do not have central heating; they are heated by kerosene lamps. The ultra-tech "Smart Home" is not often seen here.

The Japanese are very polite people

This stereotype is true. But sometimes the Japanese do not fit into our concepts of politeness at all. For example, in public transport, it is customary for us to ask if a neighbor will get off. If not, then the passengers simply change places and thus prepare for the exit, moving closer to the door. In Japan, it is not customary to ask anyone or anything, so at the bus stop, those who need to get off will strive to get off from afar through the entire crowd.

Japan loves our Cheburashka

It's true. They are very fond of animation, and therefore the cute animal is understandable and close to them. They generally pay attention to everything cute. The most common definition is "kawaii", which means "cute" in Russian. A dress, a film, a hairstyle, an actor - everyone is characterized by this definition, and our Cheburashka is also “kawaii” for them. This is the most desired and belovedsouvenir from Russia.

Patriarchy in the country

This myth is also partly true. But at the same time, the wives take away the salary from the husband and give him money for daily expenses. In economics, there is such an assessment parameter as the average daily size. In public transport, women do not give up their seats, men always have priority.

Household stereotypes

There are also stereotypes that relate to the everyday life of the Japanese, namely:

• The Japanese are very clean and love cleanliness. It's true. They take great care of themselves, their home and workplace, keep them in order. They control the cleanliness of clothes, are scrupulous in personal hygiene. From a young age, children are taught to take care of themselves, their room, toys.
• Japanese love to take a bath more than a shower. This stereotype is also true. They believe that the bath contributes to a more thorough cleansing, in addition, in it you can relax and put all your thoughts in order, which is very important for them.
• Japanese always wear kimonos. This is fiction. Kimono is a formal wear that they wear either on a holiday or an event, such as an important event. In everyday life, the Japanese wear clothes called yukata, a simple type of kimono.

Family stereotypes

There are stereotypes about the family life of the average Japanese. Here are the most interesting of them:

• They observe the traditional ritual of marriage. This is not entirely true. The most importanttraditions are observed by everyone without exception, but some families have modest incomes, and for this reason many young people simplify some rituals.
• Japanese don't kiss in public. It's true, in Japan, such a display of feelings is considered indecent.
• The Japanese are very caring wives and devoted husbands. These qualities depend on the person, upbringing, temperament and other factors. It is impossible to give a certain characteristic to millions of people of different character.
• Japanese men work, women stay at home and do housework. This is partly true. There are a lot of families in which only the husband works. But at present, the number of working Japanese women is gradually increasing. In addition, contrary to all stereotypes about Japan and the Japanese, a woman runs the house.
• Only a woman brings up children. It is not true. On a day off in the park, you can meet many men walking and playing with their children. It is also very common to meet Japanese dads in their arms with children in transport, and without a mother.

It should be noted that a family in Japan is usually created late - after 30 years. There is no such thing as “old-timer” in the country, it is considered absolutely normal to give birth to the first child at the age of 35-40. Children unite husband and wife, but otherwise their daily life runs in parallel courses. The wife has her own company of friends, the husband has his own. There is no such thing as being "family friendly."

It is not customary to invite guests in the country

It's true. The Japanese do not often invite friends or acquaintances to visit. ExceptMoreover, it is not done spontaneously. However, it cannot be said that there is no such custom - to invite guests - at all. The hosts want to make the best impression on the invited person, so they need some time to prepare and organize the reception.

Instead of a conclusion

Of course, these are far from all the stereotypes that have developed about the Land of the Rising Sun. There are a huge number of them. The Japanese are a very mysterious and mysterious people, wise and sincere. Perhaps they are not always understood by Europeans and often do not behave in the way that representatives of Western culture expect from them. But they are unique, interesting, nice and good-natured people with amazing culture, history, way of life and traditions.