Japanese Vs Australian Culture Essay
Introduction to Japan
Japan is a country in the Asian-Pacific region. While the islands belonging to the nation are only 377 944 km2, Japan is home to more than 127 million people. In Japan the culture is fascinating, their rich heritage somehow blending with their role as global leaders in technology. This unique country is an excellent tourist destination, but before you pack your bags, it is best to be able to understand and communicate with the people there.
Japan and Australia
When travelling to Japan, an understanding of the differences and similarities between Japanese and Australian cultures is vital.
Power and Authority
The person in the highest position of both power and authority within Japan is the Prime Minister, Kan Naoto. The Emperor, Akihito, is a religious and authoritarian figure but holds no real power over the lives of those residing in Japan. The police are in positions of influence, with a force of more than 280 000 police officers, with 10 000 specifically for riot control. Sometimes this power is abused; Japanese police have been known to force confessions from innocent suspects. Japan has a very low homicide rate, but whether this is due to police proficiency or the peacefulness of the country is unclear. …show more content…
These positions of power and authority are similar to those held in Australia, in regards to law enforcement and government.
In an average Japanese family, most power is given to the father. Although the mother in a nuclear family has the duties of caring for her children, when reprimanding is needed the father will step in. In Australia, authority is usually shared in a more egalitarian manner within families. There are also a diverse range of family styles due mostly to multiculturalism.
Technology
Japan is one of the most advanced technological countries in the world. The majority of Japanese citizens have access to recent developments in technology, many children taking for granted their ownership of the latest gadgets. This is similar to the situation in Australia, where although the country is not as progressive as Japan in this regard, we still have access to task enhancing tools that many other countries do not.
Gender
Over the last decade in Japan, there have been demands to confront gender inequality. Although the gap between men and women is not as large as many other countries, women are often not given the same opportunities as men. Both genders receive a first class education and can join the workforce. However, once a woman is married, many personal freedoms can be denied. Upon the birth of her first child, Japanese society expects her to retire or work part time, as her primary goal should now be taking care of her children, while her husband becomes the sole breadwinner of the family. Traditionally, the man of the household will leave early, spending the day working and then eating dinner with business associates before coming home very late in the evening, usually without seeing his children for most of the day. The woman is usually the sole caregiver of her children, looking after them and maintaining the household. It is highly uncommon for a Japanese family to hire help such as babysitters and housekeepers because of their perceived duties to their household. In recent times however, young women are shunning tradition, overturning society’s values in favour of career opportunities rather than marriage.
While it would be irrational to say that there is absolute gender equality within Australia, it exists more so in this country than most, including Japan. When a woman has a baby, she usually returns to work within a few months, and belonging in a family does not necessarily mean her career can no longer continue.
Communication in Japan
Language
Japanese is the dominant language in Japan, although Korean and Okinawa are sometimes spoken. Within the Japanese language there are several different dialects, and the spoken dialect depends on the area in which the conversation occurs. For example, a person originating from Tokyo is likely to speak Kantō. When travelling to this country it is important to have a basic understanding of simple conversational Japanese.
English Japanese
Hello ‘Kon'nichiwa’
How are you? ‘Genkidesu ka?’
What is your name? ‘Anata no namae wa nanidesu ka?’
My name is ‘Watashi no namae wadesu.’
Yes ‘Hai’
No ‘Iie’
Please ‘Kudasai’ or ‘Onegaishimasu’, depending on the situation
Thank you ‘Arigatō’
How much? ‘Ikura desu ka?’
Goodbye ‘Sayōnara’
Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
Japanese people generally have an indirect way of speaking.
While more Westernised cultures tend to give straight answers such as ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, people in Japan prefer to not to give a negative answer directly. Instead, they conventionally give an ambiguous reply such as ‘Probably’ or ‘Maybe’, relying on contextual clues to relay their answer.* The Japanese also use pauses and silence as a means of communication within commonplace situations. Their succinct style of speaking is confusing for some visitors to Japan, who are accustomed to silences being a sign of uncomfortable awkwardness or disinterest. The focus in Japanese conversation is often not what the speaker is saying, but how the listener interprets what they don’t
say.
It is important to maintain harmony in a conversation with a person from Japan. This can be done by applying their practice of “Honne” and Tatemae. “Honne” refers to the inner feelings and desires of a person. These honest feelings often should not be revealed in public situations as they are not appropriate within Japanese society. “Tatemae” is the façade or ‘public face’ that a Japanese person will show.*This involves changing opinions and behaviour in order to fit in with society’s expectations. It is expected that a person in Japan will not convey negative emotion, and will instead keep cool and reserved in social situations. Speaking loudly or aggressively is considered very rude, this behaviour should be kept at an absolute minimum.
Gestures used in Japan differentiate greatly with those used in Western society. For example, the Western gesture for ‘myself’ or ‘me’ is a finger pointed towards the chest area. In Japan, this is indicated by pointing directly at the nose.
Clothing
In Japan, most styles of dress are acceptable, as fashion is constantly changing there. However, clothes should be kept in good condition, as most people in Japan dress impeccably, often wearing suits and other business wear. Also, women should keep their chest area and the back of their neck covered.
Manners and Etiquette
In Japanese culture, manners and etiquette are very important.
If you are fortunate enough to receive an invitation to a Japanese person’s home, then there are many rules to be followed. Giving gifts is common and expected, and they should be given and received with both hands. Upon entering the house, shoes should be removed, and placed down with the toes pointing toward the door. Slippers will be provided and should be worn at all times, and there are different slippers for each room.
For information regarding food etiquette in Japan, refer to our ‘Food and Drink’ section.
Possible Inter-Cultural Misunderstandings
With so many different messages being sent in a conversation, it is understandable that some of them are misunderstood. With the addition of a whole different language, and a varying socialization, communication becomes nearly impossible. Some possible misunderstandings include:
• Thinking a Japanese person is being rude in conversation simply because they won’t meet your eyes.
• Someone from Japan informs you to do something, and you give them the ‘okay’ gesture, but they seem confused.
However, miscommunication can often be avoided by speaking slowly, listening carefully, looking for non-verbal communication and repeating what had been said to fully understand the message.
Japan is a country in the Asian-Pacific region. While the islands belonging to the nation are only 377 944 km2, Japan is home to more than 127 million people. In Japan the culture is fascinating, their rich heritage somehow blending with their role as global leaders in technology. This unique country is an excellent tourist destination, but before you pack your bags, it is best to be able to understand and communicate with the people there.
Japan and Australia
When travelling to Japan, an understanding of the differences and similarities between Japanese and Australian cultures is vital.
Power and Authority
The person in the highest position of both power and authority within Japan is the Prime Minister, Kan Naoto. The Emperor, Akihito, is a religious and authoritarian figure but holds no real power over the lives of those residing in Japan. The police are in positions of influence, with a force of more than 280 000 police officers, with 10 000 specifically for riot control. Sometimes this power is abused; Japanese police have been known to force confessions from innocent suspects. Japan has a very low homicide rate, but whether this is due to police proficiency or the peacefulness of the country is unclear. …show more content…
These positions of power and authority are similar to those held in Australia, in regards to law enforcement and government.
In an average Japanese family, most power is given to the father. Although the mother in a nuclear family has the duties of caring for her children, when reprimanding is needed the father will step in. In Australia, authority is usually shared in a more egalitarian manner within families. There are also a diverse range of family styles due mostly to multiculturalism.
Technology
Japan is one of the most advanced technological countries in the world. The majority of Japanese citizens have access to recent developments in technology, many children taking for granted their ownership of the latest gadgets. This is similar to the situation in Australia, where although the country is not as progressive as Japan in this regard, we still have access to task enhancing tools that many other countries do not.
Gender
Over the last decade in Japan, there have been demands to confront gender inequality. Although the gap between men and women is not as large as many other countries, women are often not given the same opportunities as men. Both genders receive a first class education and can join the workforce. However, once a woman is married, many personal freedoms can be denied. Upon the birth of her first child, Japanese society expects her to retire or work part time, as her primary goal should now be taking care of her children, while her husband becomes the sole breadwinner of the family. Traditionally, the man of the household will leave early, spending the day working and then eating dinner with business associates before coming home very late in the evening, usually without seeing his children for most of the day. The woman is usually the sole caregiver of her children, looking after them and maintaining the household. It is highly uncommon for a Japanese family to hire help such as babysitters and housekeepers because of their perceived duties to their household. In recent times however, young women are shunning tradition, overturning society’s values in favour of career opportunities rather than marriage.
While it would be irrational to say that there is absolute gender equality within Australia, it exists more so in this country than most, including Japan. When a woman has a baby, she usually returns to work within a few months, and belonging in a family does not necessarily mean her career can no longer continue.
Communication in Japan
Language
Japanese is the dominant language in Japan, although Korean and Okinawa are sometimes spoken. Within the Japanese language there are several different dialects, and the spoken dialect depends on the area in which the conversation occurs. For example, a person originating from Tokyo is likely to speak Kantō. When travelling to this country it is important to have a basic understanding of simple conversational Japanese.
English Japanese
Hello ‘Kon'nichiwa’
How are you? ‘Genkidesu ka?’
What is your name? ‘Anata no namae wa nanidesu ka?’
My name is ‘Watashi no namae wadesu.’
Yes ‘Hai’
No ‘Iie’
Please ‘Kudasai’ or ‘Onegaishimasu’, depending on the situation
Thank you ‘Arigatō’
How much? ‘Ikura desu ka?’
Goodbye ‘Sayōnara’
Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
Japanese people generally have an indirect way of speaking.
While more Westernised cultures tend to give straight answers such as ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, people in Japan prefer to not to give a negative answer directly. Instead, they conventionally give an ambiguous reply such as ‘Probably’ or ‘Maybe’, relying on contextual clues to relay their answer.* The Japanese also use pauses and silence as a means of communication within commonplace situations. Their succinct style of speaking is confusing for some visitors to Japan, who are accustomed to silences being a sign of uncomfortable awkwardness or disinterest. The focus in Japanese conversation is often not what the speaker is saying, but how the listener interprets what they don’t
say.
It is important to maintain harmony in a conversation with a person from Japan. This can be done by applying their practice of “Honne” and Tatemae. “Honne” refers to the inner feelings and desires of a person. These honest feelings often should not be revealed in public situations as they are not appropriate within Japanese society. “Tatemae” is the façade or ‘public face’ that a Japanese person will show.*This involves changing opinions and behaviour in order to fit in with society’s expectations. It is expected that a person in Japan will not convey negative emotion, and will instead keep cool and reserved in social situations. Speaking loudly or aggressively is considered very rude, this behaviour should be kept at an absolute minimum.
Gestures used in Japan differentiate greatly with those used in Western society. For example, the Western gesture for ‘myself’ or ‘me’ is a finger pointed towards the chest area. In Japan, this is indicated by pointing directly at the nose.
Clothing
In Japan, most styles of dress are acceptable, as fashion is constantly changing there. However, clothes should be kept in good condition, as most people in Japan dress impeccably, often wearing suits and other business wear. Also, women should keep their chest area and the back of their neck covered.
Manners and Etiquette
In Japanese culture, manners and etiquette are very important.
If you are fortunate enough to receive an invitation to a Japanese person’s home, then there are many rules to be followed. Giving gifts is common and expected, and they should be given and received with both hands. Upon entering the house, shoes should be removed, and placed down with the toes pointing toward the door. Slippers will be provided and should be worn at all times, and there are different slippers for each room.
For information regarding food etiquette in Japan, refer to our ‘Food and Drink’ section.
Possible Inter-Cultural Misunderstandings
With so many different messages being sent in a conversation, it is understandable that some of them are misunderstood. With the addition of a whole different language, and a varying socialization, communication becomes nearly impossible. Some possible misunderstandings include:
• Thinking a Japanese person is being rude in conversation simply because they won’t meet your eyes.
• Someone from Japan informs you to do something, and you give them the ‘okay’ gesture, but they seem confused.
However, miscommunication can often be avoided by speaking slowly, listening carefully, looking for non-verbal communication and repeating what had been said to fully understand the message.