Unit 5 - Japan - Culture

Question 1

Where is Japan?

Answer 1

• island country
• East Asia
• off the eastern coast of the Asian continent

Question 2

Why is Japan a good example for culture?

Answer 2

• Japanese culture has evolved greatly from its origins

- contemporary culture combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America

Question 3

How is Japan’s crime rate?

Answer 3

• the crime rate is one of the lowest in the world

Question 4

How is Japan’s society - culture wise?

Answer 4

• Japan is a highly structured and traditional society
• loyalty, politeness, personal responsibility are important
• education, ambition, hard work, patience and determination are held in the highest regard

Question 5

What are some examples of Japan’s culture?

Answer 5

• bow: a highly regarded greeting to show respect and is appreciated by the Japanese
• don’t show affection in public
• never point at someone with four fingers spread out and thumb folded in
• avoid using the number “four” if possible - it has connotations of death to the Japanese

Question 6

What are some characteristics of Japan’s culture?

Answer 6

• modest power distance: relations based on hierarchical position or social status
• collectivism: emphasis on teamwork and collaboration
• distinct gender role: male dominated society
• uncertainty avoidance: prefer to use a set of rules and regulations to avoid making mistakes

Question 7

What is the influence of Japan’s culture?

Answer 7

• many films, manga, music, anime and video games developed from tradition art forms are now becoming more contemporary and influential in a global scale
• many concepts from Japanese aesthetic(such as wabi-sabi) are widely applied in contemporary artworks