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The number of foreigners learning Japanese continuously increases each year. ... The Japanese are amongst the easiest people to get along with, even if one does not understand them completely. Understanding the Japanese is one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome, however this should not deter anyone from trying to comprehend Japan and her people. ... Being part of a group is very important to the Japanese. As a starting point for my analysis of the Japanese I would like to discuss the balance between the individual and group within the Japanese culture. ... This difference is obvious when comparing the Japanese to the Western culture as the Japanese would sacrifice the individual for the good of the group. ... As compared to the Westerners, the Japanese prefer to exist as a group. While Westerners put on a show of independence and individuality, most Japanese will be quit content to conform to their community in dress, conduct, lifestyle and even thoughts. ... The Japanese are constantly being reminded of how unique their culture, beliefs, customs and lifestyles are. ... Take for example Japanese that are banded together, this group is ranked according to its social position and disparity of age. Japanese have placed a high priority on rank even during the initial period. The notion of a ranking has strongly affected Japanese social life. Also we know that the honorific expressions are of the great importance to the Japanese language. ... It is commonly known that Japanese women are nearly always ranked as inferiors. ... Generally speaking, the Japanese that are born to a certain class behave in a certain way. ... Whilst Westerners are bold in their opinions and do not hesitate in expressing them, the Japanese tend to voice any opinions only after due consideration of another’s feelings. It is said that the Japanese are very diplomatic but this also means that they do not give direct answers, a characteristic based on a long trading of avoiding unnecessary friction. The fact that the Japanese behave in this way especially when in contact with another can be partly explained by their homogeneity and long periods of isolation from the rest of the world.
Approximate Word count = 1684
Approximate Pages = 6.7
(250 words per page double spaced)
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