When it comes to the Japanese, a huge amount of stereotypes immediately appears in the head. A lot of various legends and myths go about the representatives of this nation. They are considered mysterious, mysterious, educated, cultural and different from Europeans. As a rule, everyone thinks that the Japanese love sushi very much, always go dressed in a kimono, work hard, that women are wonderful wives, and men are loving and devoted husbands. Is this really so?
Some stereotypes about Japan and the Japanese have developed in our society, 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 life and culture are just myths. So, here are the main prevailing stereotypes about the people and the country.
The Japanese are a hardworking people
Many tourists say that this is really 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 on the distribution of duties and clarification of the question of who is in charge, but simply take up work, regardless of what needs to be done. That is why there is a feeling that among them there are no leaders and bosses, that in any team everything is on an equal footing.
In addition, we have developed stereotypes about the Japanese that they are all very disciplined and responsible. This is also true. Of course, there are exceptions, but in the general mass the Japanese are really very responsible workers. They are ready to sacrifice their interests in order to complete the work efficiently and on time. They work in good faith. Firstly, because it is not customary to stand out, and since everyone works efficiently, everyone should try to do the same. This is a rule of conduct in Japanese society.
The second rule of society is: never to cause inconvenience to others. That is why they work efficiently and responsibly, and even when they forget or mix something up, they will apologize and cover the damage if it was suddenly caused. It should be noted that many Japanese have a 12-hour work day, short vacations, and a lot of overtime.
The Japanese are punctual people
This stereotype of 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 because of the fact that he was waiting for the bill in the restaurant, and because of poor knowledge of English, he could not rush the waiter.
The Japanese are well-mannered, grateful and respect the elders
This stereotype of the Japanese is true. But, according to the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun, the society is losing these qualities more and more every year. Many young people are not as polite as they were several decades ago. However, at present, upbringing and respect for others in Japanese society is developed at a high level.
For example, they neatly line up in front of the doors to the train, let all those leaving and only after that they enter the car in turn. At the same time, no one is pushing anyone or trying to enter earlier than the others. The only thing that may surprise is that in the train and other public places it is not customary to give way to anyone. This distinguishes a person from the crowd and humiliates the one to whom they yield.
They thank for any trifle or service, and not just verbally. They smile, bow, nod their heads. And more than once. Children are taught good manners from childhood, which is why it is pleasant and calm to be in the company of Japanese people.
Japanese eat sushi very often
And this stereotype about the Japanese does not correspond to reality. There is another food that they love very much. Most of all, they prefer noodles and rice, these products are either contained in a dish, or are a complement to any meal. The most common traditional dishes are udon (noodles), ramen (noodles), soba (buckwheat noodles), tempura (products in the dough are usually served with rice).
Healthy lifestyle, sports and only wholesome food
There are many healthy products in Japan. For example, algae, fresh fish, brandy (a plant that is eaten is very healthy and low-calorie). But the restaurants offer completely unhealthy 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.
In addition, the stereotype of 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 healthy lifestyle - they all love water treatments, go hiking, run and engage in 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 people do not consider anything alive but human. They do not pet cats or dogs on the street, they never touch a lizard. They will not offend, but they disdain to touch. Wildlife is very wary. They strive to trim the bushes, trim the grass, plant everything in even rows. Nature must be sanitized and controlled.
Love for everything traditional
Many traditional holidays have been preserved in the country , the Japanese enjoy going to temples, putting on yukats, sleeping on tatami, and their houses retain their generally accepted appearance. At the same time, the Japanese are very fond of everything bright and shiny: plastic watches with catchy shades, sneakers with LEDs, if the dishes, then only a modernist style.
Everything modern and super-technological
The stereotype that the Japanese are the biggest lovers of nanotechnology in the world is a myth. Not everything is computerized and robotic. For example, in the migration service, the queue is, of course, electronic, but employees hang up cardboard numbers on the table manually. A man leaves, they fasten a new plate. In addition, in Japanese homes there is no central heating, they are heated with kerosene lamps. The super-technological “Smart Home” is rarely seen here.
The Japanese are a very polite people
This stereotype is true. But sometimes the Japanese do not fit our concepts of politeness at all. For example, in public transport, it is customary for us to ask about whether a neighbor will leave. If not, then the passengers simply change places and thus prepare for the exit, moving closer to the door. In Japan, it’s not customary to ask anyone and about anything, so at the bus stop those who need to get out will tend to exit from afar through the whole crowd.
In Japan, they love our cheburashka very much
It's true. They are very fond of animation, and therefore a cute animal they understand and close. They generally pay attention to everything sweet. The most common definition: "kawaii", which in translation into Russian means "cute". Dress, film, hairstyle, actor - everyone characterizes this definition, and our Cheburashka is also “kawaii”. This is the most coveted and beloved souvenir from Russia.
In the country of patriarchy
This myth is also partly true. But at the same time, the wife takes the salary from her husband and gives him money for daily expenses. In economics, there is such an estimation parameter as the average daily size. Women are not inferior to women in public transport; men always have priority.
Household stereotypes
Stereotypes have also developed that relate to the daily 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, maintain them in order. Control the cleanliness of clothes, scrupulous in personal hygiene. From a young age, children are taught to care for themselves, their room, and toys.
- The Japanese are more fond of taking a bath than a shower. This stereotype is also true. They believe that the bath promotes a more thorough cleansing, in addition, in it you can relax and put all your thoughts in order, which is very important for them.
- The Japanese always wear kimonos. This is fiction. A kimono is an official clothing that they wear on a holiday or at an event, such as an important event. In everyday life, the Japanese wear clothes called yukata - this is a simple variety of kimono.
Family stereotypes
Stereotypes have also developed regarding 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 important traditions are observed by all, without exception, but some families have modest incomes, and for this reason many young people simplify some rituals.
- The Japanese do not kiss in public. It’s true that in Japan, such a show of feelings is considered indecent.
- The Japanese are very caring wives and devoted husbands. These qualities depend on the person, education, temperament and other factors. It is impossible to give a certain characteristic to millions of people of different character.
- Japanese men work, women sit 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 rules the house.
- Only a woman brings up children. It is not true. On a weekend in the park you can meet many men who walk and play with their children. Also, very often you can meet Japanese dads in their arms with children in transport, without a mother.
It should be noted that a family in Japan is usually created late - after 30 years. In the country there is no such thing as “old-born”, it is considered absolutely normal to give birth to the first child at 35-40 years old. Children unite husband and wife, and the rest of their daily lives goes in parallel courses. The wife has her own friendly company, the husband has her own. There is no such thing as a "family friend."
In the country it is not accepted to invite guests
It's true. The Japanese do not often call friends or acquaintances. In addition, they do not do this spontaneously. However, it cannot be said that such a custom — to invite guests — does not exist at all. The hosts want to make the best impression on the invited person, therefore they need a reserve of time for preparation and organization of 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 lot 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 as representatives of Western culture expect from them. But they are unique, interesting, sweet and good-natured people with an amazing culture, history, way of life and traditions.