Japan is a country with a very peculiar culture and etiquette. For the Russian and even the European in their behavior there will be many outlandish things. Workaholism, respect for elders, modesty in communication - all this expresses folklore: hokku poems, fairy tales, proverbs. Japanese customs are presented in them very holistically.
The appearance and character of the Japanese
For example, in the Land of the Rising Sun, a popular expression is known: "He who feels shame, he also feels duty." These words contain not only traits of the national character of the Japanese. It is known that for a long time in Japan, great attention was paid to the appearance of a person, his clothes. From it it was possible to very clearly determine social status. And the higher he was, the stricter were the requirements. Samurai could not bare their body, which caused certain difficulties. For example, they visited a bathhouse, covering their faces so as not to be identified. This is an example of a case where a sense of duty is associated with shame and increased demands.
Customs and Proverbs: Japanese Etiquette Requirements
Courtesy and respect is one of the most characteristic manifestations of Japanese nature. For example, even the modern process of exchanging business cards in Japan is very different from how it would be in Europe. Business cards are transmitted simultaneously with two hands. At the same time, you cannot immediately put paper in your pocket: you need to study it for a while and show interest in what is written. Popular requirements, customs, instructions, reflect many proverbs. Japanese customs are very strict: "Etiquette must be respected even in friendship," reads the popular teaching.
Japanese folk wisdom versus biblical teaching
The winged expressions of the Land of the Rising Sun sometimes convey wisdom that is similar to the teachings of other nations. For example, such words: "Where people grieve, grieve you too." In many ways, they are similar to the phrase from the Bible: "Rejoice with the rejoicing and cry with the crying." In fact, this elementary truth greatly facilitates communication with people, understanding. To do this, you do not need to graduate from the faculties of psychology - it is enough to turn to ancient sources: whether it be Japanese wisdom or biblical commandments.
Man and his environment
Japanese sayings and proverbs have absorbed folk wisdom, helping the common people in their practical lives for centuries. Another lecture largely reflects the truth, which is currently experimentally proved by psychologists. “The good and the bad in a person depends on the environment,” “If you want to know a person, get to know his friends,” say the proverbs. Japanese sayings, which have existed for more than one century, try to confirm modern experiments.
Psychological experiment
For example, psychologists conducted an experiment: students were instructed to solve mathematical problems. Moreover, one group consisted only of nationally and socially similar, and in another class there were representatives of various Asian countries, which, as you know, have good mathematical abilities. All things being equal, those students who solved problems in a society of their own kind showed the best results. The influence of the environment on a person is so great.
And if such results were shown in a short-term experiment to solve problems, how enormous then the influence of friends and close people on a person can turn out to be!
Japanese: a nation of workaholics
As was said, the Japanese are known for hard work, which transcends all conceivable boundaries. “Zeal is the mother of success,” says the wisdom of the Land of the Rising Sun. This is very significant in modern life in Japan. For employees of Japanese companies their own career growth is not at all important. The priority for them is the prosperity of the organization in which they work. In order to avoid problems with the health of subordinates, managers strictly monitor that employees leave work on time. Also in Japan, you can’t help butting off your vacation. This lifestyle is reflected in Japanese proverbs. With the transfer to another company, nothing changes - the traditions on the island are the same everywhere.