Can Japanese society be considered compassionate?

Question

More vigorous than empathy, the feeling commonly gives rise to an active desire to alleviate another's suffering.

Is there any hope that this sort of thinking will become part of the national consciousness in Japan?

Answer 1

It must be more compassionate than the present US government

Answer 2

Yes and no. It has been my experience that Japanese are not likely to help strangers if they fall down, look lost, or obviously need help in some other way, but if that stranger ASKS for help, then most Japanese will enthusiastically do whatever they can. Westerners are more willing to help complete strangers, I think, but they are also more willing to harm strangers, too! :) I don't know which is better.

If you watch Japanese TV, and someone tells a sad story, you will see the people on TV cry. If you go to a farewell party or big event where emotions are high, you will see people cry. But, most of the time it is fake. However, is it insincere? That is a difficult question to answer, because these people are not trying to lie to you  - they are trying to show empathy and to commiserate with the person who is telling the story. They are trying to be compassionate. It is very different from what happens in the West.