Japan hybrid or homogeneous?

Question

I've always wondered if the Japanese culture was hybrid or homogeneous.

Answer 1

From ancient , they were not homogeneous.

Always mixed up with other cultures.

Answer 2

Almost all major cultures in the world have influences from other world cultures, so they're all hybrid, including the Japanese culture. At the same time, Japanese culture is relatively homogeneous.

I think you meant to ask if Japanese culture is homogeneous or diverse. There is a lot of regional diversity, but it's all within the context of being Japanese. You don't really have a significant minority that speaks a different language or is of a different race. Also, there is national attention towards Tokyo as a standard reference, so there's really only one standard.

The other way to understand your question is to ask if Japanese culture is conservative towards the traditional or liberal to outside influences. There's really no simple answer for that. People tend to be open to trying out new things, but most people also don't like to give up what they grew up with.

Answer 3

I believe it's a hybrid. I know that the Chinese had a huge impact on Japan long time ago. In the recent century, the US pop culture has impacted Japan.

Answer 4

it's definitely hybrid.Like the other poster said,japan was influenced by China and lately they have has U.S influences with music,movies,clothing,etc........

My bf,which he is Japanese likes any kind of music.I showed him a song from a band i like and he liked it and wants to hear more from them and the band's from the U.S.They are not really restricted like it used to be there

Answer 5

It is nothing homogeneous special in Japanese culture. Culture in everywhere is always a kind of hybrid. It is almost like no man is island but a part of continent. Japan is quite homogeneous country though, the culture is influenced by surroundings one way or others.

It is also true that about 200 years national isolation of Tokugawa Shogunate era's governmental  policy might be effecive to enforce or develop Japanese own culture.