Norms and cultural misunderstandings of japan?

Question

what are some social norms or just norms or some cultural misunderstandings of japan? How has japan been portrayed?

Answer 1

I just finished reading Shogun by James Clavell.  It's historical fiction, but it's a very interesting depiction of life in 16th century Japan and the differences between European culture and Japanese culture.  I'm not sure if you're looking for a historical perception, but this particular book highlighted some of those misconceptions...for instance, it was considered bad for your health to bathe during this era in Europe (for everyone but the highest nobility), whereas the Japanese utilized elaborate bathhouses even then.

The food is also a main focus--the Japanese mainly focus on seafood and rice, whereas Europe then (and most western nations now, of course) focus on meat and potatoes-types of things.

Religion is another area of misconception, as many Japanese actually converted to Catholicism due to the efforts of the Portuguese and the Catholic Church, but are perceived as all being Buddhist.

Those are just some of the examples from a historical perspective--this particular book is very interesting in these respects, so I recommend it if you are looking for a historical representation.

Answer 2

There are some excellent "how to avoid culture shock" books on Japan. I spent about six months in Japan. I found it the most interesting country I have ever been to, and the most difficult.

- Most Japanese know (some) English, but they are unlikely to converse with foreigners as they speak English imperfectly. That makes things quite hard for visitors, especially outside Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka where e.g. road names are also posted in English.

- It is considered impolite to look strangers in the eye, i.e. just the opposite of Western culture.

- Racism against other races is common, at least among the older generation (40 years up). But young people are often very open. The UN has criticized Japan for racist practices.

- Criticisms are not expressed directly. If someone says that something was just "okay", it probably means they think it was a disaster.

Japan has many complex and interlinked social codes that most people believe one can only properly understand if born in the country.

Have fun finding out more.