Understanding Japan and the Japanese Culture: A Journey Through Language and Societal Norms

I have always had a soft spot for the Japanese people, even though I have never been there myself. A dear friend of mine frequently visited Tokyo on business trips, and he described it as the closest place on earth that feels like another planet. The allure of a different culture and the challenge of a foreign language drew me to study Japanese in college.

Studying Japanese: A Gateway to Culture

Studying Japanese was a formidable task when compared to more familiar languages like English or Spanish. With a more alien linguistic system and relatively few loanwords, it required a great deal of effort to master. However, with dedication and time, I was able to converse reasonably well and even came to appreciate the language and its writing system, despite my struggles with kanji.

Japanese and Cultural Exchange: A Personal Experience

While there was a chance to become an exchange student in Japan, I did not consider myself an otaku or deeply interested in Japanese culture. I was simply seeking a memorable experience after a recent breakup. Japan offered an immersive learning environment where I could explore its culture, language, and way of life outside the confines of a university setting.

Cultural Etiquette and Interaction

My time in Japan exposed me to many aspects of the culture that were as foreign as the language. Cultural shock is a common experience for foreigners, and I witnessed instances where other exchange students struggled to adapt. Two individuals, one Nigerian and one Eurasian of Japanese/English descent, had to leave the country early due to cultural and social challenges.

Fortunately, because I was reasonably conversant in Japanese, I was able to engage with the locals in ways that others could not. Visiting small towns and experiencing various sights such as temples, shrines, breweries, and factories provided unique insights and interactions. I even brought other international students on these excursions, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experiences.

Modern vs. Traditional: A Contrast in Technology

In Japan, there is a juxtaposition between traditional and modern elements in technology and daily life. While cutting-edge technology coexists with older hardware, the latter can still be seen in various industries. For instance, development kits for devices like the N64 used outdated methods for data upload, and faxes were prevalent despite the widespread adoption of digital communication.

In contrast, neighboring regions displayed a different attitude toward technology, such as in Thailand, where transactions were more streamlined and efficient. These differences in technology adoption highlight the unique development path of Japan.

Politeness and Cultural Norms

The politeness of the Japanese people is world-renowned, yet it is coupled with a sense of cultural insularity. While I and another foreigner were well-received on the baseball team, there were instances where being a foreigner posed challenges, such as being denied service in establishments like onsen baths and restaurants. The Japanese often seem to prefer keeping foreigners "over there" rather than integrating them directly.

However, there are also moments of kindness and helpfulness. For example, during layovers in Tokyo, the airline staff allowed my wife to rest in the exclusive lounge. Similarly, my family once encountered a small shop on an isolated beach, where the owner and his son practiced English with us and even invited us to have dinner with them and take us to the train station. All these experiences illustrate the duality of Japanese cultural norms.

A Balanced View: Naivety and Kindness

Japanese society can be both naive and kind. The insularity and lack of diversification can lead to a certain naivety in handling situations that involve other cultures. Despite this, the Japanese are genuinely welcoming and helpful, often going out of their way to assist foreigners, whether at home or abroad.

My overall impression of the Japanese is that they are genuinely good people, albeit sometimes a bit naive, which can be attributed to living in an insular society where outsiders are rare. This societal characteristic not only shapes their cultural norms but also their welcoming nature, albeit with a certain distance.

While there is a complex interplay of politeness and insularity, the warmth and helpfulness exhibited by many Japanese people make the country an inviting place for visitors and exchange students like myself. Understanding these nuances can provide a deeper appreciation of the Japanese culture and its unique qualities.