Japanese National Character Clichés

“National character” refers to generalized perceptions of the collective personality traits and cultural tendencies attributed to a particular nation or ethnicity. While these perceptions may contain some elements of truth, they are often oversimplified, are over-exaggerated and stereotype diverse populations. The misconception of thinking in terms of “national character” lies in the tendency to homogenize individuals within a society, disregarding the complexity of human behavior influenced by various factors such as upbringing, education, and personal experiences.

This approach perpetuates essentialism, assuming that certain traits are inherent and unchangeable across an entire population.
The cliché types listed above, such as “economic animals,” “selfless groupies,” and “deferential subordinates,” reflect common stereotypes about the Japanese people. While these perceptions may have emerged from cultural observations, they risk distorting reality and diminishing the individuality of Japanese citizens. While some aspects of these clichés may ring true for some individuals, they do not represent the full spectrum of Japanese society or its people. Japan is a diverse nation with individuals who exhibit a wide range of behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, and values.
Thinking of the Japanese solely through these clichéd “types” can have extremely harmful consequences. It can lead to cultural misunderstandings, reinforce biased perceptions, and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Furthermore, it can hinder genuine cross-cultural understanding and inhibit meaningful interactions. By acknowledging the complexity and diversity within Japanese society and avoiding the trap of oversimplified stereotypes, we can foster deeper appreciation, understanding, and respect for individuals and their unique experiences.
“Japanese Culture – Core Concepts.” Cultural Atlas, 2021, culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/japanese-culture/japanese-culture-core-concepts.

ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFERENCE:
Japanese National Character Clichés
William Kelly, Yale University professor of anthropology and one of the leading scholars on Japanese society, identifies the following “Seven Deadly Clichés” about Japanese national character:
“Economic animals” (hard working, self-sacrificing; death by overwork)
“Selfless groupies” (self-effacing, group-oriented loyalists)
“Deferential subordinates” (hierarchically-inclined, consensus-seeking)
“Homogeneous society” (isolated and insular, fear of being different, fear of foreigners)
“Zen aesthetes” (reverence for nature, refined sensibilities, accomplished in arts}
“Inscrutable characters” (preference for indirect expression & the non-rational and intuitive)
“Imitators, not innovators” (always followers and copycats, never pioneers and leaders; imitative skill but not creative genius)

Questions for Discussion
What is “national character”? What are the fallacies of thinking in terms of “national character”? Do the cliché types above look familiar to you? Has your experience in Japan tended to support or disprove any of these clichés? What is the negative impact of thinking about the Japanese as these “types”?

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