Mentality & Society

Question 1

Mentality

Whats Harmony?

Answer 1

Wa
Society places a strong emphasis on maintaining peace and harmony.
Avoid expressing strong opinions and confrontation.

Question 2

Whats the historical background on Harmony (Wa) ?

Answer 2

Yayoi Period : Rice cultivation

Question 3

Harmony (Wa)

What is “Deru kui wa utareru”

Answer 3

The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.

Question 4

What is Feeling of gratitude?

Answer 4

On
The spirit of gratitude and reciprocity

Question 5

What is the background of Feeling of gratitude (On)?

Answer 5

• buddhist influence
• to recognize kindness and repay it is the essence of a humane heart, and therein lies the foundation of Buddhist practice.

Question 6

What are some examples of Feeling of gratitude (on)?

Answer 6

• Student and teacher: A student learns from a teacher, and later, after graduating, shows gratitude by visiting the teacher or expressing thanks when achieving success.
• Gratitude to parents: After growing up and receiving care and support, a child supports their parents in return, often showing gratitude when they get married or succeed in life.
• Workplace gratitude: An employee who received career support from a boss works hard to repay that kindness, or shows appreciation after succeeding in their job.

Question 7

What is Obligation; Duty?

Answer 7

Giri
Emphasized fulfilling social obligations and responsibilities.

Question 8

What is the background of Obligation; Duty (Giri)?

Answer 8

Rooted in the samurai code of conduct, Bushido

Question 9

What are some examples of Obligation; Duty?

Answer 9

• Weddings or other significant events→ It is customary to send gifts or monetary contributions.
• Giri Chocolates: On Valentine’s Day, it is common to for women to give chocolates to colleagues and friends. The chocolates given out of obligation are called “giri choco.”
• Attending a farewell party for a co-worker or boss you don’t like very much due to obligation.

Question 10

What is Modesty; Humility?

Answer 10

Kenkyo
Involves being humble and respecting others.

Question 11

What is the background of Modesty; Humility (Kenkyo)?

Answer 11

Zen Buddhism: Self-restraint and respect for others.

Question 12

Examples of Modesty; Humility (Kenkyo)?

Answer 12

In the Workplace: Instead of highlighting personal achievements, praise team’s efforts.
Daily life: When someone compliments you, express gratitude sincerely without overemphasizing your own achievements.

Question 13

What is Diligence?

Answer 13

Kinben
Emphasizes the importance of effort and diligence.

Question 14

What is the background of Diligence (kinben)?

Answer 14

Rooted in the lives of farmers and townspeople during the Edo period.

Question 15

What are some examples of Diligence (Kinben)?

Answer 15

In Schools: A student systematically studies for exams and assignments, putting in the necessary effort without hesitation.

In Workplace: Completing task on time, and taking the initiative to perform additional work or make improvement suggestions. Effort for quality improvement.

In learning new skills or hobbies: Committing to regular practice or study when learning a new skill or pursuing a hobby, aiming for improvement.

Question 16

What is Manners; Etiquette?

Answer 16

Reigi
Emphasizes the importance of manners and respect.

Question 17

What is the background Manners; Etiquette(Reigi)?

Answer 17

The Edo Period: Emphasized to maintain family and social order.

Question 18

What are some examples of Manners; Etiquette(Reigi)?

Answer 18

Manner lecture

Question 19

What is Inside and Outside?

Answer 19

“Uchi to Soto”
Involves distinguishing between internal (family and close friends) and external (people outside the immediate circle and society at large)

Question 20

Inside and Outside

What is Honne and Tatemae?

Answer 20

Honne: True feelings, opinions, and thoughts.
Tatemae: The outward behavior and statements made in public or formal settings.

Question 21

Examples of Honne and Tatemae?

Answer 21

If someone is invited to a friend’s house and the friend cooks a meal that isn’t very tasty, saying “This is delicious” would be tatemae. This is to respect the friend’s feelings and maintain a pleasant atmosphere. However, the person might actually not find the meal tasty, which is the honne.

Question 22

Education

What is the academic year?

Answer 22

April to March
3 semesters

Question 23

Education

Do schools give lunch?

Answer 23

Lunch: About 94.3% of schools (elementary & junior high) provide school lunch.

Question 24

Education

What do students do for cleaning?

Answer 24

Students are responsible for cleaning their classrooms and other areas of the school

Question 25

# Education Importance of students cleaning?

Answer 25

Teaches students the importance of cleanliness, responsibility, and teamwork.

Question 26

What is "club activity" in Japanese?

Answer 26

bukatsu

Question 27

# Education What is the significance of bukatsu?

Answer 27

Social bonding: friendships, companionship, social interaction Skill and growth: leadership, cooperation, perseverance, and hard work

Question 28

# Education What are the issues with bukatsu?

Answer 28

Long term & daily activity Overwhelming for both teachers and students Bullying and Harassment

Question 29

# Education What are the three major examinations?

Answer 29

Junior high, high school and university

Question 30

# Education What else do they call extremely competitive exams?

Answer 30

Examination Wars

Question 31

# Education What is cram school?

Answer 31

Students attend to supplement their school studies and prepare for entrance examinations.

Question 32

What are the issues with cram school?

Answer 32

- Excessive Competition and Stress - Mismatched Choices: Often choose schools based on their marks rather than the genuine interest.　（Schools try to send students to good schools in order to gain their own reputation.） - Educational Disparities - Cramming Education

Question 33

# Education Examples of general school rules

Answer 33

- certain skirt lengths - no piercings - no died hair - no eyebrow trimming - no two block haircut - no hair longer than the ear (men) - Black or brown elastics - medium to long length hair (women)

Question 34

# Education What are some unreasonable school rules examples? (Black school rules)

Answer 34

- Change the original hair colour to black hair - Should not drink water during classes - Wear underwear of the color specified by the school. (teachers sometimes check)

Question 35

# Education What is "bullying" in Japanese?

Answer 35

Ijime

Question 36

# Education By what percentage did bullying increase compared to the previous year?"

Answer 36

10% (highest ever recorded in 2022)

Question 37

# Education What is Ijime?

Answer 37

Bullying, Ijime: Ijime is an act by a student, or students, toward another student that inflicts some physical or psychological consequence causing the receiving child mental or physical suffering.

Question 38

# Education What are the schools' response to Ijime?

Answer 38

- Ijime prevention methods promotion law (2013) - hotlines to call for help or support - however “Nothing has changed in the children’s environment” by a father of a victim.