Mentality & Society Flashcards
Mentality
Whats Harmony?
Wa
Society places a strong emphasis on maintaining peace and harmony.
Avoid expressing strong opinions and confrontation.
Whats the historical background on Harmony (Wa) ?
Yayoi Period : Rice cultivation
Harmony (Wa)
What is “Deru kui wa utareru”
The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.
What is Feeling of gratitude?
On
The spirit of gratitude and reciprocity
What is the background of Feeling of gratitude (On)?
- buddhist influence
- to recognize kindness and repay it is the essence of a humane heart, and therein lies the foundation of Buddhist practice.
What are some examples of Feeling of gratitude (on)?
- 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.
What is Obligation; Duty?
Giri
Emphasized fulfilling social obligations and responsibilities.
What is the background of Obligation; Duty (Giri)?
Rooted in the samurai code of conduct, Bushido
What are some examples of Obligation; Duty?
- 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.
What is Modesty; Humility?
Kenkyo
Involves being humble and respecting others.
What is the background of Modesty; Humility (Kenkyo)?
Zen Buddhism: Self-restraint and respect for others.
Examples of Modesty; Humility (Kenkyo)?
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.
What is Diligence?
Kinben
Emphasizes the importance of effort and diligence.
What is the background of Diligence (kinben)?
Rooted in the lives of farmers and townspeople during the Edo period.
What are some examples of Diligence (Kinben)?
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.
What is Manners; Etiquette?
Reigi
Emphasizes the importance of manners and respect.
What is the background Manners; Etiquette(Reigi)?
The Edo Period: Emphasized to maintain family and social order.
What are some examples of Manners; Etiquette(Reigi)?
Manner lecture
What is Inside and Outside?
“Uchi to Soto”
Involves distinguishing between internal (family and close friends) and external (people outside the immediate circle and society at large)
Inside and Outside
What is Honne and Tatemae?
Honne: True feelings, opinions, and thoughts.
Tatemae: The outward behavior and statements made in public or formal settings.
Examples of Honne and Tatemae?
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.
Education
What is the academic year?
April to March
3 semesters
Education
Do schools give lunch?
Lunch: About 94.3% of schools (elementary & junior high) provide school lunch.
Education
What do students do for cleaning?
Students are responsible for cleaning their classrooms and other areas of the school
Education
Importance of students cleaning?
Teaches students the importance of cleanliness, responsibility, and teamwork.
What is “club activity” in Japanese?
bukatsu
Education
What is the significance of bukatsu?
Social bonding: friendships, companionship, social interaction
Skill and growth: leadership, cooperation, perseverance, and hard work
Education
What are the issues with bukatsu?
Long term & daily activity
Overwhelming for both teachers and students
Bullying and Harassment
Education
What are the three major examinations?
Junior high, high school and university
Education
What else do they call extremely competitive exams?
Examination Wars
Education
What is cram school?
Students attend to supplement their school studies and prepare for entrance examinations.
What are the issues with cram school?
- 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
Education
Examples of general school rules
- 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)
Education
What are some unreasonable school rules examples? (Black school rules)
- 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)
Education
What is “bullying” in Japanese?
Ijime
Education
By what percentage did bullying increase compared to the previous year?”
10% (highest ever recorded in 2022)
Education
What is Ijime?
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.
Education
What are the schools’ response to Ijime?
- 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.
