I've started to read a book "The chrysanthemum and the sword" by Ruth Benedict, 'cause it was advised to me by my teacher of Japanese. Initially the book represents a research on the order of the US military officials during the World War II. At that time the americans couldn't understand the way they should fight against the Japanese, that's why they decided to make a research to get the insight of what the Japanese think and how they live. The book seems to be quite interesting, though I need to read it to the end first.
The thing I'm thinking about now, is how it is to read about your nation in the works, done by the foreigners. Actually, I never came across the books about Russians, written outside Russia. So it's hard for me to understand, what is feels to Japanese, for example, to read about themselves, if they ever read such books at all.
I am very glad to learn that you are interested in Japan and Japanese. The book may help you understand Japan, but it is not good enough because it was written many years ago, I think. In Japan's modern history, there are several, very different stage (period), I think. First, Edo era;very stable period continued for about 200 years. The Edo government took isolated
ReplyDeletepolicy, and people developped very unique culture. Second, Meiji era;Japan had deveopped its industries to catch up with Western countries. It had also developed military forces. Third, from Taisho to the middle of Shouwa(1945) era;Japan expanded its territory to other Asian countries because it did not have enough land and resources to feed people. Its invasive policy led the anger of Westerners and Pacific Ocearn war started. Fourth, after the war; Japan have become a very economic country without any military forces under the guard by the USA after the occupation.
What I would like to mean by this explanation is that Japan experienced a very rough time in short time after a long stable period, and even Japanese cannot explain its identity by themselves because of its complicated history.
It is said that most Japanese people have an intendency to care what people in other countries say.
bike-san, thank you a lot for the explanation.
ReplyDeleteThe book actually tries to explain, how the Japanese managed to change to such different directions in their development (all those periods you've mentioned, starting with the Meiji era). The author tries to find out what is so peculiar in the Japanese national character that allowed to bear those rapid changes.
Actually her explanations seem to be quite persuasive. Though as you've said it was written quite a long time ago. I would really love to read something of the kind, but about the modern period.
I'll ask my teacher of Japanese, may be she'll advise me something.
And do you personally believe, that Japanese really care about what other people say about Japan, i mean those from abroad?
I am sorry for a little bit late for answering for your question.
ReplyDeleteGenerally speaking, most Japanese have an intendecy to care about the eyes of foreiners very much. For example, we can see many foreigners on Japanese TV programs who have pointed out that there are a lot of funny things in Japan that let them confused in their common sense. But, most Japanese do not seem to get angry against it. They even look to enjoy it.
In more speaking, Japanese always care about what others say about their own things. They always do it even if others do not watch them or know about them directly.
I hope this explanation give you better understanding about Japanese.
bike-san, thank you for the explanation, I think I got it, what you mean.
ReplyDeleteThe book says, that it's not only the problem of caring about what other people say, but also about not causing other people trouble. I guess it's called 迷惑.