Images of Japan Within and Without - Essay Example

Images of Japan Within and Without Introduction Japan is an island in the Pacific Ocean in East Asia. Archeological research shows that people livedin Japan from the early Paleolithic period. Its history is characterized by its long periods of isolation and influence from other countries. It is characterized by rudimentary agriculture and pit dwellings (Walt, 1980). Decorated clay vessels are examples of the oldest surviving world pottery. Japan was also characterized by Neolithic and Mesolithic culture of semi-sedentary hunter-gatherer. Japanese culture has evolved from its origin. This study is aimed at examining the images of Japan within and without. These include Japan and Japanese images in the western world. The primary objective is to determine the kinds of images, and how Japan has been seen by the outside world - western images and western myths. The other area of interest is the nationalism of Japan together with key aspects of change in the country; home and family in Japan’s continuity and transformation. Japan as Seen by the Outside World- Western Images and Myths Japan is seen by the western world as a country of cherry trees and volcanoes. Japan’s icons are cherry blossoms and volcano Fudzijama. This makes Japan to be viewed as a loyal, honorable and brave country. Samurai traditions demand that profits to Japanese only be second to prestige and honor. The virtues of old warriors were courage, loyalty and endurance, which smoothly translated into managerial skills (Black, 1999). Japan is also an isolated country with great contradictions. It has booming cities in the south, which are beautiful and peaceful (Escola & Rikkinen, 1976). This is an indication that Japanese people are hard working and group oriented. According to Totman (2005), the tradition of Japan has been working together by discussion and agreement. Japanese people are hardworking and highly skilled. Japan is also clean and neat. The garden has little stream, waterfall and small bridges. There are also manicured paths shrubs, rocks and flowers. It therefore, has the image of being very neat and cleans (Clavell, 1998). Japan is also seen as unique and different for many years remaining an unresolved riddle and enigma. Though it is in Asia, it is so westernized, unlike any other country of Asia. It is uniquely adaptable countries where modernity and traditions are consisting of one continuum (Whitney, 1967). In the entire world, Japanese are known to be polite and courteous people (Clement, 1906). Littlewoods (1996) says that Japan’s idea on western images and myths is that different western countries have different views towards Japan. On the other hand, European images also differ from American images. The west has always been seen as an industrialized, urbanized, capitalist, modernized and highly developed. Its concept is therefore a product of 16th century historical processes as people tend to divide the world into west and non west, Japan’s position becomes confusing. The images are based on old pictures and descriptions. The historical perspective of Japanese images is mainly based on historical notes and books written by authors from the west. Historians have for a long time debated on the seclusion of Japan. Few European works in description of Japan, appeared during the period of seclusion, and were exclusively attached to the Dutch factory. Although there were several information limitations, Kaempfer formed the most popular western image in Japan (Clavell, 1998). The two compilations that were widely read were published in New York and London, two years before the expedition of Perry. Perry’s arrival in Uraga was especially felt because of his decorative fine arts. It was also conspicuous in architecture ceramics, religious studies dance, fashion, interior design, literature and landscape gardening among others. The interest of Americans and European first rose from observable images, without an intermediary aid. The popular Japanese imaginations were stirred by fans, curios, kites, parasols, combs, sword guards, porcelains, and dolls among others. Pictures that were believed to be from the floating world are still believed to be a close association between Japanese traditions and the west. Applied arts in Japan were believed to have originated from London in 1854, at the old water premises at Pall Mall East (Moore, 1942). Japanese Nationalism Japanese nationalism encompasses a wide range of sentiments and ideas harbored by the people of Japan for the past two centuries concerning their native country, its historical destiny and culture. The nationalism ideology of Japan consists of imported and native political and archeological philosophies that were patriotically developed by government of Meiji (Kevin, 2006). This provided ideological and political foundation for Japanese military action. Despite its unique features, Japanese nationalism serves a similar function to western fascism. From 1926 to 1928, peace preservation department was organized by the central government that prosecuted communists, who were advocating for socialism (Totman, 2005). The Japanese military organized a police service together with the police service. Nationalist ideology opposition was controlled by simultaneous political developments and press repression. The peace reservation law allowing police control of freedom to assemble and expression. According to Kevin, (2006), nationalism symbols were shiragiku or other common flowers that were used as imperial symbols. It alludes to the traditional throne and chrysanthemum of Japanese emperors. Banzai is a traditional cheer that is given to dignitaries and other emperors or during special commemorations. Its original sense represents a long period, wishing long life to a person, project or state. It was co-opted by Japanese, but with progress in war it became a typical war cry among the Japanese, that encouraged imperial troops. Other nationalist symbols included Hinomaru flag, Nisshoki, Kyokujitsu-ki, Hechimaki, Senninbari and kimi ga Yo, among others. Japan has been heavily affected by people’s movements across boarders. Japan was however not built or founded by immigrants but by overseas returnees, unlike Canada, US and Australia (Kevin, 2006). Returnees from overseas played an important role in the making of Japan. The first group of students who returned from the United States became great engineers, who really transformed the face of Japan. Post war developments included drafting of a model constitution to guide the Japanese people by Douglas MacArthur in 1946. US fostered a close relationship with Japan in order to foster the strategic location of Japan in respect to Russia. However, the Japanese 20th century economic miracle distracted the attention of its citizens away from nationalism (Whitney, 1967). Today, Japanese nationalism is perceived to be rising in level. The national flag and anthem are state symbols of increasing nationalism among its people. Six visits by the prime minister to Yasukuni shrines are also seen as possible ways of increasing nationalism. However, there are arguments that Japan’s nationality is less than that of its neighbors. Key Aspects of Continuity and Change in Japan Home and Family in Japan: Continuity and Transformation Family knowledge in society is important because in order to understand a particular society, the family stands out to be the first point of referenec. In Japan, a family is the society’s basic unit. A family has an important role to play in determining the life chances of an individual (Alexander, 2002). Married couples get first priority for jobs, since they will have a child, which is considered to be natural. The Japanese believe that growing up in a household that is intact promotes development of mature characters. Therefore, with all other factors held constant, employers prefer employing individuals who have been brought up by both parents (Alexander, 2002). The family continues playing a central role in the society of Japanese. However, the traditional family and modern families are very different. The family nature and setup has evolved from due to social economic changes in Japan. The traditional family is mainly agricultural based it was characterized by strict division of labor among the different genders, patriarchal head and birth hierarchy. Family style relations extended beyond the stem familial setting where the eldest son remained in the family’s household to ensure family continuity and to take care of aging parents. Other sons were free to move out and establish branch households that retained some little relationship with the main family. Daughters were married off to other families and their dowry was paid. However, the dowry of the eldest son’s bride was the lowest. The most central family role was the preservation of household resources and passing them from one generation to another .process. The family’s ancestors were honored through religious practices that were house hold based (Alexander, 2002). If the family had daughters only, one daughter would remain in the family, and her husband would become an adopted son. In case there were no children, a daughter was adopted and a groom was then found for her, in order to carry on the business of the family. Although being an adopted groom was not preferable, it gave individuals a better economic opportunity for those who were from poor families. The modern family is however different from traditional families, and seems to adapt the American style (Alexander, 2002). The number one challenge to contemporary families is housing. This is as a result of high housing cost. It is quit difficult to secure a suitable house that well accommodates a family. Modern housing ensures family privacy. However, providing private rooms for children has been under debate as some argue that it separates them from their parents, which might be detrimental to their development. In addition to housing changes, modern families in Japan are being influenced by socioeconomic changes in Japan. Therefore, the modern family can be divided into modern man family, and the 1970s, new family. Family Transition Today’s families are transitions of other families. Gender based labor division is still strong and husbands are still the breadwinners in a family. Wives are still care takers at home and children are subordinate to their parents. The family is still responsible for caring for the aged. The major burden is still on the wives and men’s work is not supposed to be interfered by family roles. To break this tradition, many schools are holding school meetings on Sundays so that fathers can have the opportunity to participate in their children’s education. Every family maintained a Buddhist alter where the dead in the family were honored. However, this is little practiced today as young couples are unaware of such traditions, besides living far from home (Alexander, 2002). The livings are seen as the link between future generations and their ancestors. Conclusion Japan as seen within and without by the outside world have heavily been stereotyped by western images and myths. Just like we have stereotyped images about others, Japan, as seen by the outside world is full of stereotyped cultures. Most of images that we have about other cultures are from TV, radio, magazines, newspapers, and many others. Together with our feelings, experiences, attitudes and feelings, we create images that are stereotyped about other cultures. Stereotyped images are durable and long lasting; hence they are passed on from generation to generation. Japan is seen by the western world as a country of cherry trees and volcanoes. Japan’s icons are cherry blossoms and volcano Fudzijama. This makes Japan to be perceived as a loyal, honorable and brave country. Japanese traditions of samurai traditions how that profit to Japanese are only second after prestige and honor. The virtues of old warriors were courage, loyalty and endurance, which smoothly translated into managerial skills. Family is the basic element of the society. To ensure family continuity, the eldest son is supposed to remain at family home also taking care of the aging parents. The most central family role was preservation of its household resources and passing them from one generation to another process, the ancestors of the family’s ancestors were honored through religious practices that were house hold based. The livings are still seen as the link between future generations and their ancestors. References Alexander, K. (2002). Japanese Family and Household.’, Edinburgh Review 96. Clavel, J. (1988). Shogun. Classic Novel of 17th Century Japan. London: Hodder & Stoughton. Clement, E.W. (1906). Japan as It Was and Is. A Handbook of Old Japan. Vol. I-II Chicago: A.C. McClurg & Co. Littlewoods, I. (1996). The Idea of Japan. Western Images, Western Myths. UK: Martin Secker & Warburg Ltd. Kevin, M. D. (2006). A History of Nationalism in Modern Japan: Placing the People. Leiden: Brill Academic Publishers. Moore, F. (1942)."With Japans Leaders”, New York, New York Publishers. Totman, C. (2005). A History of Japan (2nd ed.). Blackwell. p. 442. Walt, W. (1980). The Errand Bearers. New York: New York UP, 1980). Whitney, H. J. (1967). "Japanese Empire", Vol.20. Ed Historian Universal XXI Publishers. Read More