2011.11.26

Japanese Self-Image of National Character

 /From a Japan Times issue published in June 2011/

Introduction

On March 11th, the day when Japan experienced catastrophic earthquake, I was in Australia and listening to the TV report about people’s calm and cooperative attitude toward the victims. It was interesting to talk with local people about the news, because their words reflect how they view the Japanese behavior under the hardship. Is it same as how we view ourselves, and how we actually are ?

Briefing

• Is Ishihara’s statement over “jishuku” based on his self-image as a Japanese ?

The author of this article thinks it is, and I think so too, because his words definitely show that Japanese used to be stoic, cooperative, and sensitive to social mood. But all these trait are his own self-image as a Japanese and this is not necessarily common among other Japanese, and foreigners.   

• Dose there exist different national character in each country ?

Yes, actually there exists, but it is somewhat idealized and possibly outdated especially among young generation. In fact, we often regard ourselves as patient, diligent, and cooperative, although we have many examples which reveal our egoism as Ishihara’s statement. 

• Where did it come from ?

This question also answers why the self-image of national character can vary even among those who have the same nationality, and why it is sometimes different from how we actually are. To sum up, it is from a historical event, some kind of culture shared by a small group, or just an occasional movement. The influence from these things are not permanent and changes over time, which means self-image we hold as a Japanese may be just a propaganda, otherwise only prejudice. 

Opinion

This article is specifically for Japanese whose national self-image is stronger than any other counties. The writer do not clearly mention why such kind of culture is unique to Japan, but if Japan really relies on the image strategy for the significance of existence in the international place, that is too fragile to stand on, so is that in the individual relationship.