Japan is a nation comprised of four main large islands along with roughly 4,000 smaller islands in East Asia. Estimates of how long the civilization has existed vary, but its current culture has been around for at least 2,000 years, with evidence that people have been inhabiting the islands for at least 32,000 years, and there are signs of human culture emerging roughly 12,000 years ago (PSU, 2021, p.1, para. 1). In the past Japan was very traditional in a cultural sense. Even today in business they respect authority, and are deferential to their superiors.
Historically Japan is commonly and stereotypically known as a land of nobility and chivalry, with values such as honor, pride, and perseverance. These form a moral code of everyday living that has permeated Japanese society for generations, even centuries (Abramson & Moran, 2018). With this kind of mindset one can begin to understand how Western influence can appeal to younger generations. Especially as it relates to pop-culture, music, and even food and drink!
An article I read recently spoke to this sentiment, and how Japan was embracing certain cultural aspects, and enhancing them with their take. For the longest time it was fast food, movies and chain stores but now that is changing. Recently “Osaka-based Suntory, a Japanese conglomerate best known for its whiskey holdings, announced that it was buying Beam Inc., thus acquiring the iconic American bourbon brands Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark” (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/how-japan-copied-american-culture-and-made-it-better-180950189). With that move Japan has embraced a decidedly American brand, and yet is creating new cocktails, and version of the liquor. By doing this they are making it either better, of maybe even their own.
Much like their traditional past, in the food and beverage world the Japanese are pursuing a mastery of sorts. The younger generations are taking something that was not theirs at all, and putting a unique Japanese spin on it. This recreation has extended to Jazz, clothing, and food. While they have always produced some of the greatest Kobe/Wagyu beef on earth, the meat can now be found in American style burgers.
Some people would argue that an element of cultural appropriation is happening, but I see the flowering of globalization! I love the idea that because the world is getting smaller, and communication/ideas flow more freely, that other cultures mimic and expand on creations that were not theirs. I look at this as a positive, because you now have others enjoying aspects of American culture. And even possibly showing Americans a different spin, whether it be creating new food/musical sounds/clothing etc.
In my opinion this class is teaching us to respect different cultures, and to embrace different elements. While I think their is line between what is appropriate and what is not, this version is potentially taking something and making it better. And for me that is wildly positive, and in a sense more inclusive!
Has anyone in the class been to Japan and experienced this firsthand?
And do anyone have a differing opinion on this not being positive, but looking at this as a culture vulture?
Thanks,
Bill Egan
References
Abramson, N. R., Moran, R. T., Moran, S. V. (2018). Managing Cultural Differences (10th ed.). Oxford: Routledge. New York, NY.
The Pennsylvania State University, (2021). Lesson 11: Asia: Focus on Japan. Retrieved from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2146712/modules/items/32847706
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/how-japan-copied-american-culture-and-made-it-better-180950189/
Hello Knikky,
Thanks for the reply!
As I mentioned in my post, I look at the development in Japan as a positive thing, being explored by younger generations. It is my belief that tradition is great, but as a culture you also need to expand your ways of thinking and doing things. If you don’t continue to grow and change, I believe it can lead to a close-mindedness. And culturally we as people of the world have so much to learn from each other!
Good luck this semester, and thanks again for taking the time to comment! It is great to see other people have an inclusive mindset as well. I think it is flattering when a person embraces another culture and expands and enjoys something they were introduced to.
Bill Egan
I would not call it being a “culture vulture.” As you talked about in your post, Japan and many Asian cultures are very rooted in tradition and their way of doing things. It is not like it is here in the United States where things differ from generation to generation and even neighbor to neighbor depending on how you were raised. Also, while we do pass traditions down, generally we change with the times and technology and adjust our way of life and thinking. With Japan being so rooted in their traditions, it only make sense that the younger generation would be interested and curious with what is new and different and that would encourage them to explore things like music, food and drink from other countries.