Throughout history, human beings have developed diverse cultures all over the world. Within the many cultures and countries of the world one can also find many different “subcultures” that have appeared over the years. Merriam Webster’s Online dictionary defines a subculture as: “an ethnic, regional, economic, or social group exhibiting characteristic patterns of behavior sufficient to distinguish it from others within an embracing culture or society” (Merriam-Webster). That said, this essay will take a look at a subculture unique to Japan, called: “Hikikomori.” Hikikomori have become a major issue in Japan. Practically interpreted as "social withdrawal”, hikikomori refers “to the state of anomie into which an increasing number of young Japanese seem to fall these days.” Thus, in order to understand the subculture of hikikomori, one should first learn what exactly hikikomori are, its effects on the individual involved within the subculture as well as the family and friends surrounding the hikikomori, and lastly how and when this subculture began.
Hikikomori is a group of people who avoid social contact and lock themselves in their bedrooms, refusing to have any contact with the outside world. They live in reverse: they sleep all day, wake up in the evening and stay up all night watching television or playing video games (Jhon). Some own computers or mobile phones, but most have few or no friends. Hikikomori isolate themselves from society. The folks within this subculture often give up attending secondary school and if they have graduated from school they often do not seek out higher education. Young people break off relations with their friends, yet they may chat with several persons via the Internet either from home or using web...
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...uku, preparing for high school and university entrance examination (Jhon).
As discussed in the foreword, when examining a subculture like hikikomori it is imperative to assess the basics of said subculture, its effects, as well as its origins. The hikikomori subculture has provoked much concern in Japan with some commentators fearing a major crisis in youth which has implications for public health, social integration and economic participation. While there is some evidence to support the view that acute social withdrawal has become more common, it is important not to exaggerate the prevalence or to attempt to reduce the explanation to individual psychological malaise. However interpreted, labor statistics simply do not support the idea that the numbers of hikikomori stand in the region of a million and it is probable that numbers are closer to 200,000 (Different).
Though Stephen initially felt isolated both physically and psychologically due to his illness, through Sachi’s comfort and the calm beauty of Matsu’s garden, Stephen finds his stay at Tarumi to be much less secluded. This proves that though one may feel alone at times, other people or things may help vanquish that feeling. In today’s world, isolation is everywhere – there is isolation due disease, intelligence, race, etc. Yet, people find that the little things like _____ to make them realize they are not alone. This sense of aid shows that like the paint in the puddle of water, all it takes is something small to make the biggest difference.
-Nara’s Buddhist temples were another result of cultural diffusion, Buddhist began in India in 500s B.C.E. about 1,000 years later, it came to Japan from China by way of Korea.
...dying Japanese at tertiary level alone. Research relating to Japan is carried out at about thirty-seven universities in Australia. The range of research has developed to include not only the humanities, but also practical and business-related fields. Also there is a considerable amount of youth exchange between Australia and Japan. Every year Japan accepts about one hundred young Australians as government funded students. All of the above attributes are making a major contribution to the promotion of friendly relations between Australia and Japan.
Japanese individuals allow other cultural influence to establish their mindset and actions. As Watters states, “Feelings that Americans associate with depression have, in Japan, been wrapped up in a variety of cultural narratives that altered their meaning and the subjective experience for the individual,” (522). Japanese individuals rely on other cultures to control their way of living and thinking, and therefore lose recognition of the value of undergoing independent experience. Watters proves this perception of uniformity by contending to the belief that, “By applying a one-size fits all notion of depression around the world, Kirmayer argued, we run the risk of obscuring the social meaning and response the experience might be indicating,” (518). Individuals in Japanese culture are so influenced by other cultures that they lack control over their own experiences and in turn, lose their
Therefore, the Japanese culture admired the melancholic personality type and saw sadness as an enlightened state. The reality of depression in their culture wasn’t as serious as the western culture because depression was seen as an inevitable characteristic of life. The Japanese actually praised these traits because they “associated it with orderliness and high achievement and that a sadness-prone personality was something not to be feared but aspired to.” (Watters 520) Though the reality of a culture is shaped through behavior and language, it’s also important to take into consideration that the realities of these eastern cultures are being modified through the influence of western cultures.
Although the term “revolution from above” is often used to explain the GHQ’s method of postwar reform in Japan (Dower, 1999: p.69), I argue that a similar motivation was in effect in the U.S.’s efforts to isolate all Japanese descendants in America and subject them to coerced American soci...
Throughout History, there have been many different groups or events that are still widely known today. Groups of people such as the Indians or Vikings are popular groups which are referenced constantly in today’s society. However, none of these groups is more known or referenced than the Japanese Samurai. Originating in 646 AD, these Japanese warriors developed from a loose organization of farmers to the dominant social class in Feudal Japan. Along with their dominant military and political standing, the samurai brought with them a unique code or moral belief that became the core of Samurai culture. Because of this, the Samurai and their principles still affect modern day Japanese society with social customs today deriving directly and indirectly from the beliefs of the Samurai.
Japan is part of our world that not many people know, for the few that do, they know that Japan is filled with an extraordinary history. Some of the history starts with little traditions like, the tradition of kimono’s, to big ones such as their well known Japanese festivals. Ancient Japan was a series of islands and many cultural expansions which included religion, armies, art, classic traditions, and their type of clothing. Ancient Japanese is still alive today, from basic works of art, to then a following of certain religions such as Shinto and Buddhism. Many Americans don’t the cultural aspects that were attributed by many across the world, they don’t know that many of those aspects made what Japan is today in society.
During the sixties Americans saw the rise of the counterculture. The counterculture, which was a group of movements focused on achieving personal and cultural liberation, was embraced by the decade’s young Americans. Because many Americans were members of the different movements in the counterculture, the counterculture influenced American society. As a result of the achievements the counterculture movements made, the United States in the 1960s became a more open, more tolerant, and freer country.
Matsumoto studies three generations, Issei, Nisei, and Sansei living in a closely linked ethnic community. She focuses her studies in the Japanese immigration experiences during the time when many Americans were scared with the influx of immigrants from Asia. The book shows a vivid picture of how Cortex Japanese endured violence, discriminations during Anti-Asian legislation and prejudice in 1920s, the Great Depression of 1930s, and the internment of 1940s. It also shows an examination of the adjustment period after the end of World War II and their return to the home place.
In Subculture Theory many theorists were interested in explaining delinquent gangs, which were believed to be the most common form of delinquency. The Subculture Theory was made up of several different theories that were all related to each other. Subculture theories provided explanations of how groups of individuals develop similar values and rationales for behavior (Williams & McKay, 2014). One theory within Subculture Theory was called the delinquent subculture theory by Albert Cohen. Another theory in the Subculture Theory was the differential opportunity formed by Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin. The third theory by Walter Miller used direct observation of social groups in their natural setting. All four theories were interest in of the Subculture Theory could develop (Williams & Mckay, 2014). The last major theory was very different theories and was created by Wolfgang and Ferracuti. All these theories in the Subculture Theory were very different but were all related in some way.
There are three main subcultures in Japan. These are the Cuties, the Gothic Lolitas and the Ganguro girls. The cuties are young adults dressed in childish, cute clothing in light pastel colours with lace. They tend to act in a very innocent and childlike manner which is encouraged as Japan is a consumer driven society and the products on sale; whether it be toys or magazines are mostly targeted towards the cute sector. Paraphrasing author...
Since my cultural experience was on the Japanese culture, I decided I would continue on with that interest and write my paper about the Japanese culture therefor giving me a chance to do more research about the culture. The Japanese culture is really rich and diverse, there is a particular hierarchy or structure to the Japanese culture, Denison (2002) stated that “Japanese culture is structured around black and white norms for acceptable group behavior. People who do not function by there norms are viewed as outsiders who lack legitimate status. Black and white expectations of behavior produce equally clear cut conformity, resulting in high harmony and certainly of outcome, trust is early through continuous conformity”.This is a huge and really important aspect of their culture because it governs their social standing, interacting with others and the way they are seen, and when it comes to your social standing in the culture, the way you are seen and respected by those around you is very important.
Japan is a very homogenous society made up of about 98% ethnic Japanese. They tend to put a lot of emphasis on family and communities, and value the group more than the individual (Aliasis, 2013). The social hierarchy important and members of the society are expected to conform. One way is showing respect for one’s elders, for example the oldest member of a group is served first and their drinks are poured for them (AngloINFO, 2014). This mentality is common in the business world as well. Promotions are usually based on seniority and people often work at one company their entire lives. This way of life brings satisfaction and pride to the people (Aliasis, 2013). When greeting others it is customary to bow, although the Japanese are familiar with our ways and would expect us to want to shake hands rather than bow (Bazzel, 2013; Angloinfo, 2014). Also, being too direct about what one is really thinking is not socially acceptable. The Japanese use subtle language and rely heavily on non-verbal forms of communication (Aliasis, 2013).
A comparison between modern Western countries and Japan emphasizes a large discrepancy in beliefs regarding cultural growth in the separate parts of the world (Leonardson, 2004). According to many scholars and much research done on Japan the culture is the perfect example of what cultural homogeneity means as a whole. The cultural homogeneity affects the Japanese youth in how they grow, develop, affect their communities, and live their future lives in the community; this also plays a role in forcing out crime in the country. It also affects the procedures of the police force when interacting with citizens and planning new procedures that require the help and cooperation of Japanese citizens. The cultural