Introduction
Throughout the five weeks of collecting artifacts related to Japanese culture, several themes emerged, including food, fashion, art, and entertainment. One of the most important things these artifacts teach us about Japanese culture is the emphasis on aesthetics and attention to detail. The artifacts collected over the five weeks of studying Japanese culture provide valuable insights into the rich history, traditions, and modern adaptations of Japanese culture. The artifacts provide a deeper understanding of the Japanese culture, its strengths, and challenges, and there is always more to learn and explore.
What the Five Artifacts Taught Me About My Culture/Subculture
Studying artifacts of Japanese culture has been an enriching and enlightening experience. The artifacts have taught me much about the Japanese people’s customs, traditions, values, creativity, resilience, and adaptability. I was impressed by the intricate and meticulous designs of the kimonos and ikebana flower arrangements (Kim & Lee, 2020).
These artifacts highlighted the importance of aesthetics and attention to detail in Japanese culture, reflected in art, fashion, and everyday life. Another feature that stood out to me was the fusion of traditional and modern elements in Japanese culture, exemplified by street fashion and the bento boxes. The bonsai and tea ceremony tree were also interesting artifacts that taught me about Japanese culture’s deep-rooted traditions and philosophy.
What I Learned
This course covered various topics related to cross-cultural psychology, including cultural traditions, critical thinking, cognition, emotions, development, socialization, cultural syndromes, suicide, social perception, attitudes, and values (Sakamoto et al., 2021). I learned about the impact of cultural factors on the expression and interpretation of psychological disorders and the influence of social norms and attitudes on individual and group behavior (Kim & Lee, 2020). I developed a greater appreciation for the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding in cross-cultural interactions. In addition, I learned about the complexities of conducting cross-cultural research and the importance of considering cultural factors in interpreting data.
I learned Japanese, which made me understand the need for diversity in society. Learning Japanese helped me know that the language differs from others. In my cross-cultural class, I learned about culture in general, where I got valuable insights into various life approaches. In this case, it helped me not to stereotype other people, to view them as part of the larger community, and to expand my worldview (Kim & Lee, 2020).
I can now demystify various cultures and look at them more objectively. I now view people positively without judging and labeling them based on stereotypes. In addition, cross-cultural training in a cultural class helps me be objective, sensitive, and empathetic, which I have never been before.
Whether Anything Surprised Me
After studying Japanese culture, I was surprised by the depth and complexity of its traditions and values. I was also surprised by the emphasis on harmony, respect, and duty in Japanese society and the strict social norms and expectations governing interpersonal interactions (Sakamoto et al., 2021). I was also surprised by the importance of indirect communication and nonverbal cues in Japanese culture, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. I was also surprised by the impact of historical events and cultural shifts on contemporary Japanese society and the ongoing tensions between traditional values and modernization.
Moreover, another surprising thing I learned was the differences and, at the same time, similarities between the two eastern states, India and Japan. For instance, I discovered the importance of family and hospitality in both cultures. However, the idea of collectivism is one of the aspects of Indian culture that surprised me. In India, people frequently put the group’s needs above their own (Shiraev & Levy, 2017). In contrast, Japanese culture places a high value on peace and respect for others, which is evident in how they interact.
Some Positives and Negatives Regarding My Culture/Subculture
While studying the artifacts, I also became aware of some of the positives and negatives of Japanese culture. One positive aspect is the emphasis on respect, hospitality, and discipline, reflected in the tea ceremony and traditional clothing (Sakamoto et al., 2021). However, the pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations can be a potential negative, as seen in the street fashion subculture.
Some favorable aspects of Japanese culture include a strong emphasis on discipline, respect for elders and authority, and a high value placed on education and hard work. Japanese culture also strongly emphasizes hospitality and politeness, which is evident in how people interact (Shraev & Levy, 2017). On the other hand, some negative aspects of Japanese culture include a tendency towards conformity and a lack of diversity regarding individual expression. It can be seen in the strict adherence to social norms and the pressure to conform to a particular way of life.
Additionally, I learned about societal expectations and conformism throughout the lessons by comparing several cultures. For example, the variety of languages, foods, and clothes is one of the advantages of Indian culture. The country is a cultural melting pot, which results in a distinctive fusion of traditions and practices (Shiraev & Levy, 2017).
However, the caste system, which is still in some areas of India, is one drawback of Indian culture (Shiraev & Levy, 2017). In turn, the Japanese work ethic, which is recognized as among the best in the world, is one of the advantages of their culture (Shiraev & Levy, 2017). Still, similar to India, it can be challenging to resist the urge to live up to social expectations.
Whether I Would Like to Be Part of this Culture/Subculture
Having learned about the unique characteristics of Japanese culture, I am intrigued by its rich history, traditional values, and strong emphasis on discipline and respect. I would want to be part of the culture. The Japanese approach to work and education is fascinating, as they prioritize hard work, dedication, and perseverance (Shiraev & Levy, 2017). I also recognize that some challenges come with being a part of Japanese culture. For example, there is intense pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations, which may be difficult for someone who values individuality and self-expression.
What I Would Still Like to Learn
One area I want to explore further is Japanese art and aesthetics. Japan has a rich history of artistic expression, including traditional arts such as calligraphy, ikebana (flower arrangement), tea ceremony, and more contemporary forms such as anime and manga. Learning about these art forms can deepen my understanding of Japanese culture and its values.
Another area I would want to explore is Japanese cuisine. Japanese food is known for its focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, elegant presentation (Kim & Lee, 2020). From tempura to ramen to sushi, there are many delicious and unique dishes to try and learn about. Moreover, I would like to focus on other cultures and learn more about their customs and lifestyles. For example, I am interested in learning more about Indian music and dance forms, such as classical Hindustani music and Bharatanatyam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, studying the five artifacts has deepened my understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture. Moreover, learning about Indian and Japanese cultures has been a fascinating experience. While both cultures have positives and negatives, they are unique and rich in traditions. I would love to explore Japanese and Indian cultures more in the future. By exploring numerous topics, I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural sensitivity.
References
Kim, C., & Lee, S. (2020). Understanding the cultural differences in tourist motivation between Anglo-American and Japanese tourists. Japanese Tourists: Socio-Economic, Marketing and Psychological Analysis, 153–170. Web.
Sakamoto, H., Ishikane, M., Ghaznavi, C., & Ueda, P. (2021). Assessment of suicide in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic vs previous years. JAMA Network Open, 4(2). Web.
Shiraev, E. B., & Levy, D. A. (2017). Cross-cultural psychology: Critical thinking and contemporary applications (6th ed.). Routledge.