The pictures of the earthquake in Japan have spread with light speed throughout the entire world. Another, very surprising, side effect was to see the Japanese’s reactions to the catastrophe. No panic, no running, hardly any screaming – instead: remain quiet and calm was the typical reaction. Even after the earthquake and the tsunami wave, there were no reports of assaults, robbing or loitering in Tokio. This is a trait Japanese are known for. Social harmony is very important so Japanese avoid the display of emotions.
If it is waiting in line, being crammed on the metro, people wait and endure quietly without complaining. Is this really something intrinsic to their culture and if so how can it be explained? Many anthropologist and sociologists have pointed out that in the national culture of Japan the society comes first and the individual is subordinated. Japanese society is therefore characetrized as a collectivist society in which solidarity and loyalty are the most important values. It might be even simpler. Having experienced many natural and war disasters, more than most Asian countries, the Japanese have found that remaining calm is the best strategy to encounter shocking events. Being dignified, collected and relying on each other has so far worked best in emergency situations in Japan.
Instead of shaking our heads in disbelief, there is actually something we can learn from the Japanese. Their zen-like attitude has nothing to do with being emotionally cold or not caring. They have simply accepted the fact that they cannot control everything – at least of all the moods of nature and that it is better to stay calm and united. In Japan this attitude is rooted in tradition but also part of the collective experience. So just watch and learn to relax.
What We Can Learn from the Japanese
The pictures of the earthquake in Japan have spread with light speed throughout the entire world. Another, very surprising, side effect was to see the Japanese’s reactions to the catastrophe. No panic, no running, hardly any screaming – instead: remain quiet and calm was the typical reaction. Even after the earthquake and the tsunami wave, there were no reports of assaults, robbing or loitering in Tokio. This is a trait Japanese are known for. Social harmony is very important so Japanese avoid the display of emotions.
If it is waiting in line, being crammed on the metro, people wait and endure quietly without complaining. Is this really something intrinsic to their culture and if so how can it be explained? Many anthropologist and sociologists have pointed out that in the national culture of Japan the society comes first and the individual is subordinated. Japanese society is therefore characetrized as a collectivist society in which solidarity and loyalty are the most important values. It might be even simpler. Having experienced many natural and war disasters, more than most Asian countries, the Japanese have found that remaining calm is the best strategy to encounter shocking events. Being dignified, collected and relying on each other has so far worked best in emergency situations in Japan.
Instead of shaking our heads in disbelief, there is actually something we can learn from the Japanese. Their zen-like attitude has nothing to do with being emotionally cold or not caring. They have simply accepted the fact that they cannot control everything – at least of all the moods of nature and that it is better to stay calm and united. In Japan this attitude is rooted in tradition but also part of the collective experience. So just watch and learn to relax.
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