When I describe a person who is classified the same as my ethnicity, Japanese people are categorized as one of the Asia countries. According to the text book, in the U.S. census, Koreans, Filipinos, Chinese, Japanese, and Malaysians come from very different cultures, but are identified as Asian Americans. Compared to the United States, these countries that are identified as the Asian region have been recognized as countries for long time; therefore, there are many varieties of cultures that may not exist in newer countries. To determine the differences between Japanese characteristics and other country’s characteristics, we need to negotiate the history that has happened before today and any kind of biases about the ethnic groups. “The ethnic group is based on cultural factors: language, religion, dress, foods, customs, beliefs, values, norms, a shared group identity or feeling, and sometimes loyalty to homeland, monarch, or religious leader” (Jeanne 219). When we identify Japanese characteristics as one of the Asians, we can find many kinds of original or traditional cultures. Also, I personally appreciate the assignment for giving me a good opportunity to review my country’s ethnic group and many characteristics objectively.
First of all, the most conspicuous characteristic of Japanese action is that they tend to be quieter than other countries’ people regardless of place or situation. The obedient personality is recognizable to others in my ethnic group. Usually, most Japanese people are shy to talk; clumsy to express their own feelings or to convey in their own words; and even hate to become a person who attracts other’s attention. In other words, they are more likely to avoid embarrassment and shame, maintaining self-respect. In addition, it is rare that individuals are talking loudly and making big sounds even when they have been astonished by something. The most considerable reason for that is they care too much about relationships with other people. This explanation also relates with how they consider the norms in their lives, however, the most significant point that allows them to live in the social worlds is to respect to others, especially, to older people. For example, the polite language to older people takes crucial purpose in their lives to express how much they respect to them. The politeness form is represented as a genuine Japanese personality because it used in many levels of polite speeches, gestures and even in general conversations. Besides, honorific language that is used in common conversations, it needs to be known to understand Japanese’ self-sacrifice and humility. They respect team or members more than self-gain, so that they hate becomimg a person who disturbs teamwork. Moreover, whenever people do something, the order should be from older people rather than younger generations. In Japan, the age is known as an important component. While other countries’ business companies consider the person’s abilities and skills to hire, such Japanese seniority rule is respected not only to enter the company, but also for promotions. It does not necessary to mean that old people do not have to pay respects to younger people; rather, they have to respect and take care of them as if younger people are their real siblings.
Speaking of beliefs, while Buddhism has spread and it is quite common beliefs in many Asian countries, many Japanese people believe Shinto, which is one of the branches of Buddhism and recognized as the ancient religious tradition native to Japan. Because, it mainly teaches values of morals, such as worship and traditions of family, honor of Kami, and respect for others as invaluable friends. However, whenever I need to explain about main religion in Japan to my foreign friends, I cannot help getting confused due to the Japanese peculiar relationships with other countries culture. For instance, in Japan, there is a Christmas holiday on every December 25th to celebrate for birth of the