I had an interesting conversation with a Japanese man last night. It was special because I very seldom meet a Japanese man as insightful, intelligent and open. A true gentleman, and very honest. He was explaining that during WWII Japanese men studying at university were forced to enlist in the military. After the war these people had no money, and were living in very basic apartments with shared toilets, no heating, and bad drafts. It was typical for the parents to direct them into university. He wanted to make Japanese noodles. This was commonplace so its not surprising that he should begrudgingly accept his parents wishes. His account highlights the fact that it was parental expectations that their children should have an opportunity to study that many of them missed out on. I dare say many parents were living vicariously through their children, but I'm sure many other parents who didn't want their children to get a university education still wanted to cajoule their children towards prosperity because they were so poor.
He made the point that Koreans and Chinese people are so much like Japanese. I agree with that. Its particularly evident when you go to the Japanese countryside and you meet Japanese farmers who are just like Koreans. Mind you the educated elite in Korea are like city Japanese, and the same for the Chinese elite.
I disagreed with him on the next topic. He suggested that Japanese children today are obliged to go to extra-curricular activities in order to be competitive. I don't think that in itself is bad. One of Japanese strengths is that it is a highly organised society. The problem is two-fold:
1. Japanese kids are sometimes forced to do this. But often they enjoy the extra time with friends. I learned this from the daughter of my ex-GF.
2. Japanese children are given the same rot learning as western kids, just its more intense, and there is less respect for the kid's wishes, though that is changing.
3. Japanese kids are very innocent compared to Western kids. They really lack external experience. Outside of Japan is really a hostile world for them. They are so sheltered or protected. I readily saw the difference when I met 2 13yo NZ exchange students in Japan. Japanese would be inclined to talk about dolls, cute dogs, other frivilous matters, whereas the NZ'ers could have adult conversations. No wonder Japanese are perceived as being racist. Mostly I think its from intimidation and insecurity. The Japanese guy I met had no hint of racism or arrogance, maybe a little national pride, but not in an assertive sense. Only because he neglected to realise that his observations about Korean thinking was also true of Japan. He readily stood corrected. Its one of the nice qualities in Japan, mainly from the women because they don't feel the need to beat their chest. The problem I had with Japanese is the lack of ambition.
He made the point that Koreans and Chinese people are so much like Japanese. I agree with that. Its particularly evident when you go to the Japanese countryside and you meet Japanese farmers who are just like Koreans. Mind you the educated elite in Korea are like city Japanese, and the same for the Chinese elite.
I disagreed with him on the next topic. He suggested that Japanese children today are obliged to go to extra-curricular activities in order to be competitive. I don't think that in itself is bad. One of Japanese strengths is that it is a highly organised society. The problem is two-fold:
1. Japanese kids are sometimes forced to do this. But often they enjoy the extra time with friends. I learned this from the daughter of my ex-GF.
2. Japanese children are given the same rot learning as western kids, just its more intense, and there is less respect for the kid's wishes, though that is changing.
3. Japanese kids are very innocent compared to Western kids. They really lack external experience. Outside of Japan is really a hostile world for them. They are so sheltered or protected. I readily saw the difference when I met 2 13yo NZ exchange students in Japan. Japanese would be inclined to talk about dolls, cute dogs, other frivilous matters, whereas the NZ'ers could have adult conversations. No wonder Japanese are perceived as being racist. Mostly I think its from intimidation and insecurity. The Japanese guy I met had no hint of racism or arrogance, maybe a little national pride, but not in an assertive sense. Only because he neglected to realise that his observations about Korean thinking was also true of Japan. He readily stood corrected. Its one of the nice qualities in Japan, mainly from the women because they don't feel the need to beat their chest. The problem I had with Japanese is the lack of ambition.
