Monday, June 13, 2011

Effects of the Disaster on Nihonjinron


Although I am not a native Japanese and can only speculate on the Japanese national identity, personally I believe that this identity has not changed after the disaster, and in fact the general beliefs of the Japanese as I understand them may have actually become stronger. Most texts reffering to the nihonjinron focus on the the interdependent relationships between Japanese people and preferance for a group rather than individual mentality. If this is in fact true, then I feel that such a large disaster would cause people to rely on others more than ever and become motivated to work as a group to alleviate this horrific situation. Rather than lash out against the government and give individual opinions, I think it's quite possible that instead the Japanese people might keep their thoughts to themselves and eventually work toward finding a solution together in order to help prevent disasters of this magnitude in the future. In an article I found called "Japan nuclear plant workers' dedication to common good a national trait" (see link below), the author emphasizes how the workers' desire to help the nation as a whole before helping themsevles reflects the Japanese belief in putting the group first. Also rather than complain, loot, or flee the country, the people of the damaged community felt strongly about helping others and working toward rebuilding the area. In the article one woman states: "As much as I'd love to escape, the group is more important than your own concerns, which follows for most Japanese", which further reflects this ideal.

Clearly the Japanese have accepted and received aid from people in many different countries, and although they might be required to increase economic ties with foreign countries in the future, I do not believe that this will dampen Japan's nationalistic values. If anything this disaster could contribute to the country's perference of using group mentality to solve difficult situations and ensure peace across the nation - the fact that the nuclear aspect of this disaster was caused by a company whose primary concern was making money rather than preserving the safety of the population could further influence the Japanese to believe that chaos will ensue if each and every person doesn't work toward the greater good of the group. 

Although the article "Selves, Cultures, and Nations: The Psychological Imagination of 'the Japanese' in the Era of Globalization" states that this view may not accurately represent Japan's national identity, until the "average Japanese person" and their beliefs and practices can be identified, I along with many others will continue to consider the ideals I mentioned above as a representation of the general Japanese population. This being said, based on what I believe to be true about the Japanese people, the disaster has strengthened rather than altered their belief in selflessness and group mentality.

Article:

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