Japanese Mindset

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A Japanese Mindset is a cultural mindset that reflects the collective values, beliefs, and attitudes prevalent within Japanese society and in Japanese people.



References

2024

  • (Rich et al., 2024) ⇒ Motoko Rich, Hisako Ueno, and Kiuko Notoya. (2024). “Welcome to Japan, Where the Bad News Is the Good News.” In: The New York Times, Feb. 29, 2024.
    • QUOTE: "The economy is now in recession after barely growing for decades. The population continues to shrink, with births last year plunging to a nadir. The country’s politics appear frozen as one party holds a virtual lock on power no matter how scandal-tainted and unpopular it becomes... That equanimity reflects a no-need-to-rock-the-boat mind-set: 'Shouganai' — 'it can’t be helped' — is something of a national refrain."
    • NOTES:
      • It is characterized by a no-need-to-rock-the-boat mentality, often encapsulated in the phrase "Shouganai" or "it can't be helped," reflecting a general acceptance of life's circumstances.
      • It contributes to the country's remarkable stability and social cohesion, even in the face of economic recession and demographic challenges such as a shrinking population.
      • It is evident in the population's nonchalant attitude towards various societal issues, with a focus on enjoying the simple pleasures of life, such as affordable food, reliable public transportation, and seasonal natural beauty like cherry blossoms.
      • It manifests in a collective sense of satisfaction with living conditions, underpinned by a robust social safety net including national health insurance and low crime rates, leading to a minimal desire for drastic change among the younger generation.
      • It is reinforced by comparisons with the outside world, where Japanese society is perceived as stable and orderly, especially in contrast to countries facing issues with immigration, high crime rates, and social unrest.
      • It faces challenges in addressing deep-rooted issues such as intense work culture, gender inequality, and the high poverty rate among single-parent households, which contribute to Japan being among the unhappiest of developed nations.
      • Despite these challenges, it tends towards gradual adaptation rather than radical overhaul, a tendency that may slow responses to pressing issues like an aging population, labor shortages, and the need for more inclusive immigration policies.