From a few hundreads years ago

These days, I often notice that history of country affect overall personality in society. Personality vary from people to people. On the other hand, some "common" aspects of people in a culture does exist. If you consider the origin of the aspects, historical background cannot be negligible. The longer history the culture have, the more influence seemed to appear. I would like to talk about culture in Japan.

It is often said that hierarchy consists of Japanese society. Generally speaking, hierarchy in society does not exist only in Japan. USA has little aspect of hierarchy. However, some countries like in UK has strict custom or social system based on society. In such countries, people must use prefix or title when they call their supervisor. You have to call someone's title like "President" "Department head" in Japanese companies.

This custom may be come from old Japanese custom. Once upon a time, ordinary people should not call samurai's name. They are recognized as their titles. Calling title in Japanese company remind me of the custom.

If you think old Japanese movie, you may imagine "Harakiri", cutting their own stomach as penalty. This is a Japanese old custom for taking responsibility of fatal mistake of a samurai. The penalty are not conducted anymore though people still think death is a procedure to taking responsibility of crime. Death penalty exist worldwide. Most of the Western countries give up death penalty. USA and Japan is exceptional case. The death penalty of USA may come from safety. As for Japan, that must be public opinion. Discussion of death penalty is not discussed so much and it would continue for the time being.

I would like to consider a simple question here. Why historical background may affect people? Unfortunately, I am not an expert of history. What I can say comes from my simple thought. The answer of the question is that situations of people caused by society is similar to every body. If you try to suit society, you must learn some common knowledge. Since the beginning of your life, parents repeatedly told common sense to their children. That result in "unknown" aspect of culture.

Some important part of society remain forever without notice. You may think Japanese government is a democratic government. Yes it is. However, the essence of government is maintained from Meiji government. As a proof, a lot of offspring of famous politician become politician. Strangely, current prime minister, Mr. Kan is the first prime minister whose ancestors are not a famous politician.

At the end of Edo period, revolutionists need to discuss a lot of things. Unfortunately, Japanese language is not good for discussion. People often become sensitive. Radical discussion cause a lot of murder and assassination at the time. Attitude of avoid discussion result in strange form of meeting or conference in Japan. Meeting or conference is often used for agreement of a group. Most of the case, some important things have been determined prior to discussion in Japan. The situation is changing recently. On the other hand, this types of custom still remain.

The examples which I introduce above may not be appropriate for example.
Japanese culture has complexity though equality is guaranteed regardless of money. As you know, situation of society is rapidly changing worldwide. Japanese companies have to expand their business worldwide. Requirement of change must change Japanese and they may find who they are and their relations with society.