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by Aïko-Laurence Ito Professor Kong Fah Lee, John Abbott College (Winter2001)
Japan is one of Asia's exceptional countries. One of its main differences is its social environment. Japanese society steps apart all other nations of the same area because of its contradiction. While certain Japanese are still promoting Confucianism and "non-individuality", others are moving forward and tend to be more open to the modern world and to adopt a different attitude on contemporary issues , such as woman's situation. Such contrast of minds led to a new generation which is more free and kept apart of traditional Japanese lifestyle. Looking back at Japan's history, we notice that China had a very strong influence, especially by introducing Confucianism. Japan borrowed many cultural elements from China during the Tang Dynasty (6th to 7th century AD), which includes this philosophy. Prince Shotoku even said that: "The management of state affairs cannot be achieved unless it is based on knowledge and the source of knowledge is Confucianism." Japan interpreted Confucianism in its own way. While for China, this theory was related to comprehension and human relationship, Japan saw it as a pattern for absolute obedience. Therefore, loyalty has always been an essential asset in all Japanese life. Complete loyalty to the emperor by its nation, but also to a teacher by a student, or to a father by a son. Examples of this incredible faithfulness toward the emperor are the Kamikaze. During the Second World War, in 1944-1945, these pilots would voluntarily accept to crash their own plane (hence to die) to be harmful to the enemy - and all of this for the emperor's sake! Japan is an remarkable country which steps apart by its influence from China and its lack of individualism. Their open view to the world and their social changes as the acceptance of women as part of the active society have led to a rise of a new generation of freedom which is neglecting tradition. All of these events lead to the different but amazing country that is Japan and to this misunderstood revolution of minds. For more information:
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