The Wa

We have learned a lot about the Japanese culture over the last few days as part of our required training here on the base. The speakers about the culture and customs of Japan were Japanese nationals. They did a great job of communicating to us the essence of Japan. These speakers not only communicated the intrinsic character of Japan with their words and information but also in the way they delivered their presentations. It has motivated Mona and I even more to want to experience the Japanese culture.
There was so much information presented that it will take several posts to write about what we learned - which I will do over the next couple of weeks. But I did want to touch on one aspect of Japanese culture that is the basis for who the Japanese are and why they act in the manner that they do.

That aspect is called The Wa. It is translated as harmony. To the Japanese, harmony is the basis for their culture. Everyone and their actions affect The Wa. One of the speakers said that, in such a crowded country, the only way to live in such a country is to have good manners and consideration for those around you. One example she gave is how people do not talk (or talk in hush tones) while riding the subway. You do not talk loudly or disturb the people around you.
She said that in the US it is all about the individual. Individual rights and freedoms are very important to Americans. Whereas, in Japan, the culture or community is first and foremost. She also said not to be concerned when were out visiting in Japan because they know that Americans have a different culture and that, as long as there is respect, that they accept the differences because of the importance of harmony.

One thing that I found interesting about the wa is that it might explain a question that I had about religion in Japan. When I was searching the internet trying to learn as much as I could about Japan before our move, I learned that there were 2 main religions - the native Japanese religion,Shinto, and the imported religion,Buddhism. The thing that I found odd was how the two religions were not only not at odds with each other but that they coexisted peacefully and, in some ways, had meshed together. Maybe the wa is the explanation for this. Very interesting.