New Year’s Day is the most important day to celebrate the beginning of the year. At the end of the previous year, many people clean up the whole house to prepare for the arrival of the new year, and on this day, they go to a temple and/or shrine for the first worship visit of the year. To pray for the safety and prosperity of the family, the house is decorated with Kadomatsu (small gate made of pine twigs) and Shimekazari (twisted sacred rope), and the family eats special auspicious foods such as Osechi (assorted special dishes) and Zoni (soup with rice cake) together. Besides, there are particular customs for this period, including the exchange of greeting cards and money gifts to children. In all, this period is very crucial for reconfirming how important the connections among the family and society are.
Setsubun is a Japanese traditional event held on the previous day of Risshun (the first day of spring according to the old lunar calendar). It is a ritual to ward off the evil, which is said to come up on the turn of season. Originally, there are four Setsubun days at the turn of every season, but now it principally refers to the day in early February. At home, the family throw beans around, reciting ‘Evil out, Blessin in!’ to drive away the evil and invite the good. Besides, the custom of eating Ehomaki (sushi roll) facing the lucky direction of the year has spread lately. In all, this day is very important in praying for the safety and happiness of the family.
Momo-no-Sekku, or Hina Matsuri, is an event held on March 3rd to pray for the healthy growth and happiness of girls. It originated as Joushi-no-Sekku, which was introduced from China, during which people floated a doll away into the river as a substitute for disaster. Nowadays, families decorate Hina dolls and eat Chirashi-sushi (ornamental sushi dish), clear soup with clam, and Hina-arare (small rice crackers). Besides, peach blossoms are displayed in the house as a symbol of warding off evil, and they give a pleasant sense of the arrival of spring.
Higan refers to a Buddhist ritual held for seven days with the Vernal Equinox Day or the Autumnal Equinox Day as the middle day. It is a very important period for holding special services for the spirits of the ancestors. Originally, Higan means the world of enlightenment in contrast to Kogan, the present world of delusion. During this period, families pay a visit to the family grave or give offerings to the family altar to express their gratitude to the spirits of the ancestors. Besides, there is a custom of eating rice cakes with sweet red bean paste during this period. It is uniquely Japanese in that the change of season and ancestral worship are connected.
Hanami is a traditional Japanese event in which people appreciate the arrival of the new season by viewing cherry blossoms blooming in spring. Especially from late March to early April, many people gather in parks or riversides where cherry blossoms are in full bloom, enjoying meals and conversation with friends, family members, or co-workers. Cherry blossoms are considered a symbol of transience and the beauty of life. Spending time under the blooming cherry trees is a very important time when people can experience the beauty of nature and deepen bonds between people.
Hana-Matsuri, literally translated as Flower Festival, refers to a day held on April 8th to celebrate the birth of the Buddha. In temples, a small hall decorated with flowers, called “Hanami-do,” is set up. People pour sweet tea on the statue of the infant Buddha placed inside the hall. This custom is derived from the legend that sweet rain fell when the Buddha was born. There are many events in which children take part, and it is a good chance for them to learn the importance of life and a sense of gratitude while being surrounded by flowers.
Tango-no-Sekku is an event held on May 5th to pray for the healthy growth and social success of boys. Now it is officially designated as a national holiday called “Children’s Day.” Originally, it was an event which, much influenced by samurai culture, symbolized male courage and strength. Families with young boys put up Koi-Nobori (carp-shaped streamers on a pole) and display Gogatsu-Ningyo (May dolls) and samurai helmets. There are other customs, including taking an iris bath and eating Kashiwa-mochi (rice cake wrapped with an oak leaf) and Chimaki (rice cake wrapped with a bamboo leaf). All of these things are done with the family’s earnest wish that their sons will overcome many difficulties and grow up to become strong and resilient.
Tanabata is a traditional Japanese event held on July 7th, which is derived from a star legend related to Orihime and Hikoboshi. It is said that these two, who are separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet once a year. People write their wishes on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches. This event originally came from China, but it developed in a unique way in Japan and spread nationwide. It is a romantic summer event where people make wishes under the starry sky.
Bon (or Obon) is a traditional Japanese event held mainly in mid-August to welcome the spirits of the ancestors and hold memorial services for them. During this period, family members gather to show respect to the ancestors by visiting their graves or giving offerings to home Buddhist altars. Besides, there is a custom of lighting fires both to welcome the ancestral spirits and to send them back to heaven. In many areas, people hold Bon dances, in which people walk and dance in a circle while honoring the spirits of the ancestors. It is an important event to reconfirm the bonds among families and communities.
Tsukimi (or Otsukimi) is a traditional Japanese event to thank the gods while viewing the full moon in autumn. Especially the full moon on the 15th day of the eighth month of the old calendar, called the Mid-Autumn Moon, is considered the most beautiful moon of all. On this day, people view the moon, offering dango dumplings, pampas grass, and taro to the moon. Originally it came from China, but in Japan it became connected with farming culture and spread nationwide as an event to show gratitude for the harvest. It is a refined event to feel the arrival of autumn while calmly viewing the moon.
Shichi-Go-San, meaning “seven, five, three,” is a traditional Japanese event held on November 15th to celebrate the healthy growth of children at the ages of three, five, and seven. On this day, children visit Shinto shrines wearing kimono, thank the gods for their safe growth so far, and pray for their future health and happiness. It originated as a custom of the aristocracy in the Heian period, and later spread nationwide as a ritual to celebrate the designated ages of children. There is also a custom of being given long stick candies called “Chitose Ame” (literally translated as “one-thousand-year candy”), which symbolize wishes for the longevity and healthy growth of children.
Omisoka, which refers to the last day of the year, is an important day to get ready for the arrival of the new year. On this day, there are customs of cleaning the whole house and eating soba noodles called “Toshikoshi-soba” (soba eaten over the turn of the year). Long soba noodles symbolize longevity and good health and also contain the meaning of cutting off the bad luck of the past year. In many Buddhist temples, during the night the bell is rung 108 times, a ritual considered to get rid of the worldly desires of human beings. It is a typically Japanese event in which people look back on the old year and welcome the new one.
In Japan, there are various styles of weddings including Shinto style, church style, and civil ceremonies. Nowadays, the reception after the wedding ceremony is commonly held in a hotel or a wedding hall. The reception usually proceeds in the following order: the introduction of the bride and groom, speeches by honored guests, a toast, cutting the wedding cake, and other events. Through these events, guests including relatives, friends, and co-workers celebrate the couple’s new life together. The wedding is an event which represents how important Japanese people consider the bonds with their families and society.
In most cases in Japan, it costs a great amount of money to have a wedding ceremony followed by a reception. It is said that, in general, it costs three to four million yen, including the expenses for the venue, food, wedding attire, and photos. However, in Japan, it is customary for invited guests to bring monetary gifts to the reception called “Goshugi” (congratulatory money), which in many cases covers a large part of the total cost. It is common for friends to bring gift money of about thirty thousand yen to the bride and groom. The wedding is a big event for the newlywed couple, which serves as a special occasion to be blessed by many people.
In Japan, the average age at marriage is getting higher year by year. Nowadays, the average age at first marriage is said to be about thirty for men and about twenty-eight for women. The reasons for late marriage include the tendency to place more importance on work and economic stability and changing attitudes toward marriage. The low birthrate largely caused by the trend of late marriage is one of the social issues in Japan. It is widely believed that the styles of marriage and family vary as time goes by.
In Japan, the divorce rate is increasing. It may be said that one in three married couples divorce, but the actual rate is considered a little lower than this. The reasons for divorce include differences in personality, differences in values, and economic problems. In the past, divorce was not so common in Japan, but in recent years attitudes toward divorce have been changing in accordance with changes in social values.
In Japan, compensation is not always paid in a divorce. It is common to claim such compensation only if there is an obvious fault on one side, such as adultery or domestic violence. The amount depends on the case, but it usually ranges from several hundred thousand yen to several million yen. Also, when the couple have children, the payment of child support often becomes an issue between them. The conditions of divorce are often settled through discussions between the husband and wife or by judgments made by a family court.
In Japan, there are not so many international marriages, although there is always a certain number of them each year. In recent years, it is estimated that there are about twenty thousand international marriages annually. Couples consisting of a Japanese man and a foreign woman are slightly greater in number than those of a Japanese woman and a foreign man, although the number of the latter is increasing. International marriages are becoming more common than before due to increasing globalization and the growth of international exchanges. They are characterized by the efforts of the couple to build a family by overcoming differences in culture and language.
In most cases in Japan, funerals are conducted in a Buddhist style. The funeral consists of two parts, a wake and a main ceremony (including a farewell ritual). The wake, called “Tsuya” in Japanese, is a gathering in which people related to the deceased, such as friends and relatives, spend the last night with the deceased while praying for the repose of the deceased. In the ceremony held the following day, monks chant sutras and attendees offer incense while praying for the repose of the deceased. Japanese funerals are said to be solemn ceremonies in which people respectfully and quietly bid farewell to the deceased.
In Japan, funerals often cost a large amount of money. The cost of a funeral varies depending on its scale and style, but generally speaking it is said to cost from one million yen to two million yen. The cost includes the fee for using a funeral hall, the altar, the coffin, gratuities for the monk, and the expense of cremation. Also, there is a custom in which the attendees bring condolence money called “Koden” in Japanese, and part of the money helps with the financial burden of the funeral costs. The funeral is an important ritual in which many people gather to mourn the deceased and bid farewell.
In Japan, it is customary for attendees at a funeral to bring condolence money called “Koden.” The amount differs depending on how close the attendee is to the deceased, but generally speaking, in cases of friends or acquaintances it usually ranges from five thousand yen to ten thousand yen. Some relatives offer more. Koden is placed in a special envelope with black-and-white ceremonial cords. Also, there is a custom of giving attendees a return gift for Koden called “Koden-Kaeshi.” Giving Koden to express condolences is one of the cultural customs unique to Japan.
In Japan, almost all of the deceased are cremated. The cremation rate is nearly one hundred percent, which is at an outstandingly high level in the world. This is said to be largely caused by limited land for burial and Buddhist influence. Normally, the bereaved family move to a crematorium after the funeral and farewell ceremony, where the cremation takes place. After the cremation, they collect the remains and place them in an urn. This ritual is called “Kotsuage” (bone-picking). Then, the urn is placed in a family grave or in a columbarium.
Japanese people enjoy their free time in various ways: watching TV, listening to music, watching movies, and reading books. Besides, there are many people who like to spend their leisure time playing sports, traveling, shopping, or eating out. Nowadays, more and more people enjoy playing video games or watching videos on the internet or on smartphones. Leisure is a very important time when people can relax both body and mind and enjoy their hobbies in their busy daily lives.
Japanese children enjoy their leisure time in various ways. At home, they watch TV, play video games, and read manga or comic books as popular pastimes, while outdoors they often have fun playing sports or games with their friends in parks or school grounds. Nowadays, more and more children enjoy watching videos or playing online games on the internet or on smartphones. These activities are not only fun for them but also an important time to deepen their friendships.
In Japan, many fathers lead very busy lives at work, but they have various ways to enjoy their leisure time. Many watch TV, watch sports, or enjoy their hobbies. It is also common for them to eat out or have drinks with friends or co-workers. Nowadays more and more fathers enjoy sports such as golf, fishing, and jogging. This leisure time gives them good opportunities to relieve fatigue from work and refresh both body and mind.
Young Japanese women enjoy their leisure time in various ways. It is popular among them to go shopping and chat with their friends. Also, many of them like to watch movies, listen to music, or go on trips. Nowadays, it is becoming more common to use social media and take photos and share them with their friends. These activities can be an important time to relax or deepen friendships.
Elderly Japanese people enjoy their leisure time in various ways while maintaining their health. Many enjoy taking a walk, doing exercises, or playing light sports such as gateball. It is also popular among them to watch TV, read books, or do gardening. Many elderly people chat with their friends or take part in community activities. These activities help them stay healthy and maintain connections with society.
In Japan, there are several entertainments unique to Japan. One of the representative examples is karaoke. Karaoke is the entertainment, born in Japan, to provide for an exciting opportunity to enjoy singing with friends or co-workers. Also, manga and anime are unique Japanese cultures which are very popular throughout the world. Moreover, pachinko parlors and game arcades are enjoyed by many people. These entertainments characterize modern Japanese cultures.
Pachinko is one of the most popular pastimes in Japan. Pachinko parlors have many machines on which people play by shooting tiny silver balls. The system works like this: when a ball gets into certain holes, many balls come out. The players can exchange the balls they win for prizes, and they can later exchange the prizes for cash. Pachinko parlors are seen in many places in big cities in Japan. It is one of the forms of entertainment that people can easily enjoy.
In Japan, many people enjoy various sports. Popular sports that people play themselves include jogging, walking, tennis, and golf. Besides, baseball, soccer, and basketball are also very popular. Recently, as health consciousness becomes stronger, more people enjoy fitness exercises, yoga, and training at the gym. These sports help people stay healthy, refresh the mind, and relieve stress.
In Japan, there are several popular sports to watch. The most popular sports are baseball and soccer. There are many spectators at professional baseball games and J-League matches, and many more people watch them on TV. Besides, sumo wrestling is loved by many people as a traditional Japanese sport. Moreover, during international events such as the Olympic Games and the World Cup, many people cheer for Japan on TV or the internet. Watching sports is one of the great enjoyments for many people.
Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport and has a long history. Originally, it was closely related to Shinto rituals and was performed during ceremonies to pray for abundant harvests. In present-day sumo, two wrestlers compete in a ring called the “dohyō,” and one wins the match when he pushes his opponent out of the ring or makes the opponent touch the ground inside the ring with any part of his body except the soles of the feet. Sumo has unique manners and rituals. It is loved by many people as one of the traditional aspects of Japanese culture.
Judo is one of the martial arts that were born in Japan. It was founded by Jigoro Kano at the end of the 19th century. Judo is a sport in which victory is decided by throwing or holding down the opponent. Techniques and balance are valued as much as physical strength. It is also characterized by the spirits of “maximum efficiency” and “mutual welfare and benefit.” It is practiced throughout the world and has been adopted as an official Olympic sport. Judo is not only a sport but also one of the traditional Japanese martial arts.
The professional baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan. Nowadays, it is made up of two leagues, the Central League and Pacific League, each of which has six games. During the season, every team has many games to compete for the championship. In the post season, each of the league champion compete with each other to win the number one in Japan. Many of the games are broadcast on TV. The professional baseball, which is loved by many fans, is one of the representative Japanese popular sports.
In Japan, there are traditional martial arts that have long been known as “budo.” Representative examples include judo, kendo, karate, and kyudo. These forms of budo originally developed as techniques that samurai learned for use in battle. Nowadays they are practiced as sports or forms of mental discipline. In budo, manners and spirit are valued as much as techniques. Budo is also practiced throughout the world and is widely known as one of Japan’s traditions.
In Japan, there is a custom of sending New Year’s cards on New Year’s Day. The number of cards depends on the individual. It is generally said to be several dozen per person. Many cards are sent to business associates, relatives, and friends, and company employees tend to send rather many cards. Recently, due to the spread of e-mails and social networks, the number has been on the decline, but it is still considered an important custom as a New Year greeting.
Hatsumode (the first visit of the year) refers to visits that people make to Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples to pray for good health and happiness in the New Year. The main blessings include family safety, good health, business prosperity, and academic success. Besides praying on behalf of oneself or one’s family, it serves as an expression of gratitude for having spent the previous year safely. Shrines and temples provide visitors with amulets and fortune slips, from which one can expect to receive the particular blessing they want. Hatsumode is an important event to renew one’s spirit at the beginning of the New Year.
Ochugen and Oseibo refer to the traditional Japanese customs of giving gifts. Ochugen gifts are presented in summer, while Oseibo gifts are given at the end of the year. Both serve as an expression of gratitude to the people to whom one is indebted in daily life. Those who receive Ochugen or Oseibo are generally work-related supervisors, business partners, and relatives. In these customs, foods and daily necessities are often selected, with consideration to avoid placing too much burden on the recipients. These customs are said to represent the Japanese culture of valuing relationships between people.
In Japan, making a bow is one of the important forms of etiquette to express greetings, gratitude, apology, and other feelings. Bows have several types, from a light one to a deep one, and are properly used depending on the situation. Generally speaking, for a light bow, you lower your head slightly, while in more formal situations, you bend your upper body forward deeply. It is important to make a bow with utmost sincerity while keeping your back straight. Thus, making a bow is one of the uniquely Japanese manners to show respect to the other person.
It is true that Japanese people do not always dislike shaking hands, but they do not often do so in everyday life. This is because in Japan, making a bow has long been rooted as a means to express greetings or respect. Besides, Japanese people tend to refrain from physical contact and consider it polite to maintain a proper distance from the other person. Nevertheless, it is common in business or international situations to shake hands. Thus, making a bow or shaking hands is properly chosen depending on the situation.
The custom of kissing as a greeting is not common in Japan. In many cases, greetings are expressed by bowing, and shaking hands is seen mainly in business or international situations. Japanese people tend to refrain from physical contact and consider it polite to maintain a proper distance from the other person. However, light physical contact is sometimes seen between family members and close friends. Thus, in Japan, methods of greeting vary and are chosen depending on the relationship with the other person or the situation.
Janken, which is an easy way to decide a winner, is often used to settle matters fairly. The participants simultaneously put out their hands, choosing one of the three forms: Gu (stone), Choki (scissors), and Pa (paper). The rule is simple: Gu beats Choki, Choki beats Pa, and Pa beats Gu. In Japan, everyone, young and old, uses janken in daily life as a common way to smoothly determine such small things as deciding order and assigning roles. Besides, notably, they synchronize their timing by chanting “Saisho wa gu, janken-pon” just before putting out their hands.
Japanese names often have meanings behind them. Especially, each kanji character used for personal names has a special meaning, and parents name their children with kanji characters that reflect their wishes for their children’s health, happiness, and success. When different kanji characters with the same pronunciation are used, the overall meaning changes. Besides, the sound and the combination of kanji characters for names are highly valued. Thus, Japanese names are not mere labels but are considered important as expressions of a family’s wishes and hopes.
Japanese people tend to like flowers and plants through which they can particularly feel the seasons. Among them, cherry trees have special significance in that people have a culture of enjoying viewing their blossoms in spring. Besides, autumn leaves, plum blossoms, and chrysanthemums are loved as symbols representing the seasons. Japanese people have a sense of beauty that values the changing of natural scenery and tend to find beauty or transience in flowers that bloom only for a short time. Moreover, as seen in gardens and bonsai, a culture of incorporating nature into small spaces has developed. These values significantly influence Japanese people’s tastes in plants.
Japanese people tend to like animals that give a sense of closeness, familiarity, or gentleness. Especially, dogs and cats are so popular that they are often treated affectionately as members of the family. Japanese people are also interested in animals that are closely related to the four seasons or nature, including cranes, deer, and goldfish, which have often been used as motifs in traditional culture and art. Moreover, in Japan, there is a strong tendency to seek a sense of comfort or healing from animals, so pandas and small animals are loved by many people. Thus, factors such as closeness, symbolism, and healing significantly influence Japanese people’s tastes in animals.
The reason why pine, bamboo, plum, cranes, and tortoises are considered auspicious is that each of them represents longevity, prosperity, or good fortune. Pine and bamboo represent permanence or vitality because they stay green all year round. Plum symbolizes perseverance or hope because it blooms early in the cold season. Cranes and tortoises have long been known as symbols of longevity, as the saying goes, “Cranes live for a thousand years, and tortoises for ten thousand years.” These motifs are often used in New Year celebrations, ceremonies, and traditional events, and represent the Japanese sense of auspiciousness.
In Japan, various kinds of fortune-telling are popular, and there is a tendency to like those that can be enjoyed in a familiar and casual way. For example, blood type fortune-telling and horoscopes are so widely featured on TV and in magazines that they are popular among many people. Besides, omikuji (fortune slips drawn at shrines and temples), palm reading, and name-based fortune-telling are also popular and are used as a means of learning about one’s luck and personality. Moreover, omikuji, which are drawn at shrines and temples, are enjoyed as part of people’s visits or annual events. Thus, the ease and enjoyment with which people can enjoy fortune-telling in their daily lives are said to be the main reasons why it is so popular in Japan.
The twelve zodiac signs are a system used to indicate time and directions, based on ancient Chinese culture. They consist of twelve animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar. Each is assigned to a specific year and serves as a zodiac sign. Originally, they were used to indicate the calendar, directions, and time, but nowadays, they are mainly recognized as indicators of the year. Besides, they are often associated with a person’s personality or fortune and are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and daily life.
Butsumetsu and Taian are days in the traditional calendar system called “Rokuyō,” which is used as an indicator of a day’s fortune. Rokuyō consists of six types of days: Taian, Butsumetsu, Senshō, Tomobiki, Senbu, and Shakkō. It is said that each day has a different level of auspiciousness. For example, Taian is considered the luckiest day, so it is often chosen for weddings and business openings. Butsumetsu, on the other hand, is considered an unlucky day, so people tend to avoid holding important events on this day. This system originated in China, but nowadays, it is widely recognized in daily life in Japan and is often used as a reference when selecting dates for events.
Many stories about supernatural beings called “yōkai” have been told in Japan since ancient times. They have been closely related to people’s lives and culture. Representative yōkai include Kappa, Tengu, and Oni, each of which has distinctive appearances and characteristics. It is true that these yōkai are often portrayed as frightening beings, but they also have somewhat familiar and humorous qualities. They appeared in folktales and picture scrolls in the past and still appear today in anime and manga. They have remained familiar to people over the ages. Yōkai in Japan are not only considered terrifying beings, but are also accepted as cultural symbols.
The population of Japan is about 120 million, but it has been decreasing in recent years due to an aging society and a declining birthrate. The average life expectancy of Japanese people is about 84, which is among the highest in the world. The average family size is getting smaller, and now the average number of family members is about 2 to 3.
In Japan, in the past, large families in which three or more generations lived together were common. That is to say, family members from grandparents to grandchildren lived together in the same household. The family centered around a family head and valued family bonds and distinct roles of family members. However, nowadays, there is a strong tendency toward nuclear families, and families consisting only of parents and children are common. Besides, due to the increase in dual-income households and a declining birthrate, family styles and values have become more diverse. Thus, the family structure in Japan has greatly changed over time.
The reason Japanese people tend to act in groups is that they strongly value harmony with others. Japan has a long history in which people lived in close-knit village communities, where they tried to avoid conflicts with others and valued harmony. Moreover, nowadays, in schools and workplaces, it is considered important to act in groups and obey rules, and therefore, the idea of prioritizing the group over the individual has been well developed. Thus, this is why Japanese people tend to act in groups and in harmony with others.
Japanese people are often said to distinguish between honne and tatemae because they place a strong value on harmony in relationships. Honne refers to a person’s true feelings and opinions, while tatemae refers to outward expressions shaped by social expectations and consideration for others. To avoid conflict and maintain smooth relationships, people may use these differently depending on the situation. This does not necessarily mean insincerity, but rather reflects a communication style that emphasizes respect for others.
The main ideologies that have influenced the mindset of Japanese people are Shinto, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Shinto is a belief in respecting nature and ancestors and has greatly influenced the Japanese view of nature and festival traditions. Buddhism has brought views on life and death, as well as an awareness of impermanence, and has much to do with people’s values and funeral customs. Confucianism has influenced social norms such as filial piety, hierarchical relationships, and respect for etiquette. These ideologies have merged with one another and have become the foundation of Japanese people’s behavior and values.
When it comes to the characteristics of Japanese people, harmony with others and a high level of cooperation are often mentioned. Besides, they tend to value politeness and manners and show consideration for others. Moreover, they are diligent and responsible, and they try to fulfill their assigned duties. They are also often seen to refrain from expressing their opinions strongly and to place importance on reading the atmosphere. These characteristics are thought to have been shaped by Japanese society and culture.
The present educational system in Japan was mainly established in the Meiji era. In 1872, the “Gakusei” (Education System Order) was promulgated, and the foundation of modern education was laid with the introduction of a national school system. Later, after the end of the Second World War, educational reforms were introduced under the influence of the American education system, establishing the present 6-3-3-4 system (six-year elementary school, three-year junior high school, three-year senior high school, and four-year university). Thus, modern education in Japan began in the Meiji era and was further developed through postwar reforms into the present system.
There are various kinds of schools in Japan. The main education system consists of elementary school, junior high school, senior high school, and university. Elementary school and junior high school are compulsory, meaning that every child must attend them. Besides senior high school and university, there are other educational institutions where students can learn practical skills and specialized knowledge, including vocational schools and junior colleges. Moreover, there are preschool institutions such as kindergartens and nursery schools. In short, children can receive education and care according to their stages of growth. Thus, various kinds of educational institutions have been established in Japan.
In Japan, there are a great number of schools, and the numbers vary depending on the level of education. There are about 20,000 elementary schools, 10,000 junior high schools, 5,000 senior high schools, and about 800 universities. Many of the universities are private. These schools are widely distributed throughout Japan, not only in urban areas but also in rural areas. Due to the declining birthrate, these numbers tend to decrease, although each region is making efforts to maintain local educational environments.
In Japan, the high school enrollment rate is very high, and almost all junior high school students go on to high school. It is currently around 98 to 99 percent, and high school education is virtually equivalent to compulsory education. On the other hand, the university advancement rate is about 55 to 60 percent, and it is even higher if junior colleges and vocational schools are included. In recent years, along with the increase in the advancement rate, a wider range of educational and career paths has been emphasized, and general courses, specialized courses, and vocational education are chosen based on students’ abilities and goals. In this way, in Japan, an environment is in place where many young people can receive secondary and higher education.
There are several notable differences between Japanese and American schools. In Japan, almost the same educational curriculum is adopted throughout the country, with an emphasis on the equal acquisition of basic academic skills among students. On the other hand, in America, educational content varies by state or school, with many elective subjects available for students to choose based on their interests and abilities. Besides, in Japan, discipline and group activities are highly valued, and therefore, students carry out assigned duties such as cleaning and serving lunch. In America, such activities are uncommon, as individual autonomy is emphasized. Moreover, there is also a difference in the roles of club activities and school events. In Japanese schools, group-oriented aspects are more strongly emphasized.
One of the reasons why there are so many yobiko (preparatory schools) and juku (after-school tutoring schools) in Japan is the competitive nature of entrance examinations. When advancing to senior high schools and universities, the results of entrance examinations are highly valued, so many students and their parents seek additional learning support outside of school. Besides, the pace of classroom instruction is adjusted to the average level of students, and therefore, for students who want to deepen their understanding or study more advanced material, juku play an important role. Moreover, in the background, there is parents’ strong concern for their children’s education and a shared desire to aim for more prestigious schools at the next stage of education. Thus, entrance examination competition and a strong emphasis on education have led to the widespread presence of yobiko and juku.
There are several notable differences in work style and work values between Japan and the United States. In Japan, lifetime employment and seniority-based promotion are traditionally valued, and employees tend to work for the same company for a long time. Besides, teamwork and organizational harmony are emphasized, so decision-making tends to take longer in order to form consensus. On the other hand, in the United States, individual abilities and performance are more highly valued, and it is common to change jobs. Employees are given more discretion in decision-making, and therefore, they tend to make decisions more quickly. In conclusion, Japanese companies are characterized by a group-oriented approach, while American ones emphasize individual orientation.
Japanese people are internationally well known as hard-working, but in recent years, actual working hours have been decreasing. At present, the average annual working hours are about 1,600 to 1,700 hours, which is lower than in the past. This decrease has been influenced by growing awareness of work style reform, revisions to the Labor Standards Act, and efforts by companies to encourage employees to take paid leave. However, compared with other developed countries, working hours in Japan are still relatively long. In particular, in the service industry and other sectors, workers often work overtime. Thus, although work style reform is making progress in Japan, the issue of long working hours remains a significant challenge.
Japanese workers have legally required days off as well as paid leave. First, the Labor Standards Act stipulates that employers must give employees at least one day off per week. In many companies, a two-day weekend system is common. Besides, employees are granted paid leave ranging from 10 to 20 days, the number of which varies depending on their years of service. Moreover, there are about 16 national holidays a year in Japan. However, the rate of taking paid leave is not very high, and many workers do not use all of their paid leave. Thus, the system of days off is well established, but it is not fully utilized.
The average annual income of Japanese people varies depending on job type, age, and company size, but in general, it is said to be approximately 4 to 5 million yen. Admittedly, regular employees earn relatively stable incomes, but as the proportion of non-regular employees has been increasing, income disparity has become a social issue. In addition, due to the seniority-based system, younger people tend to earn less, and incomes generally increase with age. Moreover, there is a notable gap in wage levels between urban and rural areas. Thus, in Japan, overall income levels are relatively stable, although there are differences depending on employment type and region.
Traditionally in Japan, promotions in salary and position mainly depended on the seniority-based system and years of service. It was common for companies to have a system of gradually increasing employees’ salaries and positions for those who worked for the same company for a long time. Recently, however, more companies have adopted a performance-based system and skill-based evaluation, leading to differences in the pace of promotion depending on individual achievements and abilities. In addition, more people are seeking career advancement and higher pay by changing jobs. Thus, in Japan, the traditional seniority-based system and the emerging performance-based system coexist when it comes to promotions in salary and position.
One of the reasons why there are many employees living apart from their families in Japan is the company transfer system. It is common for Japanese companies to require employees to move to a different workplace, in order to assign employees efficiently across the country. However, due to their children’s education and their spouses’ work situations, it is often difficult for families to relocate together. As a result, only the employee moves to the assigned workplace. In addition, in Japan, housing conditions and educational environments are highly valued, and there is a cultural tendency not to change one’s living arrangements easily. Thus, the combination of corporate personnel systems and family circumstances is the main reason why this practice is relatively common.
Business cards are one of the most important tools in business settings in Japan. A business card usually includes a person’s name, company name, job title, and contact information, serving as a formal introduction when meeting someone for the first time. Especially during business negotiations or meetings, the exchange of business cards is valued as part of the greeting process. However, this does not mean that people cannot do business without business cards. Nowadays, due to the spread of email, online meetings, and digital business cards, there are more and more situations where business cards are unnecessary. Thus, the custom of exchanging business cards is still important, but it is gradually changing with the times.