Japan and Germany, two of the most powerful nations in the world, are strongly connected, but still the people in these countries know very few about each other. In this work the reader should get an overview about both countries so that somebody who doesn’t hava a good knowledge gets an impression of these countries.
In interviews people from both countries were asked what they think about each other, what prejudices they have, how they see the relationship between their countries and which experiences they have made in their own countries.
For sure, this can not be seen represantative for all inhabitants, but it gives an impression of the thoughts of younger people in a world, which becomes closer and closer and in which no country can stand isolated. A generalization e.g. “The Germans, or the Japanese do…” isn’t adequate, because the scientists cannot say that a whole country behaves equally.
Because of the process of globalization it is essential for politicians and managers who work in Japan and reversly to know about the customs in the host country. That is the point, where the work of a modern cultural anthropologist is useful and needed.
Imagine a business man from Germany to be in Japan and not knowing why the Japanese bow to greet. Maybe he thinks, the Japanese wants to attack him by running into his stomach?
It is difficult to write about a country you have never been to, so the sources are based on the interviewed people, facts written in books and another useful medium is the internet.
In order to compare the two countries it is indispensable that the reader knows some facts about the countries. So, in the first part of this paper the aim is to inform the reader about the geographical situation, the political system and the religion in the two countries.
Then a historical overview about Japan and Germany, considering their similarities, will be given.
In the third part of this paper stereotypical images which people in both countries have from each other will be examined. Maybe some prejudices turn out to be true, and some people in the concerned country behave in the way they are expected to.
Table of Contents
I: Introduction
II: Facts about Japan and Germany:
II. 1: Germany:
Political System
Geographical Situation
Religion
II. 2: Japan:
Political System
Geographical Situation
Religion
III: History of Japan and Germany (under special attention of similarities)
IV: What is a stereotype?
V.1 Stereotypical Images of Japanese towards Germany
V.2 Stereotypical Images of Germans towards Japan
VI: Collectivistic culture or individualistic culture
VII: Conclusion and Outlook
Objectives and Core Topics
This paper aims to provide a comparative overview of Germany and Japan by examining their political systems, geographical backgrounds, and religious structures. Furthermore, it explores the historical parallels between the two nations and analyzes existing stereotypes and cultural differences—specifically focusing on Hofstede's classification of collectivistic and individualistic societies—to better understand the interpersonal perceptions between these two powerful, globalized nations.
- Comparative analysis of political and geographical frameworks in Germany and Japan.
- Historical survey emphasizing commonalities in development and social structure.
- Examination of stereotypical perceptions held by citizens of both nations toward one another.
- Application of cultural dimensions to distinguish between individualistic and collectivistic behaviors.
- Evaluation of the impact of globalization on mutual understanding and cultural integration.
Excerpt from the Book
III. History of Japan and Germany: (with special attention of similarities)
At first sight it is difficult to find anything that the histories of these two countries, which are located on different ends of the world, have in common. But by having a closer view on each country`s history it is possible to find similarities. From around 300 B.C. until 300 A.C. people mainly from central asia came to Japan and reduced the original inhabitants, the Ainu, to a minority.
The history of Japan can be divided into five periods which together cover about 1 600 years. As for Germany, it is difficult to speak about a national history of Japan. Japan had feudal seigniors until the Edo period began in 1600 and furthermore. In Germany the country was completely united much later: Only in 1871 the ‘German Reich’ was founded.
The first period of which we can speak as a specific Japanese cultural period is the so called “classical period” from 400 A.D until 1 200 A.D. At that time Japan opened its society towards Chinese influence. A lot of features were adopted from the Chinese culture which is one of the oldest cultures in the world. For example: the Japanese began to write in Chinese letters but they still spoke Japanese. This is a phenomon which can be seen in Germany as well. In Germany, it was common (until Martin Luther translated the bible into German) to write in Latin. Before compulsory schooling monks were almost the only ones able to read and write.
Summary of Chapters
I: Introduction: This chapter outlines the work's objective to provide an overview of Germany and Japan for better cross-cultural understanding, based on interviews with international students.
II: Facts about Japan and Germany:: This section provides foundational information regarding the political systems, geography, and religious demographics of both countries.
III: History of Japan and Germany (under special attention of similarities):: This chapter offers a historical overview of both nations, highlighting shared developments, feudal structures, and the influence of industrialization.
IV: What is a stereotype?: This section discusses the definition and origin of stereotypes and prejudice, emphasizing how they are formed and maintained within societies.
V.1 Stereotypical Images of Japanese towards Germany: This chapter analyzes how Japanese perceive Germany, focusing on work ethic, reliability, and social stereotypes like humor or alcohol consumption.
V.2 Stereotypical Images of Germans towards Japan: This chapter examines German perceptions of Japan, including the image of the "hard-working" Japanese, environmental concerns, and obedience to authority.
VI: Collectivistic culture or individualistic culture: This chapter applies Gert Hofstede’s criteria to classify Germany as an individualistic society and Japan as a collectivistic one.
VII: Conclusion and Outlook: The final chapter summarizes that despite cultural differences, both nations are modern, business-oriented countries that share values and can maintain positive relations in a globalizing world.
Keywords
Germany, Japan, Culture, Comparison, Globalization, Politics, History, Stereotype, Prejudice, Collectivism, Individualism, Society, Economy, Religion, Geography
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on a comparative analysis of Germany and Japan, investigating how cultural, historical, and political factors shape the perceptions and stereotypes that citizens of these two nations have about each other.
Which thematic fields are covered?
The work covers political systems, geographical situations, religious demographics, historical development, societal structures (individualism vs. collectivism), and the formation of stereotypes.
What is the core research objective?
The main objective is to move beyond generalizations and offer an objective overview of both countries to help bridge the knowledge gap and foster better understanding, particularly for individuals interacting in a globalized business context.
What methodology is applied in this study?
The study utilizes a qualitative approach, incorporating historical facts, socio-political data, and primary data collected through interviews with 8 Japanese and German students at the Venice International University.
What does the main body of the text discuss?
The main body compares the two countries by analyzing their political frameworks, historical parallels (such as feudal structures and industrialization), their respective positions on cultural dimensions, and the validity of common stereotypes.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Germany, Japan, Culture, Comparison, Globalization, Collectivism, Individualism, Stereotype, and Historical Development.
How does the author define the difference between Japanese and German education systems?
The author suggests that the Japanese system prioritizes obedience to the group and memorization for exams, whereas the German system, while also focused on teaching, encourages critical thinking and the defense of personal arguments.
How do the concepts of "Tatemae" and "Honne" influence the author's analysis of Japanese society?
These concepts are used to explain the Japanese tendency to balance an "official" public face aimed at maintaining social harmony with private thoughts that may differ, which characterizes Japan as a collectivistic culture.
What is the author's conclusion regarding the relationship between the two countries?
The author concludes that despite cultural differences, Germany and Japan share significant values as business-oriented, democratic states and are well-positioned to maintain positive relations in an increasingly globalized "world culture."
- Quote paper
- Georg Fichtner (Author), 2005, Japan and Germany - A comparison, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/49879
