Changing Impression

I think there are the typical images for Japanese characteristic such as Japanese don’t try to stand out and focuses on the importance of harmony. Before taking this class, Visual Anthropology of Japan, I didn’t have positive image for such the Japanese characteristic that I also have. For example we are needed to explain our opinion anywhere, however we Japanese have taken education that paying attention what teacher say more than insisting our idea in class. Actually it was not so easy for me to say my opinion in this class. (I am reflecting about that so much…) So I had an opinion that such the particular Japanese characteristic would be to our disadvantage if we Japanese are under the international situation which I mean when we go study abroad or work at international environment.

However through this class, I could realize the positive aspects of such the Japanese typical characteristics. When the presentation about documentary film about Japan in this class, our team focused on Japanese culture harmonized with Western culture. As you can see, the influence of Western culture is speeding into Japan day by day.
(We can see many shops that came from other country anywhere. This picture can be good example. Recently, in Shinsaibashi, new “Krispy Kreme Doughnuts” shop opened. There is always a long line in front of this shop!)

However instead of changing or disappearing our culture, Japan chose to harmonize both Western culture and Japanese culture. So in that way we Japanese don’t need to lose our own culture and rather create a new culture style.
(Famous overseas brands such as H&M, ZARA, Forever 21, TOPSHOP and American Apparel are still popular in young Japanese fashion culture, however UNIQLO is also trying to establish their own color and unfolding their unique production. This is UT advertisement that corroborated with Japanese famous manga character.)

From the activity of the presentation, I could notice the importance of our proper characteristic that can keep harmony with something. If Japan doesn’t have such the special essence, it is not too much to say that uniquely Japanese culture is might no longer safe under the Western influence. My negative impression for Japanese characteristic was changing better.


From this class and my friends from other countries, I was realized about my ignorance of my own country Japan and culture. Now I am planning to study abroad in Sweden and I would like to take classes about Scandinavian aria studies. However, before study other countries culture, I have to expand my knowledge about my own country Japan more. There are still so many things that I don’t know about Japan here.

I really appreciate this class, Visual Anthropology of Japan, professor and my classmates giving me great opportunity to reconsider about Japan and myself. I would like to keep in mind that I learned from this class and I will try to continue posting blog from now on too.

Thank you so much!