After our brief time in Kyoto, I could already sense the strong pride that
the Japanese people feel about being Japanese. This impression was so different
from what I noticed in Taiwan and China.
In Beijing, I was consistently confused about what I was seeing and
worried about making a generalization because my view was so limited (Beijing
does not represent all of China). We saw the rundown downtown area, the New
York-Esque shopping street near the night markets, the built-up high rises and
financial district where the Olympic buildings were also placed, the hutongs
ranging from well kept to poverty stricken, along with ancient temples and
sites to see. I kept getting the feeling that there was a part of Beijing that
we were supposed to see as tourists, and part that gets shown off to others to
show the greatness of China, and a part that is generally kept hidden and can
only really be stumbled upon by those wandering through, searching for
alternate parts of culture. There was a clear eagerness to be on par with the
Western world along with a part of the country that is lagging behind.
In Taipei, there was a wonderfully eclectic and lively feel about the
city. It made Taiwan seem entirely welcome and embracing. The influence of
democracy and western culture was also clear not only in the buildings and
companies, but in our interactions with the universities and the natives. They
were eager to come to the United States and learn about our culture, while also
excited to teach us about theirs. There was a lot of pride in the opportunities
that were available in Taiwan – they seemed eager to show us how similar Taiwan
is to the United States, but also how much more there is in Taiwan. The pride
was in how similar and successful both countries could be rather than in the
native culture of Taiwan or China.
In Japan, the atmosphere is extremely different. There is power and order
apparent in the city of Kyoto. The architecture is strong and stark, though often
creative in an intricate but functional way. There is structure and formality
in every action and interaction. There is a clear display of respect and
hierarchy. But most importantly, there is no desire to be like the west. The
Japanese are Japanese and that’s that…and it works. The cities are clean and
organized, they’re well off economically, and their businesses are successful.
They aren’t about to change any time soon. They may be welcoming and
accommodating, but not to bring in change – it’s just to make a connection and
continue on.
The whole comparison reminds me of a comment one of the Dow employees made
when we visited: If you want a country that will be completely open to accepting
changing and adapting to your corporate culture, go to China. If you want a
country that will nod and say yes to your changes while implementing none of
them, go to Japan.
Andy noted that many of the young people are more susceptible to change
and are becoming more liberal, but even then change happens a generation at a
time. It may be a stronger change as it will become engrained in the culture of
Japan from the tart, but it is still a slow change. I’m not sure which is
better: quick change that comes with impermanence and opposition or slow change
that finishes with all parties on board?
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