3  Perception of Space

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3.1 Interpersonal Space

📖 Japanese people value personal space and maintain a comfortable distance between themselves and others.

3.1.1 item 0

• belief:
  • Japanese people stand further apart from each other than Americans when talking.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture values personal space and maintaining a comfortable distance between individuals.
• explanation:
  • This is because Japanese people believe that personal space is important for maintaining privacy and respecting the boundaries of others.

3.1.2 item 1

• belief:
  • Japanese people avoid touching or making physical contact with others in public.
• rationale:
  • Touching or making physical contact is seen as being too intimate and can make others feel uncomfortable.
• explanation:
  • Japanese people are taught from a young age to respect the personal space of others and to avoid making them feel uncomfortable.

3.1.3 item 2

• belief:
  • Japanese people use indirect language and avoid saying things that could be confrontational.
• rationale:
  • Direct language is seen as being too aggressive and can damage relationships.
• explanation:
  • Japanese people believe that it is important to maintain harmony in relationships and to avoid saying things that could hurt others’ feelings.

3.1.4 item 3

• belief:
  • Japanese people are very aware of their surroundings and are careful not to invade the personal space of others.
• rationale:
  • Being aware of one’s surroundings is important for maintaining social harmony.
• explanation:
  • Japanese people believe that it is important to be respectful of others and to avoid doing anything that could make them feel uncomfortable.

3.1.5 item 4

• belief:
  • Japanese people value privacy and are reluctant to share personal information with others.
• rationale:
  • Privacy is important for maintaining a sense of self and individuality.
• explanation:
  • Japanese people believe that it is important to protect one’s privacy and to avoid sharing information that could be used against them.

3.2 Public Space

📖 Public spaces are generally clean and orderly, and people are expected to behave respectfully.

3.2.1 item 0

• belief:
  • In Japan, public spaces are considered to be shared by everyone, and it is important to maintain them for the benefit of all.
• rationale:
  • This belief is based on the Japanese concept of amae, which refers to the sense of dependence and trust that people have in each other. This sense of community leads people to take responsibility for their shared spaces and to behave in a way that is respectful of others.
• explanation:
  • As a result of this belief, Japanese people are generally very conscientious about keeping public spaces clean and tidy. They also tend to be considerate of others when using public spaces, and they are careful not to make noise or disturb others.

3.2.2 item 1

• belief:
  • It is important to show respect for public spaces by behaving in a way that is appropriate to the setting.
• rationale:
  • This belief is based on the Japanese concept of wa, which refers to the importance of harmony and social order. Japanese people believe that it is important to maintain a sense of harmony in public spaces, and they avoid doing anything that could disrupt this harmony.
• explanation:
  • As a result of this belief, Japanese people tend to be very polite and respectful when using public spaces. They are careful not to litter or make noise, and they are always mindful of the needs of others.

3.2.3 item 2

• belief:
  • Public spaces should be used for the benefit of everyone, and it is important to avoid doing anything that could harm or inconvenience others.
• rationale:
  • This belief is based on the Japanese concept of giri, which refers to the sense of obligation and duty that people have towards each other. Japanese people believe that they have a duty to use public spaces in a responsible way, and they avoid doing anything that could harm or inconvenience others.
• explanation:
  • As a result of this belief, Japanese people tend to be very considerate of others when using public spaces. They are careful not to block walkways or doorways, and they always try to keep noise levels to a minimum.

3.2.4 item 3

• belief:
  • It is important to maintain a sense of order and cleanliness in public spaces.
• rationale:
  • This belief is based on the Japanese concept of seiketsu, which refers to the importance of cleanliness and order. Japanese people believe that it is important to keep public spaces clean and tidy, and they take pride in maintaining a sense of order.
• explanation:
  • As a result of this belief, Japanese people tend to be very conscientious about keeping public spaces clean. They often volunteer to clean up parks and other public spaces, and they are always careful to dispose of their litter properly.

3.2.5 item 4

• belief:
  • Public spaces are a valuable resource, and it is important to use them wisely.
• rationale:
  • This belief is based on the Japanese concept of mottainai, which refers to the sense of regret or wastefulness that people feel when something is not used to its full potential. Japanese people believe that public spaces are a valuable resource, and they want to make sure that they are used in a way that benefits everyone.
• explanation:
  • As a result of this belief, Japanese people tend to be very mindful of how they use public spaces. They are careful not to waste resources, and they always try to make the most of the spaces that are available.

3.3 Spatial Orientation

📖 Japanese people have a strong sense of spatial orientation and are able to navigate their surroundings easily.

3.3.1 item 0

• belief:
  • Japanese people are very aware of their surroundings and are able to navigate their surroundings easily.
• rationale:
  • Japanese people are taught from a young age to be aware of their surroundings and to be respectful of others. This means that they are constantly paying attention to where they are going and to the people around them. As a result, they are able to navigate their surroundings easily and to avoid getting lost.
• explanation:
  • This belief is based on the fact that Japanese people have a strong sense of spatial orientation. This is due to the fact that they are taught from a young age to be aware of their surroundings and to be respectful of others. As a result, they are constantly paying attention to where they are going and to the people around them. This allows them to develop a strong sense of spatial orientation and to be able to navigate their surroundings easily.

3.3.2 item 1

• belief:
  • Japanese people have a strong sense of direction.
• rationale:
  • Japanese people are taught from a young age to be independent and to be able to take care of themselves. This means that they are often taught to be able to navigate their surroundings on their own. As a result, they develop a strong sense of direction and are able to find their way around even in unfamiliar places.
• explanation:
  • This belief is based on the fact that Japanese people are taught from a young age to be independent and to be able to take care of themselves. This means that they are often taught to be able to navigate their surroundings on their own. As a result, they develop a strong sense of direction and are able to find their way around even in unfamiliar places.

3.3.3 item 2

• belief:
  • Japanese people are very good at reading maps.
• rationale:
  • Japanese people are taught from a young age to be able to read maps and to be able to use them to navigate their surroundings. This is because maps are an important part of Japanese culture and are used for a variety of purposes, such as planning trips and finding directions. As a result, Japanese people develop a strong ability to read maps and to use them to navigate their surroundings.
• explanation:
  • This belief is based on the fact that Japanese people are taught from a young age to be able to read maps and to be able to use them to navigate their surroundings. This is because maps are an important part of Japanese culture and are used for a variety of purposes, such as planning trips and finding directions. As a result, Japanese people develop a strong ability to read maps and to use them to navigate their surroundings.

3.3.4 item 3

• belief:
  • Japanese people are very good at remembering places.
• rationale:
  • Japanese people are taught from a young age to be able to remember places and to be able to find their way back to them. This is because it is important for them to be able to find their way around their surroundings and to be able to get back home. As a result, Japanese people develop a strong ability to remember places and to be able to find their way back to them.
• explanation:
  • This belief is based on the fact that Japanese people are taught from a young age to be able to remember places and to be able to find their way back to them. This is because it is important for them to be able to find their way around their surroundings and to be able to get back home. As a result, Japanese people develop a strong ability to remember places and to be able to find their way back to them.

3.3.5 item 4

• belief:
  • Japanese people are very good at giving directions.
• rationale:
  • Japanese people are taught from a young age to be able to give directions and to be able to help others find their way around. This is because it is important for them to be able to help others and to be able to make sure that others are safe. As a result, Japanese people develop a strong ability to give directions and to be able to help others find their way around.
• explanation:
  • This belief is based on the fact that Japanese people are taught from a young age to be able to give directions and to be able to help others find their way around. This is because it is important for them to be able to help others and to be able to make sure that others are safe. As a result, Japanese people develop a strong ability to give directions and to be able to help others find their way around.

3.4 Harmony with Nature

📖 Japanese people have a deep appreciation for nature and incorporate it into their daily lives.

3.4.1 item 0

• belief:
  • Nature is a sacred and integral part of life.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture has a long history of animism, the belief that all things possess a spirit. This belief extends to the natural world, which is seen as a source of wisdom and beauty.
• explanation:
  • As a result, Japanese people have a deep respect for nature and strive to live in harmony with it. This is reflected in their art, architecture, and daily lives.

3.4.2 item 1

• belief:
  • The natural world is a source of beauty and inspiration.
• rationale:
  • The Japanese aesthetic tradition, known as wabi-sabi, emphasizes the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. This aesthetic is often inspired by the natural world, which is seen as a constant source of beauty and change.
• explanation:
  • Japanese people often seek out natural settings for relaxation and inspiration. They also incorporate natural elements into their homes and gardens, creating a sense of peace and tranquility.

3.4.3 item 2

• belief:
  • Humans are part of nature and should live in harmony with it.
• rationale:
  • The Japanese concept of mottainai expresses the idea that it is wasteful and disrespectful to waste resources. This concept extends to the natural world, which is seen as a precious gift that should be cherished.
• explanation:
  • As a result, Japanese people are careful to conserve resources and avoid polluting the environment. They also practice sustainable farming and forestry practices, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty and bounty of the natural world.

3.4.4 item 3

• belief:
  • The natural world is a source of wisdom and guidance.
• rationale:
  • The Japanese tradition of Shintoism emphasizes the importance of listening to the voices of nature. This belief is reflected in the practice of nature worship, in which people seek guidance and wisdom from the natural world.
• explanation:
  • Japanese people often turn to nature for inspiration and guidance in their daily lives. They may go for walks in the forest, meditate by a stream, or simply sit in their gardens and observe the changing seasons.

3.4.5 item 4

• belief:
  • The natural world is a source of healing and renewal.
• rationale:
  • The Japanese practice of forest bathing, known as shinrin-yoku, has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing stress, improving mood, and boosting the immune system.
• explanation:
  • Japanese people often seek out natural settings for relaxation and healing. They may go for walks in the forest, visit hot springs, or simply spend time in their gardens. These activities can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.

3.5 Aesthetics and Beauty

📖 Japanese people have a refined sense of aesthetics and value beauty in all its forms.

3.5.1 item 0

• belief:
  • Wabi-sabi
• rationale:
  • Finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence
• explanation:
  • Japanese aesthetics embrace the concept of wabi-sabi, which values the beauty of things that are incomplete, imperfect, or impermanent. This philosophy celebrates the natural cycles of life and the passage of time, recognizing that beauty can be found in the flaws and imperfections of the world.

3.5.2 item 1

• belief:
  • Ma
• rationale:
  • Appreciating negative space and emptiness
• explanation:
  • Japanese art and design often incorporate the concept of ma, which refers to the empty space or negative space between elements. This negative space is not seen as empty but rather as an active and integral part of the composition, creating a sense of balance, harmony, and depth.

3.5.3 item 2

• belief:
  • Mono no aware
• rationale:
  • Recognizing the transience and beauty of all things
• explanation:
  • Mono no aware is a Japanese aesthetic concept that refers to the awareness of the impermanence of all things and the beauty that can be found in their transience. This philosophy encourages individuals to appreciate the present moment and to find beauty in the fleeting nature of life.

3.5.4 item 3

• belief:
  • Kirei
• rationale:
  • Valuing cleanliness and order
• explanation:
  • Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on cleanliness and order, which is reflected in many aspects of society. From the immaculately clean streets to the minimalist design of traditional homes, kirei is a deeply ingrained aesthetic value that contributes to a sense of harmony and tranquility.

3.5.5 item 4

• belief:
  • Shibui
• rationale:
  • Appreciating understated elegance and simplicity
• explanation:
  • Shibui is a Japanese aesthetic concept that values simplicity, restraint, and understatement. It emphasizes the beauty of natural materials, muted colors, and simple forms, creating a sense of elegance and sophistication.