12  Perception of Failure

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12.1 Collectivism

📖 Japanese people emphasize the importance of the group over the individual, and their behavior is often guided by a desire to maintain harmony and avoid conflict within the group.

12.1.1 item 0

• belief:
  • In Japan, failure is often seen as a collective rather than an individual responsibility.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture places a high value on group harmony and cooperation, so individuals may be more likely to take responsibility for the group’s failures than their own.
• explanation:
  • This belief can lead to a greater sense of shared responsibility and a willingness to work together to overcome challenges.

12.1.2 item 1

• belief:
  • Japanese people may be more likely to avoid taking risks due to a fear of failure.
• rationale:
  • In a collectivist society, individuals may be more concerned about the potential impact of their actions on the group than on themselves.
• explanation:
  • This belief can lead to a more cautious approach to decision-making and a reluctance to embrace change.

12.1.3 item 2

• belief:
  • Japanese people may be more likely to conform to group norms in order to avoid being seen as different or disruptive.
• rationale:
  • In a collectivist society, individuals may place a high value on fitting in and maintaining harmony within the group.
• explanation:
  • This belief can lead to a greater emphasis on social conformity and a reluctance to express dissenting opinions.

12.1.4 item 3

• belief:
  • Japanese people may be more likely to prioritize the needs of the group over their own individual needs.
• rationale:
  • Collectivist cultures emphasize the importance of sacrificing individual desires for the benefit of the group.
• explanation:
  • This belief can lead to a greater sense of community and a willingness to work together for the common good.

12.1.5 item 4

• belief:
  • Japanese people may be more likely to value long-term relationships and commitments over short-term gains.
• rationale:
  • Collectivist cultures place a high value on maintaining social harmony and relationships.
• explanation:
  • This belief can lead to a greater emphasis on building and maintaining strong social networks.

12.2 Hierarchy

📖 Japanese society is highly hierarchical, and people are expected to respect those who are above them in the social hierarchy. This can lead to a reluctance to challenge authority or express dissenting opinions.

12.2.1 item 0

• belief:
  • In Japan, individuals are less likely to challenge their superiors out of respect for the established hierarchy.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture emphasizes respect for authority figures and maintaining harmony within social groups.
• explanation:
  • This belief stems from the deeply ingrained cultural value of respecting one’s elders, seniors, and those in positions of power. To maintain a harmonious society, open confrontation or challenges to authority are often discouraged.

12.2.2 item 1

• belief:
  • Japanese society values consensus and group decision-making, which can lead to a suppression of individual opinions.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture prioritizes collective harmony and cooperation, valuing the opinions of the group over individualistic perspectives.
• explanation:
  • In group settings, Japanese individuals often prioritize reaching a consensus rather than expressing dissenting views. This can stem from a desire to avoid conflict and maintain group cohesion.

12.2.3 item 2

• belief:
  • Japanese individuals may hesitate to take personal responsibility for failures due to the fear of disrupting group harmony.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture emphasizes the importance of maintaining social harmony and avoiding shame.
• explanation:
  • In Japan, taking responsibility for failures can be seen as disruptive to group dynamics and may lead to feelings of shame or guilt. As a result, individuals may be less likely to acknowledge their own mistakes.

12.2.4 item 3

• belief:
  • Japanese society places a high value on conformity and adherence to social norms.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture emphasizes a sense of belonging and fitting into society, which can lead to pressure to conform.
• explanation:
  • Japanese individuals are socialized to value group harmony and cooperation. This can lead to a tendency to conform to societal norms and expectations, even if they conflict with personal beliefs or values.

12.2.5 item 4

• belief:
  • In Japan, failure is often seen as a collective responsibility rather than an individual one.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture values interdependence and cooperation, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
• explanation:
  • Within Japanese society, individuals are often viewed as part of a larger collective, such as their family, company, or community. As a result, failures are often attributed to the group as a whole rather than solely to the individual.

12.3 Indirect Communication

📖 Japanese people often communicate indirectly, using hints and suggestions rather than being direct. This can make it difficult for foreigners to understand what Japanese people are really thinking or feeling.

12.3.1 item 0

• belief:
  • The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.
• rationale:
  • In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on conformity. People who are seen as different or who stand out from the crowd may be criticized or ostracized.
• explanation:
  • This belief is reflected in the Japanese saying “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.” This saying warns people to be careful not to draw too much attention to themselves, as they may face negative consequences.

12.3.2 item 1

• belief:
  • It is better to keep your thoughts to yourself.
• rationale:
  • In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on politeness and respect. People are taught to be mindful of their words and actions, and to avoid saying anything that could hurt or offend others.
• explanation:
  • This belief is reflected in the Japanese saying “It is better to keep your thoughts to yourself.” This saying teaches people to be cautious about what they say, and to avoid expressing their opinions unless they are asked.

12.3.3 item 2

• belief:
  • Harmony is more important than individual happiness.
• rationale:
  • In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on the group. People are taught to put the needs of the group ahead of their own individual needs.
• explanation:
  • This belief is reflected in the Japanese saying “Harmony is more important than individual happiness.” This saying teaches people to value the harmony of the group over their own personal happiness.

12.3.4 item 3

• belief:
  • It is important to save face.
• rationale:
  • In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on honor and reputation. People are taught to avoid doing anything that could embarrass themselves or their family.
• explanation:
  • This belief is reflected in the Japanese saying “It is important to save face.” This saying teaches people to be careful about their actions, and to avoid doing anything that could damage their reputation.

12.3.5 item 4

• belief:
  • It is important to be humble.
• rationale:
  • In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on humility. People are taught to be modest and to avoid bragging about their accomplishments.
• explanation:
  • This belief is reflected in the Japanese saying “It is important to be humble.” This saying teaches people to be mindful of their own limitations, and to avoid putting themselves above others.

12.4 Emotional Restraint

📖 Japanese people are taught to control their emotions and avoid showing strong emotions in public. This can make it difficult for foreigners to build close relationships with Japanese people.

12.4.1 item 0

• belief:
  • Showing strong emotions in public is considered rude and disrespectful.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture values harmony and social order, and strong emotions can be seen as disruptive.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads to a tendency to suppress emotions in public settings, even if one is feeling strongly about something.

12.4.2 item 1

• belief:
  • It is important to maintain a calm and composed demeanor, even in difficult situations.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture emphasizes self-control and discipline, and losing control of one’s emotions is seen as a sign of weakness.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads to a tendency to avoid expressing strong emotions, even when it would be appropriate to do so.

12.4.3 item 2

• belief:
  • It is more important to consider the feelings of others than to express one’s own emotions.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture values empathy and compassion, and it is considered important to be aware of the impact of one’s actions on others.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads to a tendency to prioritize the needs of others over one’s own, even if it means suppressing one’s own emotions.

12.4.4 item 3

• belief:
  • It is better to avoid conflict and confrontation.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture values harmony and cooperation, and conflict is seen as disruptive and destructive.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads to a tendency to avoid expressing strong emotions or opinions that could lead to conflict.

12.4.5 item 4

• belief:
  • It is important to save face and avoid embarrassment.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture values honor and reputation, and it is considered important to maintain one’s social standing.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads to a tendency to avoid expressing strong emotions or opinions that could lead to embarrassment or shame.

12.5 Respect for Tradition

📖 Japanese people have a deep respect for tradition, and they often follow traditional customs and practices. This can make it difficult for foreigners to understand why Japanese people do things the way they do.

12.5.1 item 0

• belief:
  • Tradition is a source of wisdom and guidance.
• rationale:
  • Japanese people believe that tradition has been passed down through generations for a reason, and that it contains valuable knowledge and insights.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads Japanese people to be respectful of tradition and to follow traditional customs and practices. It also makes them more likely to listen to the advice of elders and to value the opinions of those who have more experience.

12.5.2 item 1

• belief:
  • It is important to maintain harmony and avoid conflict.
• rationale:
  • Japanese people believe that harmony is essential for a peaceful and productive society.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads Japanese people to be polite and respectful in their interactions with others. They are also more likely to compromise and to avoid confrontation. This can sometimes make it difficult for foreigners to understand why Japanese people are so hesitant to express their opinions or to stand up for themselves.

12.5.3 item 2

• belief:
  • The group is more important than the individual.
• rationale:
  • Japanese people believe that the group is more important than the individual, and that individuals should always put the needs of the group before their own.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads Japanese people to be very cooperative and team-oriented. They are also more likely to conform to social norms and to avoid standing out from the crowd. This can sometimes make it difficult for foreigners to understand why Japanese people are so reluctant to take risks or to express their individuality.

12.5.4 item 3

• belief:
  • Saving face is important.
• rationale:
  • Japanese people believe that it is important to save face, both for themselves and for others.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads Japanese people to be very careful about what they say and do. They are also more likely to avoid situations that could embarrass them or make them look bad. This can sometimes make it difficult for foreigners to understand why Japanese people are so indirect and evasive in their communication.

12.5.5 item 4

• belief:
  • Duty and obligation are important.
• rationale:
  • Japanese people believe that they have a duty to their family, their community, and their country.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads Japanese people to be very hardworking and responsible. They are also more likely to put the needs of others before their own. This can sometimes make it difficult for foreigners to understand why Japanese people are so willing to sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of others.