ARE JAPANESE STEREOTYPES TRUE?

Is it true that all Japanese eat sushi every day and watch anime?

Stereotypes as a fact are quite an interesting thing; they simplify some human aspects and generalize them. Take, for example, stereotypes about the United States - at least offhand, I can quite name the three most famous American stereotypes. Let's get a look...

Okay, firstly KissAnime ru, they sue for everything they can; secondly, people always carry weapons with them and of course use them if they receive threats. And thirdly, all American girls are crazy and sloppy. Well, thanks to Hollywood, I think I can understand the second and third stereotypes, but what about the first? Is this all because of the case when the grandmother sued the company of microwave ovens because she did not indicate in the instructions “do not dry the cats inside”? Most people outside of America now believe that everyone in America loves to sue others. Thus, a certain event can lead to the creation of a stereotype, which is mainly negative.

And yet, back to the topic - what about Japan? What is the Japanese nation known for?

Without excluding myself, I am sure that everyone could recall at least two or three stereotypes about Japan that you heard in childhood (maybe). Let me guess, the first thing that comes to mind is:

1. All Japanese watch anime and read manga!

Yes, I know what you are thinking. “All Japanese must be reading manga and watching anime every day, it's their culture!” I would not want to disappoint anyone, but not all Japanese watch anime and read manga every day. Of course, all the children in Japan are probably passionate about this, but the same thing is with the same Americans who watch Looney Tunes and read superhero comics. As they get older, they tend to become interested in other activities - newspapers, short stories or games. A serious obsession with hobbies of anime and manga, in which all other aspects of everyday life are put on the back burner, is that what distinguishes that very otaku.

However, the explanation above is a little unfair, there is a difference between adults, children, and otaku. In fact, many Japanese adults still enjoy reading comics and watching anime in their free time. What for? Because most Japanese people hate to do nothing in their free time. Or - another explanation - they want to know what is happening in the minds of adolescents. Therefore, if you meet people in Japan reading manga or playing a game on the train, even if it is an adult, this is quite normal for them.

Duly noted that in Japan, those who have considered otaku lose their social status and are shunned by society. Radically, of course, but this is what they call justice. Society does not NetizenBuzz to implement a social sanction so that you comply. In this case, some come to this themselves - that is why most Japanese families try to hide their hikikomori child from society. 

Conclusion: the stereotype is not true

2. All the Japanese eat sushi every day - so they are so smart!

"What, what? Sushi every day?" - this is what I am saying in surprise, looking into my wallet and looking at the cost of sushi, but most Japanese will do the same. The lowest sushi price you can find in Japan is the one you give away at the store — about $ 8, or 750.08 yen per dish. Of course, the place where you eat also affects the price range. For example, if you decided to try sushi in the Ginja, you would probably spend a fortune. Ginza is by far the most exclusive and expensive shopping area in Japan, with the most expensive real estate in the world.

"Then why are the Japanese so smart?"

“Fish menu. You know, the Japanese family tries to eat fish every day. ”

Although the Japanese do not eat sushi every day, they are still used to eating fish as often as possible. The fish is represented in Japanese cuisine is quite diverse, so the average Japanese person consumes more than 70 kg per year (or about 200 grams per day). The Japanese are so obsessed with fish that they consume 12% of the world's fish, making up only 2% of the world population.

There are several reasons why the Japanese eat fish, and the most notable is the fact that Japan is an island country. Given that 70% of Japan is a mountain, it is difficult for them to grow large numbers of livestock. Therefore, fish is more affordable and cheaper.

Conclusion: the stereotype is not true

3. All Japanese are amazingly punctual!

Japan is trustworthy because the Japanese value the sense of time” is what most people will say, and I agree with them. The Japanese have no habit of being late because it is considered humiliating to those who wait. They have this obsession to be everywhere on time so that others do not feel humiliated. All this applies not only to people but also to transport.

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Elsewhere in the world, a train delayed by 90 seconds may not be considered late. But in Japan, 90 seconds will knock down passengers dependent on trains whose schedule is coordinated with surgical accuracy. This also applies to airlines, no matter how large or small the aircraft.

Unfortunately, the obsession with time also leads to numerous accidents in public transport. Due to pressure and fear of being late, the conductor or pilot, checking the schedule, increases the speed of the vehicle. The increase in speed leads to many accidents.

But this is strange, huh? Why are the Japanese so obsessed with punctuality?

I believe that there are two factors. Let's start with the concept of Honor. In Japan, everyone believes that they should be trustworthy, and it’s crucial not to break this connection. When you break trust, society will see you as incompetent.

"Society? Does society play a role in punctuality?"

Oh yes, and this is precisely the second-factor explaining punctuality: the expectations of society. Every child in Japan learns to follow the order. Maybe this is due to punctuality? Maybe. Japan has a number of values ​​and norms that must be respected, and this is taught by kindergartens. One of these values ​​is punctuality. If you are Japanese and you are not punctual, it is very likely that you will receive a Manga Fox. The ability to conform is deeply rooted in the minds of the Japanese, making them afraid to make a mistake. 

Conclusion: most Japanese are truly punctual!