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An Analysis of Communication and Cultural Patterns in Japan and The United States
An Analysis of Communication and Cultural Patterns in Japan and The United States
An Analysis of Communication and Cultural Patterns in Japan and the United States
Devon C. Wilson
Abstract
Cultural values between people who are part of the cultural groups of the United States and Japan are vast and
important. Through analysis of history, religion, beliefs, and values, we will compare and contrast the two nations in
order to better understand the effect of different cultures on intercultural communication and globalization. When
examining the United States, one must consider the value that individualism and freedom play within the deep
structure elements of society. However, when examining Japanese cultural beliefs and behaviors, we can see the role
that group orientation, family dynamics and history play in regard to present day Japanese values, such as
collectivism, high face concern and high context beliefs. An understanding of both cultures by different parties is
imperative to facilitate effective and productive intercultural communication amidst continually expanding cultural
globalization.
A CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN 3
An Analysis of Communication and Cultural Patterns in Japan and the United States
Communication between cultures can be made more or less difficult to navigate based on how similar or
different cultural factors are between two sides. America and Japan are on two nearly opposite ends of the cultural
spectrum, which implies that it takes some knowledge and effort from both sides in order for there to be effective
intercultural communication between them. In this paper, we will explore the influencing factors of culture on two
very different nations and the effects those differences have on intercultural communication.
Influences on Culture
Deep structure elements explain the how and why of a culture and all cultures can be related back to the
deep structure elements within them (Samovar et al., 2017). These highly valued and deeply ingrained traits are core
principles of certain cultures, and while all cultures are comprised of individuals with their own personalities and
beliefs, knowing the general deep structure elements of a culture can give a helpful framework for guiding
Family
As discussed in Communication Between Cultures (Samovar et al., 2017), families are the first and most
prominent influences of identity on an individual. Families are responsible for passing on cultural beliefs and
teaching behaviors that are appropriate for their culture within a variety of contexts. The most common form of
family in the US or nuclear families, or a family unit composed of parents and unmarried children. Conversely,
extended families are composed of parents and children as well as other family members, such as grandparents or
cousins. Traditionally, Japanese families fell into the category of extended families, however according to Kato
(2013) modernization and industrialization has led most Japanese families to adopt the nuclear family model. Even
so, extended families remain an important tenant Of Japanese culture and often stay within close proximity to one
Worldview and Religion. Further examined in Communication Between Cultures (Samovar et al., 2017),
worldview and religion are deep structure tenants of belief systems that impact and influence entire cultures. One’s
worldview, or their beliefs about the concept of being and existence, gives people a framework by which to move
through the world and cope with the ideas of death as well as existence. In the United States, control of nature is
sought out as a value adhered to by most. Whereas in Japan, harmony with nature in respect of the natural world are
Religion is perhaps one of the most stringent indicators of worldview and philosophy among many.
According to Samovar et al., “Religion, perception, and behavior are inextricably intertwined (Samovar et al., 2017,
p. 108).” Religion as a construct allows the existence of frameworks that have social, political, and economic
consequences. This means that a culture’s or individual’s religion relates to their world as a whole, to include large
Many people in the United States adopt Christianity as their religion, which touts a single omnipotent God,
a deeply personal relationship between an individual and God, and influences religious and secular aspects of life
(Samovar et al., 2017). In Japan, the most common philosophical beliefs are that of Confucianism and Buddhism.
Confucianism and Buddhism are similar in that both are nontheistic (Tucker, 2018). Confucianism is not necessarily
a religion, but more so a worldview, and many Confucians follow Buddhism as their personal chosen religion
(Tucker, 2018).
Cultural Patterns
Cultural patterns and elements are formed by all of the above factors, along with geographical location, economic
policy, and politics (Samovar et al., 2017). Looking forward, we will discuss each culture’s patterns more closely in
America
Exploring influencing factors as presented by Samovar et al. (2017)., cultural patterns in America are very
individualistic and focused on the self and the pursuit of freedom, choice, and independence. As well, many
Americans are egalitarian and expect mutual respect and equality from those they interact with. Americans present
with low uncertainty avoidance, meaning that they view change as a normal and appropriate happening throughout
life. They lack strict social behavioral protocols and enjoy cultural diversity. Time management in America is
monochronic, meaning that Americans view time as a linear concept and are highly focused on schedules and single
task engagement. As well, Americans are part of a low context culture with low face concerns. Low context culture
can also be called direct culture, in which verbal conversation is valued and silence is avoided. A low face value
implies a focus on constructive conflict and concerns for one’s personal social appearance. Lastly, Americans follow
a universalistic pattern characterized by an objective reality with rules and guidelines that apply to all people.
American individualism has been on full display during the coronavirus pandemic. As per current events
reported by CNN, due to Americans strong beliefs surrounding individual rights, freedom of choice, and minimal
A CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN 5
government interference, the management of the coronavirus pandemic has been poor and resulted in a high number
of cases in the United States (Andrew, 2020). Subcultural political groups, mainly Democrats and Republicans, view
individualism and responsibility differently, and polarizing beliefs and values are affecting social response to public
health recommendations (Andrew, 2020). Many Americans are part of, “anti-mask,” movement, stating at their
personal choice and freedom are more important than public health and they cannot be mandated to wear masks
(Andrew, 2020). A lack of adherence to recommended CDC protocols and poor management by the government as a
result of America’s strong focus on the value of individual freedom is possibly a contributing factor to prolonging
the coronavirus pandemic and increasing the number of cases nationwide (Andrew, 2020).
Japan. Compared to America, according to Samovar et al. (2017), Japan is a more group-oriented collectivistic
society that values a hierarchical social structure characterized by vertical superiority levels and accepted
inequality. Many Japanese individuals present with high uncertainty avoidance and demonstrate a distaste for change
or disruption, cultural diversity, and follow many strict protocols. Time orientation in Japan is largely polychronic,
with less focus on scheduling and a higher tendency towards multitasking. Japanese culture stresses high context
behaviors and high face concerns, demonstrated by a strong cultural understanding of nonverbal communication and
silence, as well as a high sense of regard for the group face and avoidance of conflict Lastly, when analyzing japans
cultural patterns, it is pertinent to note that the Japanese are influenced by particularism, or the cultural belief that
relationships are more important than principles and rule-following is largely situational and influenced by context.
Japanese culture is heavily influenced by history and the past (Oxnam, 1997). During the Classical Era,
Japanese culture was heavily influenced by China, lending to its collectivistic and traditional cultural beliefs
(Oxnam, 1997). However, whereas cultural development in China occurs in a segmented manner, making way for
new changes over time, Japanese culture is more layered and influenced by previous cultural beliefs and practices
(Oxnam, 1997). This layering of time and development of national cultural beliefs has heavily accounted for the
stark differences between China and Japan, along with a national ethnocentrism in Japan that is characterized by a
strong belief in the unique nature of belief of the Japanese people (Oxnam, 1997).
Cultural differences abound between the United States and Japan. Evidence of these differences can be
found in the way people of both cultures view religion, nature, politics, family values, and social responsibility. With
the constant growth and expansion of globalization, it is imperative that both sides possess a basic understanding of
each other in order to facilitate effective and productive intercultural communication. A lack of knowledge and
A CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN 6
understanding of the other culture can result in cultural faux pas, difficulty conducting business and negotiations,
and poor multicultural relationships. If people engaging in intercultural communication take the time to learn about
the history and influence of other cultures, they may more readily adapt and understand each other, leading to a
greater sense of national unity and more successful global and personal outcomes.
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References
Andrew, S. (2020, May 19). America's response to the coronavirus is the most American thing ever. CNN.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/19/us/american-individualism-coronavirus-trnd/index.html.
Kato, A. (2013, March). The Japanese Family System: Change, Continuity, and Regionality over the Twentieth
2013-004.pdf.
Samovar, L. A., Porter, R. E., McDaniel, E. R., & Roy, C. S. (2017). Communication between cultures (9th ed.).
Cengage Learning.
Tucker, J. (2018, February 13). Japanese Confucian Philosophy. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/japanese-confucian/.