Introduction
One of the most critical elements distinguishing the perceptions of people around the world is culture, and its comparison between Japan and Germany can shed light on the way views are formed. It is to be performed with regard to the activity of citizens, linked to traditions and their inner guidance. Hence, the cultural differences between Japan and Germany can be revealed by limiting research to examining the work-family balance and traditional values. These two aspects, discussed consecutively, will be the paper’s main focus.
The Work-Family Balance
The first aspect of the matter is people’s activity in Japan and Germany within businesses as determined by culture and their habits and preferences in terms of distinguishing their work time and families. In this respect, the situation in these two countries can be analyzed by using the criteria of particular challenges for men and women, reflected by cultural specificities and their opportunities in this area. Thus, in both Japan and Germany, particular attention is paid to the employment of men and women to meet their children’s needs without neglecting the positions of either of them in this sphere (Ezawa, 2020; Bellmann & Hübler, 2020). In the former case, it is presented by the reported importance of work for all family members as opposed to the previously existing tendencies of prevailing men’s employment with their neglect of child rearing (Ezawa, 2020). For the latter, the necessity to work from home while taking care of kids related to both female and male workers explains the equality of their needs (Bellmann & Hübler, 2020). Hence, despite varying conditions for men and women, all people recognize the importance of combining employment and children.
Nevertheless, challenges faced by the people in Japan and Germany can be distinguished by gender and, therefore, are completely different. In the former country, the most interesting cultural phenomenon is the large numbers of the so-called ikumen or “child caring men,” who take their offspring everywhere with them (Ishii-Kuntz, 2019, p. 177). It stems from the beginning of the government’s campaign, designed by the activists concerned about the neglect of children by their fathers (Ishii-Kuntz, 2019). Its uniqueness is in the way it regulates the time spent with kids by both parents. On the contrary, in Germany, traditional hardships in this regard are determined not by relationships within families but by money since lone mothers are the most vulnerable population group (Hohnerlein, 2019). Considering these circumstances, the situation in Japan seems more favorable since not only finances but also new generations’ psychological health is addressed.
Traditional Values
The second aspect, allowing to compare the cultural characteristics of Japan and Germany, is traditional values since they guide the development of all areas of life in the respective countries. Japan and Germany are primarily presented by the importance of specific freedoms and the respect for human rights, which determine the similarities between them. In this case, the criteria for comparison are the above two provisions. As follows from the article published by Matsui (2018), Japanese culture implied the need for a high degree of autonomy when managing the country’s affairs and people’s lives when adopting the Constitution. The same applies to Germany since the interests of its citizens are a priority for the government, and they can be respected only if they are provided with the freedom to decide for themselves (Ditlmann & Kopf-Beck, 2019). Since the Japanese resentment for outside changes and German willingness to make independent choices, as well as both countries’ emphasis on human rights, correlate, they are the main similarities between them.
The differences between the values in Japan and Germany are more critical for determining the varying perspectives on different matters. The criteria for comparison include the orientation on short-term and long-term shifts and the connection between people’s identity and their choices in life. For instance, in Japan, individuals recognize the importance of ethical decisions in all spheres as they are guided by particular concepts (The Government of Japan, 2022). They include mottainai, which means “using what is available so that it is not wasted,” and otagaisama or “helping each other in times of need” (The Government of Japan, 2022). In contrast to these provisions, Germans are more oriented towards safety and democracy, which means that their focus is limited to these ideas, whereas the respect for lasting changes is not ensured (Ditlmann & Kopf-Beck, 2019). In addition, their preferences include the decision-making process with a sole regard to nationalism, whereas for the Japanese, the outcomes for the environment equally matter (The Government of Japan, 2022; Ditlmann & Kopf-Beck, 2019). Therefore, it can be claimed that the course of Japan in principal initiatives is more culturally sustainable than that of Germany.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the comparison of Japan and Germany concerning their cultural characteristics showed that differences are more critical than similarities for determining governments’ and peoples’ views. In both countries, individuals are supported in employment since it is considered critical for the wellbeing of new generations and they have respect for autonomy and freedoms. However, in Japan, the main focus is on improving the psychological health of families, whereas in Germany, people worry more about finances. Moreover, in the former country, it is common to think about long-term consequences, whereas for the latter, free expression and satisfaction of immediate needs prevail.
References
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