GAP-JOURNAL 2012/13 - AFA

Anna-SophieSailer
Japan’s Widening Generation Gap
From Samurai toShinjinrui Ethics
Introduction
The picture ofthe hard working, obedient Japanese, leading lives according tosamurai
principles, still prevails in Western heads. It is true that Japan’s older generation still
cherishes traditional values like modesty, hard work and loyalty which have their roots
in Confucianism and the traditional samurai code of ethics (Yuko 2004: 25). However,
younger Japanese (aged thirty and younger) have long begun tolook beyond their
country’s borders for shaping their identities. Media has brought Western values into
the consciousness of technology enthusiastic teenagers. Furthermore, aprolonged economic
downturn and worsening employment prospects have led to the questioning of
the traditional priority setting (Herbig, Borstorff, 1995: 50). The finding that values are
changing from older to younger generations may not seem very surprising atfirst sight.
Teenagers rebel all overthe world and question their parents’ value system, while elders
worry and foresee their society changing for the worse (Herbig, Borstorff, 1995: 59). In
thecontext ofthe Japanese society, however, wherethe basic values ofthe samurai code
of ethics have led life for centuries, this can truly beseen as arevolutionary development
(Yuko 2004: 29). This paper aims at first exploring the roots ofthe traditional Japanese
value set and its prevalence in current-day Japan. Secondly, it will look at contemporary
Japanese values, their origination and how it was possible for them to
develop over the past few decades. Finally, it will elaborate on possible future
evolvements and give thoughts about where the “newJapan”will lead.
Traditional Values and theirRoots
Japans oldergenerations, so to speak peopleaged above 45 years, mostly lead astrongly
tradition rooted lifestyle. They cherish values like modesty, honesty and loyalty and
honour hard work and authority (Flangan, Lee, 2000: 650). Those Confucian values,
where material possessions are considered inferior and respect for the elders is the basis
of societal structures, haveprevailed inthe Japanese culture for centuries. The picture of
the diligent, obedient and loyal Japanese complies with common Western stereotypes of
todays’ Japanese workforce. However, this kind of behaviour is far deeper rooted than
the picture of the post-war industrialised Japan might suggest. In fact, the origins of
those values can be traced back several centuries and are closely linked tohistorical