Japanese Cultural Series 24: Oyakōkō

In your mind, what is the most important thing in your life? In Western individualistic culture we are typically free to answer that question in any number of ways. However for many Asian group cultures that are based in Confucianism often the family takes precedent over everything else. This focus is known in Japan as oyakōkō, (filial piety) or the virtue of respect for parents, elders, and ancestors. A child is essentially obligated to obey their parents in all matters including who to marry, what career to get, and how to live life. This obligation often exists as long as parents are alive. Even after death many Asian cultures extend this obligation into the next life through ancestor worship and the consulting of their spirits. Even today a great majority of Japanese are expected to obey their parents in all matters. However, some modern trends are moving more toward loosening these obligations as long as no shame is not brought to the family. Why do many Asian cultures still strictly adhere to these principles? It appears that strict adherence to traditions, strong desire to avoid shame, strong desire for favor in the sight of others, and elevation of adhering to the past are among factors that these cultures hold in the highest regard. Some of the benefits of oyakōkō include high respect levels in society in daily interactions, low crime rates, preservation of traditions, and care for the elderly. To the western mind where our world is increasingly lacking any decency this kind of respect sounds refreshing, but it often comes at a cost.

What if a child does not want to be a doctor when they grow up? What if they do not want to follow their parent in continuing an ancient tradition, custom, or trade? What if someone wants to follow Jesus Christ instead of worshiping their ancestors? To the Japanese mind the individual is not important and must give up their personal desires for the sake of the group. This is learned from a very early age beginning in pre-school. This form of harmony for the sake of pleasing others comes at the cost of the individual's choice. For a Japanese Christian immersed in this world is it more important to be obedient to one's parents (Colossians 3:20) or forsake family for Christ? (Matthew 19:29) These are some of the dilemmas that people in Japan often face. So, a commitment to follow Christ or to get baptized often takes a long time as many factors are carefully considered. To go against the societal structure in this way is viewed as the worst of sins by society. So when a person does become a Christian they truly know what it is like to follow the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23-25:

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

In Western culture the closest example would be that of the Jehovah's Witnesses. If one within their ranks decides to become a Christian they will be disowned by their entire family, therefore the cost to them is greater. Please pray for the Japanese people and Japanese Christians!