Japan Culture Series 28: Kawaii (可愛い)

 

It may come as a surprise to those obsessed with the historical romantic view of Japan as a great warrior culture that nothing dominates the Japanese cultural mindset more than the concept of Kawaii. Kawaii simply means cute, helpless, innocent, or lovable. In Japan no matter where a person travels they will be inundated with cute things whether it be advertising, city mascots, fashion, or the Japanese mindset of what is desirable. While in America we tend to be drawn to that which is 'cool' or 'sexy', the Japanese are certainly drawn to that which is Kawaii. This concept is so deeply held that even the most manly Yakuza gangsters can be melted by that which is Kawaii.

Upon first arrival in Japan I thought nothing of it, but now after having been here awhile I admit that I now am impacted by that which is cute. Being the father of two young daughters I cannot but help to be constantly reminded, whenever we go out, of cuteness from the average Japanese person. Many Japanese people are so saturated with the concept of Kawaii that when we do go out they will stop what they are doing and go into a kind of frenzy exclaiming how cute our children are. Sometimes we will even get a “Mecha Kawaii”, which means super cute. Why is this the case?

It seems to be the case that after seeing something cute and innocent we are instantly triggered with warm feelings. These sentiments have gradually been included into Japanese culture over time to where it is now a major force. The Japanese seem to have tapped into cuteness and turned it into a powerful force of marketing that can potentially change our perception about just about anything. Almost every city has a Kawaii-type mascot to draw attention to otherwise boring governmental business as well as tourism. Even the police have a Kawaii mascot intended to promote a safe or fun type image that inspires trust of authorities. This feel-good sense has been exploited to the max here in Japan to promote just about anything under the sun that can generate cash. It would seem that this love of all things Kawaii has generated a greater love for the things of this present world in the Japanese people's hearts. Cuteness has become something that Japanese people literally idolize. It seems to energize them as sort of an escape from a seemingly mundane, mechanical life of strict schedules and repetition.

God has certainly instilled within us a love for that which is innocent, cute, and helpless. When we reflect upon these things it reminds us of our own frail beginnings of infancy and early childhood. We can realize that we are really not as great and mighty as we think we are since we all came from humble beginnings. Once we realize this we can begin to realize that we are indeed not the greatest power in the galaxy, instead rather turning our focus to God which is the true great power. 

Falling Away

 

A recent study in the United States indicated that one in five “Christian” Americans would not return back to church after Covid19 issues end. In the United States there are many reasons for this as the culture shifts causing cultural Christianity to disappear. What about in Japan where the culture is already overwhelmingly opposed to Christianity? What do Christians face here?

Unlike the United States there is great pressure here to avoid Christianity given the underlying cultural norms that assume that being Japanese consists of: 1) Japanese racial identity, 2) Japanese language ability, and 3) Japanese accepted cultural norms which are heavily intermixed with Shintoism and Buddhism. All three of these elements make up “Japanese Culture”. An underlying assumption is that if you do not have these things, then you truly are not Japanese. So strong are these sentiments, that the few who do not agree with this understanding are readily shunned. 

Japanese are typically taught that Christianity is a “White man's religion from the West” that first came to Japan with the imperialistic intentions of the Jesuits and is therefore incompatible with Japanese values. However most Japanese are shocked to find out that Christianity is actually an Asian religion originating in the Middle East with most Christians being outside of “The West”. They are also shocked to find out that Christianity arrived into Japan before Buddhism and even has a Trinitarian God in its most ancient foundational religion that pre-dates Shintoism.

Ironically, Darwinism and Atheism, which are truly Western concepts are not questioned even though these ideologies have displaced Japanese culture more than any other in recent history! Even though most Japanese do not believe Shintoism or Buddhism personally the cultural pressure remains strong to give all outward appearances of adherence to said concepts.

When one decides to be a Christian here they are faced with the decision to potentially alienate themselves from their family and culture, which is a huge sacrifice in a group-oriented society. This has the effect of either creating a strong believer who lives for God or a life of stress, shame, and eventual surrender to the majority culture for those who desire to try to live in both worlds. 

One of the older ladies that my wife led to the Lord was faithful for years, traveling about two hours for church each Sunday, and even getting Baptized. However, when faced with continual family pressure as well as the realization that she would have to get rid of her family idols, it proved to be too much to handle, leading to her abandoning of the church. This is the sad reality for many Japanese Christians who have indeed learned the truth, received Christ as Savior truly, yet have returned back to their former lives preferring to live painfully as secret believers. It should be a reminder for Christians to determine which shame is greater; that of society, or that of our conscience and God. Please pray for Japanese Christians who have to make hard decisions in a world that is highly opposed to them living out their faith.

Tsuyu: The Japanese Rainy Season

In Japan during the month of June and July it is considered rain season or Tsuyu (梅雨). In the West we think of the word monsoon when we think of Asia's rainy season. For Americans thinking of places like Seattle and Portland's constant rain help to understand what it is like here during this time. Most of Japan is greatly impacted by these extended rains with the exception being Hokkaido to the far north. Often times people choose to stay indoors leading to economic activity as well as travel being limited. Some weeks can include constant rain while others are generally humid with constant drizzles. On the negative side many hazards such as flooding and landslides often occur in various areas. This year alone millions of yens worth of damage as well as many deaths have already occurred. Here is an article summarizing what has happened this year so far. The government has increasingly become more involved in organizing help to ravaged areas in the form of manpower and financial assistance. Also, it cannot be forgotten, that these damp conditions lead to rapid growth of mold as well as many varying sicknesses from barometric pressure changes. It can be said that these conditions have impacted Japanese culture as a whole.

For one these conditions allow for Japan's rice crops to flourish. Rice is well known for its need to have an abundance of water as well as humid type conditions to thrive. Rice has been the bedrock of Japanese civilization for generations. Historically, depending on the crops each year the nation would succeed or fail. Much of the country appears to be a jungle-like climate complete with lush vegetation, rivers, ponds, lakes, and all of the wild-life associated therein. These dense jungle-like conditions combined with Japanese folklore about spirits may be a reason as to why Japanese people do not seem to be too adventurous as a whole when it comes to exploring nature. The rain season has also led to Japanese being a more reflective people leading to great interest in poetry in times past. It could also be that these long rain season contributes to depression and mental issues that have often characterized the Japanese experience in recent times.

Though in modern times it does not seem that the average Japanese person has as much time to themselves as in times past, the rain season does thankfully allow for time to read and contemplate ideas. More open-minded Japanese people can use this time to read and watch videos about spiritual matters in particular. In recent times following a long Covid19 season beginning last January, the rain season has appeared to be particularly long. It seems that this season as well as growth of Covid19 this month has started to weigh down heavily on people looking for some kind of end in sight. Japanese people are really looking for answers, purpose for life, and reasoning about God. When finances, travel, friends, and peace have been taken away, what remains? Please pray for them to seek the truth during this rare time in life when the “normal routine” has ended.

Japan Culture Series 27: Jishuku Keisatsu

What happens when the law has limitations? In Japan the culture of shame often picks up where the law leaves off in solving issues. If something goes against societal norms in Japan, it is often seen as an open door for the strong 'culture of shame' to employ public shaming as a way to ensure compliance. In a group culture people tend to fear what others think rather than being independent. A recent case in point relates to the recent Covid19 pandemic. Fear arises when people think other people are not following the standards of social distancing, so they take it upon themselves to shame others into compliance.

These people have been called Jishuku Keisatsu ( 自粛警察 ) or self-appointed pandemic police. You can read more about them here in a recent news article. As Japan has decided to slowly re-open 39 of the 47 prefectures (mostly areas without mega cities) people have become cautious about those deciding to travel from infected areas to non-infected areas. As the article points out, it is a common practice in Japan for people to shame certain individuals who they deem as not complying to whatever social norm is in question. For this reason Japan also continually experiences bullying in schools, workplaces, and elsewhere at increasingly startling levels. Among other factors, these shaming practices are said to also contribute to high stress and suicide rates throughout Japan.

In a society in which grace as well as forgiveness are foreign concepts we can readily see the implications of a strict system of law keeping followed by shame for non-compliance. For this reason many people desirous of having a relationship with Christ are afraid to go against cultural norms for fear of being isolated from others and shunned from their families for life with many families even holding funerals for their newly converted relatives! In a shaming society that relies up the group in almost every faucet of life, going against the norm to follow Christ is seen as suicidal or highly hazardous to daily living. For this reason Japanese strongly believe that anything that goes against the cultural norms is not even to be considered even if it is true. Japanese would in many cases rather hold on to their ancient traditions (that they for the most part do not even believe are true) rather than face an angry mob accusing them of abandoning that 'which makes them Japanese'. For this reason those that become Christians in Japan, although few, are often highly dedicated and courageous people who desire to be both free inwardly and outwardly whatever the cost may be. It is also for this reason that some people can take many years to decide whether to become a Christian or to even openly live as a Christian outwardly in society. In the West even as times change we still often take for granted that we can live freely both inwardly and outwardly as a Christian in a grace-based society. Remember to pray for Japan!

Japan Culture Series 26: Syakaidekiyori

In recent days with constant talk of the virus spreading worldwide the term Syakaidekiyori 社会的距離 (social distancing), or practice of keeping a safe distance in order to prevent the spread of disease, has been circulating in the public forum as a new idea. However, in Japan this social distancing has been the way of life for a very long time. How is it that Japan being so close to China has experienced a relatively slow spread of the virus in comparison with other countries? ( https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries )

In most areas of Japan people live in very close proximity to one another due to living on a densely populated island. Japanese culture, although highly respectful, does not generally include touching. In fact, Japanese people generally keep their distance from one another in daily interactions. They rarely speak with strangers either. (A stranger being considered one outside of their immediate group.) This does not mean that they are cold or uncaring. On the contrary they are taught from a young age to be aware of each other at all times. This skill is known as 'reading the air'. So, during flu season it is typical for Japanese people to wear masks to prevent spread of sicknesses, though in America we would consider this weird. If they have serious symptoms they will generally stay home from school or work rather than spread it. Also most public stores have hand-sanitizers located at entries and restrooms. Japanese are also taught at a young age to wash their hands and gargle when coming in from outside. Some public drinking fountains here in buildings have signs saying “No Gargling” as it is an instilled habit of many to do so when walking in from outside to clear possible throat germs. There is generally a strong sense of shame in spreading sickness to others. Each year in Japan various schools will shut down if they suspect that a certain percentage of students have the flu. All of these factors are likely reasons as to why the virus is spreading slowly here in Japan.

When I first came to Japan I thought that wearing masks was silly as well, so I did not do it. I rode the train into Tokyo each day for language school through flu season with no mask and a normal hand-washing routine. That winter I was sick for three weeks altogether. The factor of adjusting to a new country's diseases as well as being in close proximity to others daily on the train led to my sicknesses increasing. However, the very next year I practiced social distancing habits by wearing a mask, avoiding sick looking people, and washing my hands after every train trip in and out of Tokyo. The results? I was only sick for one week that winter! Personally, I do think that social distancing has its merits especially in a time of worldwide virus spreading. The downsides are that people are very cautious when talking to others about religious matters. Please pray for openings to share the gospel with these people!

2019: Year in Review

Happy New Years everyone! It is time once more to look back on the past year, recall what has happened, and see how best to thank God for all of the great blessings. Sometimes we think that not much has happened in the past year. However when we actually sit down to try to recall past events, we can realize just how much God has blessed and protected through all the uncertainties. Fortunately, as a missionaries we keep written records of the past year via email updates, so it is easier to reflect back on the past. This April 2020 will end our third year here this term. For 2019 our verse seemed to be Psalm 27:14 as follows:

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

Looking back on the past year it has really been a year of waiting. Japan is a patient work much like a very slow and careful game of chess: it takes time as well as careful consideration to do well. To understand these people, their language, and customs really takes much duration. Much of what we do in America is the direct opposite of the Japanese way of thinking. With each soul learning new spiritual concepts, with each of the thousands of Kanji to learn, with understanding how to communicate well, and with adjusting here a great amount of patience is required. A veteran missionary here half-jokingly, half-seriously stated that it takes five years to speak, five years to hear, and ten years to understand Japanese! Japanese people greatly value patience, silence, and time. Sometimes as Americans this can be frustrating since we want immediate results, high efficiency, and success! (And we want it now!) Nothing can demonstrate this more clearly than trying to learn how to read Kanji in Japanese. Imagine learning a new alphabet each week for a year and a half, then trying to apply it immediately! That is the equivalent to learning the Japanese Kanji! Nothing forces patience on an unwieldy American like this experience!

Looking back over the past year continuing to go to Japanese language school from January of last year until June when our new baby daughter was born was a lot of necessary work. Since June it has been interesting to switch over to going to community classes, self-study, and language partners each week. Keeping up a daily disciplined study has helped to increase communication, reading, writing, and listening skills, however there is still a lot of work to do. From a health prospective, this last year has only had about two weeks of being sick, so that was a great blessing. Also we praise God that the baby birth went extremely well. In the realm of evangelism we have ordered 75,000 gospel tracts and put out about 62,000 this last year. We continue to daily meet people from all around the world when we go into public. We also made a new international website for evangelism purposes here: http://AfterDeathTruth.weebly.com/ Each day it continues to get views from all around the world as the internet appears to be the main place people congregate now. Please pray for these outreach efforts. Taking part in leading a man to the Lord and slowly discipling him this year has been a great blessing and encouragement. Also our first Japanese friend continues to grow spiritually, has completed many 'Source of Light Japan' Bible courses, and has finished translating 'One Heartbeat Away' into Japanese, as well as a few gospel tracts. He continues to desire serving God. His entire family is now born-again, with his mother recently being baptized. The church we are working with has seen some salvations and baptisms over the past year as well.

My wife has done a great job taking care of us and the new baby. She has also made a lot of great relationships with neighbors here and is commonly invited into their houses which is a rare privilege in Japan. One neighbor has really taking a liking to her and has taught her how to make as well as bind books! Katie hopes to use this skill to make evangelistic children's books in the future. God is really using her in a lot of local relationships. Our previous friendships have also been maintained which have opened the door to many a spiritual conversation. We know that seeds are being planted and watered slowly. We are really grateful for new friendships this year. Please remember to continue to pray for these people. My wife was also able to plan and host a missionary woman's retreat with the help of a few ladies, which was a much needed blessing. Our older daughter has been enjoying her time with the children here as well as learning new Japanese words. Someday she will be our teacher! Our adult English class has also been a blessing. We have been able to do two separate classes in the last year: one with a 8 session course doing the gospel message, and one on-going class to go through Genesis 1 through 11. Each class is free and has been well-liked by the students.

The ups come with downs as well when we can become frustrated with the slow pace of spiritual successes, the battles of learning the language, and difficulties of living in a new culture. As we reflect back on the year we realize that there have been a lot of blessings, struggles, and surprises. Learning this mission field will be a life-long pursuit with it's own unique advantages and disadvantages. Please pray for this next year as the Olympics will be coming to Tokyo along with all of the opportunities that will come with it. Thank you for your prayers and support.