Japan Culture Series 29: N.E.E.T. (ニート)

 

In reaction to the dominant performance-oriented culture, a group of people known as “NEETs” have arisen among new generations in Japan. NEETs are known as: “Not in education, employment or training.” How did this come about? In a recent YouTube video , the author describes a group of people who do not want to follow the path of previous Japanese generations in becoming salary-men. In Japan, from a very early age children are conditioned to immerse themselves in study in order to become an acceptable part of society. These often rigorous standards do not leave much time for anything but work with the ultimate goal of being completely dedicated to a company or trade for life. If this standard is not met then a person will be seen as useless. As has been stated before on this blog: in Japan the career is number one, family is number two, and God is last. Often times children will not know their father due to long hours away from home at work. For many salarymen a daily 10pm or later time of work is not uncommon. The trade off is materialism for family, which has created certain levels of social dysfunction.

In reaction to this culture, NEETs have arisen with various motives demonstrating to Japan that all is not well socially. Rather than continue the system of working long hours, these people have chosen rather to 'drop out' of society by living a minimalist lifestyle, or refusing to work by living off their parents or government. In Japan if a Japanese person is not a salary-man or some other respectable trade they will be looked down upon even if they can make a living using some unconventional means such as earning money through Internet (Youtube, Facebook, Buying/Selling/Trading etc.), small craft sales, Pachinko, etc. However, with the rise of working from home due to COVID cultural attitudes may be shifting. Many Japanese are now able to make money through the internet, small businesses, or other non-conventional means that do not require group involvement. For the majority culture in Japan this is a scary prospect that may change the established norms of society.

What do these changes mean for Christianity? In many ways these changes are showing that many Japanese in newer generations are beginning to think 'outside the box' more than in prior generations. As it is becoming more common to travel overseas or study abroad, more Japanese people are being exposed to new ways of living. When they return home they are not satisfied with a salary-man lifestyle. Though this can be fearful to the dominant culture it is helpful for the cause of the gospel. Those who are not overly busy actually have time to consider their purpose in life, why they exist, and what happens after they die. For this reason these people are far more open to God. Also, when these disenfranchised people are rejected by mainstream society, they can find that they have acceptance from God. Pray for those in Japan who have time for God.