The Middle Kingdom versus The Land of the Rising Sun

Flower arranging or foot binding? Yen or Yuan? The Great Wall or The Great Buddha? How is Japanese culture different from Chinese culture?

We Westerners can be quite ethnocentric when it comes to Asian cultures. We often make the mistake of lumping them all together like so many apples in a basket. However, those who have traveled to Asia or have Asian friends quickly discover that the basket also contains oranges, pears, plums, and an assortment of other intriguing offerings.

Japan and China share the common heritage of Confucianism. They share a similar written language. They both have long and colorful histories. They have influenced each other in terms of age-old traditional values of family and group harmony. But make no mistake. If you look more deeply, you will find many differences between the two cultures.

The Japanese are like the French, and the Chinese are like the Italians

I have heard it said, that the Japanese are more like the French and the Chinese are more like the Italians. I didn’t quite understand what this meant until I actually traveled to China. (I had already lived in Japan.) Though this analogy has its limitations, it is also an interesting point to explore.

On a very basic level, Japanese culture values simplicity, form, refinement, and small aesthetic details. These values are expressed in food, clothing, social relationships, and many other aspects of Japanese culture, much like they are in French culture. The Japanese are kind and helpful but also impenetrable. The open expression of emotion is frowned upon and the harmony of the group is more important than individualism.

Chinese culture, on the other hand is a bit more earthy. The culture also values harmony but in general, the Chinese are more open with the expression of opinions and feelings, much like Italians. (As an American of Italian descent, I can vouch for this.)

Food, food, glorious food

Food preparation, presentation, and consumption is central to family and social life in China. It is an expression of love and is relished and honored. While food is more of an art form in Japan and France, in China and Italy, food is part of the celebration of life. If you are invited to dinner at a friend’s or acquaintance’s home in China, the family will often serve a three-month supply of food to you as their honored guest.

“Manga, manga” (Eat, eat) is a common refrain in multi-generational Italian- American households. I don’t know the Mandarin or Cantonese expression for “manga,” but I have witnessed food as love and as celebration at many Chinese social occasions with my Chinese-American friends, from 50th birthday parties, to 50th wedding anniversaries. I have even seen local party officials in China kick up their heels and celebrate with food and drink at special occasions.

Ethnic diversity

Enough about food. There are also other important differences between the two cultures. Japan is a homogeneous society. Until recently, ethnic diversity was not socially acceptable. There are only two main ethnic minorities in Japan. The Ainu, who live mainly in the northern island of Hokkaido, are indigenous people similar to native Americans. The other minority group is the Burakumin, a social class descended from people who worked in leather trades. Burakumin face discrimination in Japanese society.

China, however, is home to 56 different ethnic groups. The Han Chinese are the largest group. But living in China are also Tibetans, Tu, Mongolian and many other diverse people of diverse ethnicities. During its 5,000 year old history, China was invaded and occupied many times over by different peoples. This resulted in a multi-ethnic society, though one that is dominated by the Han majority.

Politics

One of the other issues worth mentioning in a discussion of the differences between Japan and China, is that the two countries have not always seen eye to eye. Though today they have worked out a generally cordial relationship, the intertwined histories of these two Asian superpowers has been fraught with difficulty. Many people in China still harbor negative feelings about the Japanese occupation of China during World War II, and some Japanese hold similar feelings toward the Chinese. Japan is also a democracy based on the parliamentary system though prior to the end of World War II, it was a monarchy ruled by an Emperor. China is a Communist state - with a developing market economy and a single party system. Prior to the Communist Revolution in 1949, China was a nationalist state, ruled by generals, dynasties, and emperors.

Conclusion

Though there are many other aspects of Japanese and Chinese culture worth understanding and exploring, the main point to be made is that both countries have long and fascinating histories and cultural traditions. In this global society, understanding and appreciating each for its unique culture is important for Americans and all citizens of the world.