The New Japan – Debunking Seven Cultural Stereotypes

Citation

Harris, P.R. (2004), "The New Japan – Debunking Seven Cultural Stereotypes", European Business Review, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 428-429. https://doi.org/10.1108/09555340410561705

The New Japan – Debunking Seven Cultural Stereotypes by David Matsumoto, PhD, offers analysis of the homeland from the perspective of the Japanese diaspora. A psychology professor at San Francisco State University, Dr Matsumoto seeks to describe the anxiety and unrest that plague society in contemporary Japan. He focuses on the rift between the older, more traditional, and the younger, more cosmopolitan, Westernized generations. In five, very readable, chapters, the author helps readers to appreciate both classic and current views of Japanese culture. As a director of his university's Culture and Research Laboratory, he debunks seven stereotypes of Japanese culture, namely: collectivism, consciousness of others, perceptions of self, emotionality, “the salaryman”, education and lifetime employment, as well as marriage.

This compact, interesting, volume examines Japan's upheavals, along with the shifting cultural patterns in the workplace, education, sports, and everyday life. In addition, this “pocket book” offers 35 figures filled with helpful demographic reports, plus six useful statistical tables along with an appendix brimming with useful bar graphics on Japanese mindsets. Matsumoto hopes that Japan will transform its new citizens into persons who demonstrate individualistic collectivism. For ESR readers who do business with modern Japanese, this work will prove invaluable. Intercultural Press has again shown that it is a premier source of cultural specific publications. Be advised to get on the IP mailing list or visit its Web site!