Quote:
Originally Posted by Suki
con·ser·va·tive
adj.
1. Favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change.
2. Traditional or restrained in style: a conservative dark suit.
3. Moderate; cautious: a conservative estimate.
Yes, according to these definitions above, I do think Japan is a conservative country. Then again, I have not been there myself nor am I an all-things-Japanese expert, so I might be wrong, but at least this is how Japan is seen by many people, because -let's face it- the most traditional aspects of Japan is mainly what attracts people into visiting this particular country, and I am pretty sure the Japanese tourism industry wouldn't have it any other way...  |
1. I guess I can understand from the impressions the media might give you of Japan, but having lived there, I wouldn't call Japan a "conservative" country. There are "national values" and social norms in Japan, but it is not a country where the majority of people follow any religious values.
It is interesting you bring up "change" because that is one of Japan's fortes: adoption and change. The ability of Japan to hold onto history and at the same time adapt to change is very unique (to overgeneralize).
2. Style wise as well, Japan holds onto the traditional while also being on the cutting edge.
3. These aren't the first words that would come to my mind when describing Japanese culture.
If Japan really was sexually conservative, places like love hotels would go out of business.