Quote:
Originally Posted by RealJames
perhaps I should have been more clear on that point, thanks
well commercialization means something is used for profit,
it generally infers that it's at the expense of quality
when used in context with a country I presume for it to infer that it's at the expense of culture, or more popularly "it's roots"
in Japan's case, as it got more and more wealthy, it's people got less interested in it's traditions and cultures
The context I took ryuurui's quote from was how young people may not understand the virtue of calligraphy in the same way they might have in the past, presumably due to said commercialization
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To me commercialization has a neutral meaning, as it is entering something into the marketplace. So when you say "commercialization of Japan" I am thinking of Japan being commercialized, and entered into [XYZ] marketplace.
But I accept your definition in the context, although the phrasing is confusing. It isn't "Japan" that is being "commercialized" but the market of Japan is flooded with distractions due to money.
I would take an alternative view, in that I am amazed at how much of Japan's culture is still embraced by the culture, young and old. We can say "Young people aren't as interested in calligraphy as they should be."
Yet, there are calligraphy classes and clubs in practically, if not actually, in all high schools. Kendo clubs, traditional flower arranging, tea ceremony classes... Not only is there nothing as historical or traditional to compare these to as, say, my American culture, but there is no outlet to them. Thousands upon thousands of Japanese school children practice calligraphy every single day. Thousands upon thousands practice kendo, karate, jiujitsu, and other traditional forms of martial arts. How many American school children learn how to churn butter or milk a cow or make a horseshoe?
How often in the US do young people wear "traditional dress"? Chances are, never.
However in Japan not only do they wear yukata to festivals and kimono on Coming of Age day and wedding ceremonies... these traditional clothes are still considered very cool.
I really have a hard time seeing Japan as an example of a country where tradition and culture is dying. If anything it is a country where, amazingly, progress is made, but not at the expense of tradition.