Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

OP missing the point. Its about culture, not all the details they're trying to hang on it (dna, nationality).

You don't need to explain to a Japanese who's Japanese. They can tell within 2 seconds of meeting them. Its all about culture.



As someone who doesn't know much about Japanese culture, I find this really interesting.

Can you elaborate a bit on which details would provide that info?


Not Japanese, but studied the language and has spent a lot of time with native Japanese people.

The easiest, least contextual example would be behavior in public spaces. _Everyone_ is taking great lengths not to disturb others, ranging from not taking phone calls in public to eating over thrash cans in order to minimize dropping food directly on the pavement.

It's the constant consideration and respect for others (at the expense of your own individuality and liberty) that becomes glaringly obvious when one fails to meet the (giant) list of norms and implicit rules. If you haven't grown up with them, they are very hard to replicate without making mistakes, which is something native Japanese (generally) don't do.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: