Collectivism in Japan: How It Shapes Society and Daily Life

When looking at Japanese characteristics from an international perspective, the term "collectivistic" is often used.

Indeed, we Japanese tend to consider others' opinions and prioritize group harmony when making decisions.

However, how does this "collectivism" actually affect daily life and business in Japan?

Many uniquely Japanese behaviors and customs, such as quiet train cars, the nemawashi (prior consultation) culture in companies, and neighborhood association activities, seem to be deeply connected to this collectivism.

Let's examine what collectivistic elements are hidden within the behaviors and customs that we Japanese practice as a matter of course, and how they affect our lives.

Historical Background of Strengthened Collectivism in Japan

There were many factors that made it easy for collectivism to take root in Japan, including rice farming-centered culture, limited external influence due to being an island nation, and the influence of Confucian thought from China.

Let's first look at the historical background of how collectivism emerged and took root in Japan.

Formation of Community Consciousness Through Rice Farming Culture

In Japan, historically, many farmers' lives centered around rice cultivation.

Rice farming required large amounts of water, making it impossible for individuals to complete the work alone. This necessitated collective management of irrigation facilities and cooperative group work during planting and harvesting seasons for quick completion.

Additionally, village festivals and rituals developed to pray for success in rice farming naturally formed communities. As a result, village-centered collectivism and related behaviors became increasingly important.

Influence of Confucian Thought on Group-Priority Values

Furthermore, the introduction of Confucian thought from China around the 7th century strengthened collectivism on an ideological level.

Confucian thought spread cultural values that continue in modern Japan, such as "centering on household and family, considering dedication to them as virtuous" and "prioritizing group benefits over individual interests."

These Confucian ideas were taught and reinforced in terakoya (temple schools), which were similar to modern schools, during the Edo period around the 18th century.

Maintaining Cultural Uniqueness Through Island Geography and Isolation Policy

Japan's geographical characteristics as an island nation surrounded by sea, particularly during the Edo period (1603-1868), included an isolation policy that lasted about 200 years, limiting cultural influence from foreign countries.

During the isolation period, the "five-household group system" (gonin-gumi) was established for mutual surveillance and assistance, which reinforced Japanese characteristics of valuing group discipline and order.

In the five-household system, five neighboring farming households were organized as one unit, with a representative called "kumigashira" playing an important role in managing the group.

This system enforced collectivistic behavior through rules such as "if any member cannot pay their annual tax, the remaining members must pay on their behalf" and "members must monitor each other's behavior and report any crimes."

Japanese Behaviors Influenced by Collectivism in Daily Life and Business

From this long-standing collectivistic tendency, various characteristic behaviors exist in both daily life and business in Japan.

Collectivistic Behaviors in Daily Life

• Staying quiet on trains to maintain harmony, lining up for boarding and alighting, and following proper order
• Strictly following garbage disposal rules, thorough sorting, being mindful of nighttime noise, and showing consideration for neighbors
• Choosing restaurants based on group consensus rather than individual preferences, serving oneself last at gatherings to prioritize group harmony
• Avoiding long conversations at supermarket and convenience store registers, quickly bagging items, and paying smoothly out of consideration for people waiting in line

Collectivistic Behaviors in Business

• Valuing precedent over innovative ideas in meetings, avoiding direct opposition and expressing disagreement indirectly
• Avoiding leaving work on time when others are working overtime, taking paid leave during less busy periods out of consideration for group work situations
• Giving vague reasons when declining supervisor invitations, new employees naturally adopting similar behaviors by observing seniors
• Prioritizing team achievements over individual accomplishments, helping colleagues with their work before leaving even after completing one's own tasks

My Personal Thoughts on Collectivism as a Modern Japanese Person

I too grew up in the Japanese education system and naturally learned to value various collectivistic behaviors through the educational process.

For example, through events like "Sports Day" where students compete in teams, and "club activities" where students participate in sports or cultural clubs after school, I learned how to behave within groups of different ages, including schoolmates, seniors, and juniors.

Through these school activities, values such as "prioritizing group will over individual will" and "respecting group opinion when it differs from individual opinion" naturally became ingrained.

However, in modern times, there are increasingly negative opinions about "excessive collectivism" throughout Japan, and Western-style "individualism" seems to be gradually gaining acceptance in society as a whole.

Nevertheless, what's important is probably the balance between collectivism and individualism.

While always being conscious of the dangers of excessive collectivism, I personally feel it would be good if we could effectively utilize Japan's collectivistic values that allow us to maintain harmony and work cooperatively toward common goals.