Beneath the Western Veneer

Abstract

Before seeking further evidence of competitive-communism and other unusual features of Japan, let us look first at characteristics and customs which are not basically different from those of other countries even though some, at first glance, appear to be dissimilar. Her fabulous industrial growth since 1945 has inspired and coloured much that is thought and written about Japan. Visitors live in standardised, Western-style hotels, they travel in speedy ‘bullet-trains’. Even in the remote countryside they will see large modern factories. Only a few non-Japanese live for any time in Japanese-style inns. Even fewer visit or live in Japanese homes. They are shown, if they are willing, innumerable shrines and temples, but their greatest impression is likely to be that Japan resembles their own countries. A book could be written about similarities and might help communication between peoples, but would it overcome basic misunderstandings?