Dependence

Abstract

It cannot be over-emphasised that the dependence enshrined in each individual’s make-up is the taproot of Japanese behaviour. Dependence and conformity have been obligatory when living closely together for countless generations. In houses without private rooms or lockable doors, as exposed as goldfish in bowls, the Japanese have been forced to depend on and submit to one another. Until recently constant exposure to watching eyes have made them dependent, self-conscious perfectionists. Acceptance of communal living has been the normal, unavoidable way of life with each person forced to restrict his, or her, individual emotions and actions.