Cultural Differences

Abstract

The previous chapter explored the theme of homosexuality as a thread connecting some of the main figures discussed in this book. Another thread running through the previous chapters has been the theme of cultural differences between East and West, explored through the reactions of Western visitors to the Japanese context. There has always been a potential not only for rewarding interaction but also for misunderstandings, especially in the interplay between Western ‘individualism’ and the more ‘formalistic’ Japanese society. The present chapter will further this theme as part of a presentation of brief sketches depicting the involvement with Japan from the 1930s to the present decade of several Westerners not substantially mentioned in previous chapters. The next chapter will focus on a similar theme as portrayed by Natsume Soseki.