2.1 - Japanese school system

Author: Kim Christian Botho Pedersen (Memorizeitall / Japan Trade Advisor)

© Kim Christian Botho Pedersen / www.japantradeadvisor.com 

Published on August 2, 2015

Japanese mindset

If you have done business with Japanese colleagues, lived in Japan, or know Japanese people, you have likely noticed: Japanese and Westerners think and behave very differently.

We are all shaped by our upbringing, our social, cultural, religious, and educational background. This upbringing creates an individual, whose values, thinking, and behavior align with those from similar backgrounds. Japanese people raised in the same culture and school system naturally think and act alike, in ways that differ from Westerners.

What we grew up with becomes part of our identity and rarely changes, even when we live abroad. For Japanese people, it feels natural to bow but odd to hug. Westerners can learn both. Bowing during a phone call may seem meaningless, but the #attitude can be transmitted through tone and presence. Standing respectfully and expressing genuine apology carries weight even over the phone.

Many Westerners prefer to “think out of the box.” In contrast, Japanese generally “think inside the box.” They avoid "standing out" compared to other people, and they avoid offending others. In Japan, #social_order, #hierarchy, and #etiquette guide personal conduct. Thinking differently must be balanced with respect for established norms.

Japanese societal rules are learned early and rarely bent. #Compliance is seen as essential. In contrast, Westerners often adjust rules pragmatically when needed. A Japanese often considers what “#seken” (the broader society) will think before deviating. Japanese will consider, what other people will think of them, before they act.

Japanese school system and its impact

The Japanese school system plays a central role in shaping #group_oriented, #disciplined thinking.

I grew up in Fukui Prefecture in the 1970s, attending Japanese elementary and secondary school. Our #uniforms ensured uniformity. We walked to school in groups under supervision.

Extracurricular clubs often lasted until evening or during weekend as well. After school, homework filled remaining time. Such a structured environment may reduce youth crime and encourage collective behavior, but creativity and individualism may be less emphasized.

My class had 45 students. We bowed when the teacher entered the classroom, and only then were lessons allowed to begin. If behavior was improper, physical punishments were imposed, such as sitting in "seiza" position for long periods or holding a bucket of water with outstretched arms. #Memorizing is / was a key part of Japanese education. We studied kanji through repetition, writing hundreds of characters weekly until we memorized stroke order, meaning, multiple pronunciation of the same kanji, and the kanjis composition. This method extends into university entrance exams and professional life. Knowledge mastery and factual recall are expected from Japanese employees.

By contrast, Western education emphasizes reasoning and argumentation, creativity, and personal perspective. Japanese education builds conformity, discipline, and group loyalty. While Westerners may excel in debate, Japanese people may excel in precision, consistency, and memorizing.

Senpai/Kohai in Japanese culture and business

The senpai/kohai system further reinforces hierarchy. From school to corporations, seniority determines relationships. As a kohai (junior), questioning orders is discouraged. As a senpai (senior), authority is respected. Promotions often follow tenure rather than merit. This structure contrasts with Western merit-based advancement.

The Japanese system promotes discipline, collective harmony, and deep subject mastery. The Western approach fosters creativity, debate, and independent thought. The choice depends on desired outcomes. Do you want employees who excel at structured execution or prefer thinkers who challenge and innovate?

Understanding an individual’s background enhances understanding of their behavior and values. Japanese upbringing profoundly impacts business conduct. Familiarity with the Japanese school system and cultural mindset helps navigate relationships with #Japanese_colleagues and clients effectively.