Managing the cultural hybridization of the Nikkei

Translated by: Google Translate

Published Sept. 1, 2009 comments

To be Nikkei in America is to carry two cultures under your belt, on the one hand being Japanese that is received through education and the discipline instilled by Japanese parents from the child's first breath of life. His first steps in life are in the Japanese way, where he lays the foundations that will last through time. Hence the way of thinking and acting, the somewhat differentiated attitude of the Nikkei. According to Chie Nakane, there is a homogeneous configuration of Japanese society that is observed in all strata and manifestations and that transcends through history with a uniform, vertical and hereditary culture. The more one adopts and practices that culture, the more virtuous and appreciable one is in the eyes of the Japanese.

On the other hand, the social environment in which Nikkei develops is the local level and it is necessary to adopt ways and expressions of that local culture; Nikkei cannot develop in isolation. As John Done said “no man is an island”, it is not possible to live in circumstances alien to the events, varieties and innovations of life that the environment offers.

The Nikkei today, aware of these two paradigms, treat and manage with naturalness and skill these two conditions that hybridize and, by the way, depending on the situation, sometimes become hostile to each other and at other times friendly and respectful. This cultural hybridization, which for some “is neither chicha nor lemonade” and for others is “ genna nihonjin ” (strange Japanese), can be considered positive for the sole fact of inserting two cultures into individuals; that is, two worlds that differ in all their aspects, but that come together in one being. Coming to understand its essence, understand its manifestations and appreciate these two expressions in itself is an achievement.

On the other hand, the current Nikkei relates to people from other similar communities abroad, which happens more easily and in a much more cordial and friendly manner. The opportunities to establish relationships, discuss, and agree on ideas and propositions with other Nikkei on the continent are facilitated because everyone is the bearer of two worlds that coexist. This occurs in fraternization meetings, such as the Pan-American Nikkei Conventions, sports and training meetings for Nikkei youth, and meetings in the financial, commercial and Nikkei cooperative spheres.

Among all the virtuous attributes of Japanese-style behavior, which were practiced and which are still in some way in use, the concept of enryo could be put on the table, which is a very peculiar attitude of the Japanese people and which can be defined as reserve, modesty, modesty, hesitation, refusing or abstaining from something out of discretion. It is considered one of the fundamental virtues of the Japanese people, which has been practiced since time immemorial and which has been formed as an ethos of Japanese culture. For a Westerner, this very peculiar way of being of the Japanese is also very difficult to understand and comprehend, perhaps its applicability in a different environment is not the most advisable.

Predominance over others, without discerning the true situation of others and their circumstances, in most cases is considered harmful, it is not well regarded among the Japanese. They, within a relatively closed society, seek equality and equity among the members of a community, hence the slogan: “a nail that jumps, is hit.”

The excessive individualistic driving of Westerners and the somewhat exaggerated collectivistic driving of the Japanese and Nikkei should be hybridized with 50% of each part, in such a way that egocentrism and altruism are mixed in a more prudent way. Curiously, there is a change in attitudes in this regard. Western students are taught group work, teamwork and the search for consensus, while young Japanese are encouraged to practice more individualism to achieve a greater appreciation of themselves and seek to empower them as independent individuals.

The balance and maturation that is achieved as humanity - in which the cultural hybridization of the West and the East, of which the Nikkei are the inherent bearers, plays an important role - can become the basis for the desired future and peace in the world.

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About this series

The writer and researcher Emi Kamatsu develops a philosophical and anthropological analysis of Nikkei being, thinking and acting. It begins with an understanding of the concept of the “Melting Pot” to outline the historical background, reciprocal influences, advantages and disadvantages in that cultural integration of the immigrant and his descendants.

About the Author

Emi Kasamatsu

Emi Kasamatsu is a Paraguayan Nisei, a researcher on Japanese immigration and gender, a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts and a Master's in Gender and Development from the National University of Asunción. Abroad, she took courses in Applied Anthropology; Research Methodology; Governance and Leadership; Social Feminist Economy; Ethics, Social Capital and Development; and Care Economy. She belonged to INRP (International Nikkei Research project). She gave numerous lectures on these topics.

Publications: Japanese Presence in Paraguay ; History of the Pan-American Nikkei Association ; Life Path in Bushido ; Evocations . In group: Encyclopedia of Japanese descent in America; New worlds, New lives; “When the East arrived in the Americas”; “Bicentennial of the independence of Paraguay (1811-2021)” and has appeared in numerous anthologies.

Distinctions: Decoration of the Rising Sun with Gold and Silver Rays, Red Cross of Japan, Academic of the Paraguayan Academy of History, Honorary President of the PEN Paraguay Center. Ambassador of Kagawa.

Last updated November 2024