Japan
Japan has a population of just over 126 million people, although each year this number slowly decreases due to the birth rate of 1.39 per couple1. As well as the fact that Japan is an extremely homogenous society with 99% of citizens and residents being Japanese with 1% of their population being non-Japanese. The declining population reflects highly upon society as many Japanese in their twenties feel they are too busy working to raise children, as well as the rising cost of living making it hard for people to live. This is a negative impact upon the persons as their lifestyles must be altered in order to succumb to the Japanese life of working hard. By keeping a homogenous society, Japan is able to strongly uphold its traditional identity.
Beliefs, Values and Lifestyles
Beliefs are defined as a group of principles that are accepted and shared among a group of people. These principles indicate the particular way one perceives the physical world and the universe. For example, due to their heritage, Japanese believe in Buddhism as well as Shinto which reflects upon their daily lifestyle.
Values are the “core beliefs an individual or a country has. They are considered to be important understandings that form the basis of the shared behaviour of an individual or cultural group.”2 For example, the Japanese highly value respect, their family relationships as well as the community.
Lifestyles are the way of life which strongly reflects upon the attitudes and values of an individual or a group of people. It is then to be acknowledged how the beliefs and values of an individual robustly impact upon ones’ lifestyles. For example, Japanese funerals and calligraphy are highly influenced by Buddhism beliefs.
Over the course of time, it is almost impossible to maintain strict continuity within a group or nations’ values, beliefs, lifestyle or identity. This is due to possibilities such as: modernisation (fostering a sense of nationalism and unity- previously Japanese
Beliefs, Values and Lifestyles
Beliefs are defined as a group of principles that are accepted and shared among a group of people. These principles indicate the particular way one perceives the physical world and the universe. For example, due to their heritage, Japanese believe in Buddhism as well as Shinto which reflects upon their daily lifestyle.
Values are the “core beliefs an individual or a country has. They are considered to be important understandings that form the basis of the shared behaviour of an individual or cultural group.”2 For example, the Japanese highly value respect, their family relationships as well as the community.
Lifestyles are the way of life which strongly reflects upon the attitudes and values of an individual or a group of people. It is then to be acknowledged how the beliefs and values of an individual robustly impact upon ones’ lifestyles. For example, Japanese funerals and calligraphy are highly influenced by Buddhism beliefs.
Over the course of time, it is almost impossible to maintain strict continuity within a group or nations’ values, beliefs, lifestyle or identity. This is due to possibilities such as: modernisation (fostering a sense of nationalism and unity- previously Japanese