Beyond the Surface of Tradition and Modernity
Japanese families look like every other family in the world. It is pretty on the first sign but behind it, there is a lot to uncover. The long history of Japan brought many traditions that are still valid and still passed to the next generation.
Focusing on Parent-Child Relationships
Of course, the traditional manners are different from family to family, but the basic ones are nearly similar. For example, the role of wife and husband in the family means who provides and who takes care of the money and the house or their relation to ancestors. There are many more examples of still functional traditions, but we would like to focus on the relationship between children and their parents in Japan.
Shaping Independence and Meeting Expectations
Most Japanese parents are familiar with the traditional husband and wife relationship which leads to being familiar with the traditional parent-child relationship which they will mostly expect from their children. This connection is based on good behavior, respect, and love. Through their life children are getting to know the high expectations of their parents and the family that they must fulfill to satisfy them. From a young age, children are taught to help their parents around the house, for example, non-complicated cleaning, a little bit of cooking, and much more. As soon as they enter elementary school, children walk or take a bus to the school on their own, which gives them a high amount of independence from a young age. In their school years, they are expected to fulfill their parent’s expectations about education. This all turns them into independent, hardworking, and focused students as they are.
From Obedience to Stereotypical Roles
On the other hand, high expectations and always being told what to do can lead to a child who is not functional without orders. These children fit perfectly into Japan’s working system which is built on orders and obedience. These stereotypical children will grow into stereotypical adults and parents who will teach their kids the same things as their parents did.
The Conflict Between Family Pressure and Personal Ambition
Some children who decide they don’t want to follow their parent’s expectations are facing a lot of criticism from the family mainly the feeling of guilt and the feeling of failure. This can either encourage the child to do what their parents and family want and expect or it pushes children to stand up for their own expectations and dreams and do what they want to do even while getting criticized.
