Running head: A CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN 1

An Analysis of Communication and Cultural Patterns in Japan and the United States

Devon C. Wilson

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

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Abstract

Cultural values between people who are part of the cultural groups of the United States and Japan are vast and

important. Through analysis of history, religion, beliefs, and values, we will compare and contrast the two nations in

order to better understand the effect of different cultures on intercultural communication and globalization. When

examining the United States, one must consider the value that individualism and freedom play within the deep

structure elements of society. However, when examining Japanese cultural beliefs and behaviors, we can see the role

that group orientation, family dynamics and history play in regard to present day Japanese values, such as

collectivism, high face concern and high context beliefs. An understanding of both cultures by different parties is

imperative to facilitate effective and productive intercultural communication amidst continually expanding cultural

globalization.
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An Analysis of Communication and Cultural Patterns in Japan and the United States

Communication between cultures can be made more or less difficult to navigate based on how similar or

different cultural factors are between two sides. America and Japan are on two nearly opposite ends of the cultural

spectrum, which implies that it takes some knowledge and effort from both sides in order for there to be effective

intercultural communication between them. In this paper, we will explore the influencing factors of culture on two

very different nations and the effects those differences have on intercultural communication.

Influences on Culture

Deep structure elements explain the how and why of a culture and all cultures can be related back to the

deep structure elements within them (Samovar et al., 2017). These highly valued and deeply ingrained traits are core

principles of certain cultures, and while all cultures are comprised of individuals with their own personalities and

beliefs, knowing the general deep structure elements of a culture can give a helpful framework for guiding

intercultural communication (Samovar et al., 2017).

Family

As discussed in Communication Between Cultures (Samovar et al., 2017), families are the first and most

prominent influences of identity on an individual. Families are responsible for passing on cultural beliefs and

teaching behaviors that are appropriate for their culture within a variety of contexts. The most common form of

family in the US or nuclear families, or a family unit composed of parents and unmarried children. Conversely,

extended families are composed of parents and children as well as other family members, such as grandparents or

cousins. Traditionally, Japanese families fell into the category of extended families, however according to Kato

(2013) modernization and industrialization has led most Japanese families to adopt the nuclear family model. Even

so, extended families remain an important tenant Of Japanese culture and often stay within close proximity to one

another (Kato, 2013).

Worldview and Religion. Further examined in Communication Between Cultures (Samovar et al., 2017),

worldview and religion are deep structure tenants of belief systems that impact and influence entire cultures. One’s

worldview, or their beliefs about the concept of being and existence, gives people a framework by which to move

through the world and cope with the ideas of death as well as existence. In the United States, control of nature is

sought out as a value adhered to by most. Whereas in Japan, harmony with nature in respect of the natural world are

stressed as important tenets of function. 

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Religion is perhaps one of the most stringent indicators of worldview and philosophy among many.

According to Samovar et al., “Religion, perception, and behavior are inextricably intertwined (Samovar et al., 2017,

p. 108).” Religion as a construct allows the existence of frameworks that have social, political, and economic

consequences. This means that a culture’s or individual’s religion relates to their world as a whole, to include large

structures such as healthcare, education, politics, and business.

Many people in the United States adopt Christianity as their religion, which touts a single omnipotent God,

a deeply personal relationship between an individual and God, and influences religious and secular aspects of life

(Samovar et al., 2017). In Japan, the most common philosophical beliefs are that of Confucianism and Buddhism.

Confucianism and Buddhism are similar in that both are nontheistic (Tucker, 2018). Confucianism is not necessarily

a religion, but more so a worldview, and many Confucians follow Buddhism as their personal chosen religion

(Tucker, 2018).

Cultural Patterns

Cultural patterns and elements are formed by all of the above factors, along with geographical location, economic

policy, and politics (Samovar et al., 2017). Looking forward, we will discuss each culture’s patterns more closely in

order to note the similarities and differences between them.

America

Exploring influencing factors as presented by Samovar et al. (2017)., cultural patterns in America are very

individualistic and focused on the self and the pursuit of freedom, choice, and independence. As well, many

Americans are egalitarian and expect mutual respect and equality from those they interact with. Americans present

with low uncertainty avoidance, meaning that they view change as a normal and appropriate happening throughout

life. They lack strict social behavioral protocols and enjoy cultural diversity. Time management in America is

monochronic, meaning that Americans view time as a linear concept and are highly focused on schedules and single

task engagement. As well, Americans are part of a low context culture with low face concerns. Low context culture

can also be called direct culture, in which verbal conversation is valued and silence is avoided. A low face value

implies a focus on constructive conflict and concerns for one’s personal social appearance. Lastly, Americans follow

a universalistic pattern characterized by an objective reality with rules and guidelines that apply to all people.

American individualism has been on full display during the coronavirus pandemic. As per current events

reported by CNN, due to Americans strong beliefs surrounding individual rights, freedom of choice, and minimal
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government interference, the management of the coronavirus pandemic has been poor and resulted in a high number

of cases in the United States (Andrew, 2020). Subcultural political groups, mainly Democrats and Republicans, view

individualism and responsibility differently, and polarizing beliefs and values are affecting social response to public

health recommendations (Andrew, 2020). Many Americans are part of, “anti-mask,” movement, stating at their

personal choice and freedom are more important than public health and they cannot be mandated to wear masks

(Andrew, 2020). A lack of adherence to recommended CDC protocols and poor management by the government as a

result of America’s strong focus on the value of individual freedom is possibly a contributing factor to prolonging

the coronavirus pandemic and increasing the number of cases nationwide (Andrew, 2020).

Japan. Compared to America, according to Samovar et al. (2017), Japan is a more group-oriented collectivistic

society that values a hierarchical social structure characterized by vertical superiority levels and accepted

inequality. Many Japanese individuals present with high uncertainty avoidance and demonstrate a distaste for change

or disruption, cultural diversity, and follow many strict protocols. Time orientation in Japan is largely polychronic,

with less focus on scheduling and a higher tendency towards multitasking. Japanese culture stresses high context

behaviors and high face concerns, demonstrated by a strong cultural understanding of nonverbal communication and

silence, as well as a high sense of regard for the group face and avoidance of conflict Lastly, when analyzing japans

cultural patterns, it is pertinent to note that the Japanese are influenced by particularism, or the cultural belief that

relationships are more important than principles and rule-following is largely situational and influenced by context.

Japanese culture is heavily influenced by history and the past (Oxnam, 1997). During the Classical Era,

Japanese culture was heavily influenced by China, lending to its collectivistic and traditional cultural beliefs

(Oxnam, 1997). However, whereas cultural development in China occurs in a segmented manner, making way for

new changes over time, Japanese culture is more layered and influenced by previous cultural beliefs and practices

(Oxnam, 1997). This layering of time and development of national cultural beliefs has heavily accounted for the

stark differences between China and Japan, along with a national ethnocentrism in Japan that is characterized by a

strong belief in the unique nature of belief of the Japanese people (Oxnam, 1997).

Cultural differences abound between the United States and Japan. Evidence of these differences can be

found in the way people of both cultures view religion, nature, politics, family values, and social responsibility. With

the constant growth and expansion of globalization, it is imperative that both sides possess a basic understanding of

each other in order to facilitate effective and productive intercultural communication. A lack of knowledge and
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understanding of the other culture can result in cultural faux pas, difficulty conducting business and negotiations,

and poor multicultural relationships. If people engaging in intercultural communication take the time to learn about

the history and influence of other cultures, they may more readily adapt and understand each other, leading to a

greater sense of national unity and more successful global and personal outcomes.
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References

Andrew, S. (2020, May 19). America's response to the coronavirus is the most American thing ever. CNN.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/19/us/american-individualism-coronavirus-trnd/index.html.

Kato, A. (2013, March). The Japanese Family System: Change, Continuity, and Regionality over the Twentieth

century. Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research. https://www.demogr.mpg.de/papers/working/wp-

2013-004.pdf.

Oxnam, R. (2002). Classical Japan. http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/at/cl_japan/cj01.html.

Samovar, L. A., Porter, R. E., McDaniel, E. R., & Roy, C. S. (2017). Communication between cultures (9th ed.).

Cengage Learning.

Tucker, J. (2018, February 13). Japanese Confucian Philosophy. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/japanese-confucian/.