Why You MUST NEVER Stand Out in Japan

Summary

The video script delves into the societal pressure in Japan to conform and avoid standing out, illustrated through strict school rules and job hunting traditions. It discusses the negative impacts, such as bullying and discrimination, and explores the cultural roots of this conformity, attributing it to an instinct for justice and the need for cooperation in a disaster-prone environment. The speaker hopes to raise awareness and promote change, aiming to be a catalyst for a more inclusive Japan.

Takeaways

• 😶 Being 'normal' in Japan is highly valued; standing out or expressing personal opinions is often discouraged.
• 🏫 School rules in Japan are strict and uniform, with many regulations on appearance to ensure students conform to norms.
• 👩‍🏫 A notable incident in 2017 highlighted the pressure on students to conform, where a girl was forced to dye her naturally brown hair black, leading to mental health issues.
• 💼 The job hunting culture in Japan, known as 'shu katsudo', is a tradition that emphasizes conformity and uniformity in appearance and behavior.
• 👔 There is a 'correct' way to present oneself during job interviews in Japan, with textbooks offering guidance on how to respond appropriately.
• 🌟 The speaker personally found the job hunting culture too rigid and chose to work in a restaurant instead, a decision they do not regret.
• 🤔 The desire to be 'normal' in Japan may stem from a deep-seated human instinct to seek justice and exclude those who disrupt group harmony.
• 🌍 Japan's geographical and environmental conditions, being prone to natural disasters, have historically necessitated a high level of cooperation and conformity for survival.
• 🏞️ The Japanese people's politeness and cooperation are seen as virtues, but they also reflect an instinctual need to avoid being ostracized.
• 🌐 The video aims to deepen understanding of Japanese society and hopes to alleviate the pain of those who have experienced discrimination.
• 📈 The speaker's goal is to trigger change in Japan and is willing to face criticism in the process, seeking support to reach 10,000 subscribers by a specific date.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video 'Let's Ask Shogo'?

The main topic discussed is the importance of being 'normal' in Japanese society and the societal pressures that discourage individuals from standing out or expressing their own opinions.

Why does the creator of the channel, Shogo, believe that being normal in Japan is very important?

Shogo believes it is important due to his personal experience of being bullied in school for being different, and the societal norms that favor conformity and discourage individuality.

What are some of the strict school rules mentioned in the video that enforce conformity among students?

Some strict school rules include no piercing or accessories, uniform skirt length must cover knees, hair must be black and not permed, front hair must not reach eyebrows, boys' hair should not cover ears, and girls must tie their hair if it touches their shoulders.

What was the significant event in 2017 that brought national debate over school rules in Japan?

The significant event was a case in Osaka where a girl with natural brown hair was forced to dye her hair black due to school rules, which resulted in her hair being damaged and her developing mental health issues.

Why do students in Japan have to go to the hospital for a certificate if they have naturally colored hair or natural perms?

They need a certificate to prove that their hair color or perm is natural because most schools in Japan require students to have black hair and not to perm it, as part of their uniform policy.

What is 'shu katsudo' and how does it demonstrate the pressure to conform in Japanese society?

Shu katsudo is the job hunting season in Japan, where university students take tests and interviews to find a job. It demonstrates the pressure to conform through the uniform appearance and behavior expected of job hunters, such as wearing a black suit, having black hair, and adopting a specific demeanor during interviews.

What is the 'correct answer' phenomenon mentioned in the video regarding job interviews in Japan?

The 'correct answer' phenomenon refers to the expectation that there is a right way to respond to interview questions, which is often taught through textbooks and coaching, reinforcing the idea of conformity and the avoidance of standing out.

Why does the video suggest that Japanese people are particularly addicted to justice?

The video suggests that Japanese people are particularly addicted to justice due to their natural instinct as social creatures and the historical need for cooperation and exclusion of those who disrupt group harmony, especially in the context of Japan's frequent natural disasters.

How does the geographical and environmental context of Japan contribute to the cultural emphasis on conformity?

Japan's status as a country with frequent natural disasters has historically necessitated a strong sense of community and cooperation. This has led to a cultural emphasis on conformity to ensure group survival and the exclusion of those who do not cooperate.

What is Shogo's personal stance on the job hunting culture in Japan, and what did he do instead?

Shogo found the job hunting culture too strange and conforming, so he quit job hunting and started working at a Shishin Samurai restaurant, which he does not regret.

What is Shogo's goal regarding his YouTube channel, and what does he hope to achieve by July 2021?

Shogo's goal is to achieve 10,000 subscribers by July 2021, and he hopes that his videos will help deepen viewers' understanding of Japanese society and potentially contribute to positive change.