⭐ All countries end up being victims of myths and stereotypes. In this article, we will refute 10 myths and stereotypes about Japan and its culture.
It is worth remembering the importance of researching a particular subject before putting an idea in your head. Unfortunately most of these myths and stereotypes are fueled by misinformation, confusion and fake news.
Table of Content
Myth 1 - Women are submissive
Sometimes Japanese movies give the wrong idea about women. Many believe that Japanese women are submissive and do whatever we want, like fetch a beer, rub our backs in the shower, or always be smiling.
This is an outdated view of gueixas and hostesses, where they need to be submissive to clients. Of course, many women are humble and kind anywhere in the world, but in Japan there are many barraqueiras and stressed women who boss their husbands around. In reality, it is part of Japanese culture for women to manage the family finances.
Myth 2 - Japan is weird
There is no way to disagree much with this myth, the definition of what is strange depends on the person. However, many believe that Japan is strange thanks to several Bizarre TV shows, some end up believing that all Japan is like that.
It's just that these bizarre videos that people watch are from comedy and humor shows, where the goal is to be bizarre. Japan is a millenary capitalist country, this makes Japan end up creating many different things that are unimaginable in our culture.
Myth 3 - Japan wears masks because of pollution
Japan wears masks for a variety of reasons, and pollution is not one of them! The Japanese wear a mask because of the flu, to avoid passing germs to other people.
Sometimes some people wear a mask at certain times because of kafunsho (pollen allergy). Masks are also used because it is considered rude to cough and sneeze in public.
Myth 4 - The Japanese work too much
In Japan, there are several cases of death due to overwork. Japan also has the reputation of working many overtime hours, but this does not mean that all 日本人 work too much.
In reality the Japanese are getting more and more lazy. The number of overworked people in Japan is far lower than people realize.
Myth 5 - Everyone watches anime, cosplay everywhere
Even though ordinary people of all ages watch anime, Otaku are a minority in Japan. Anime in Japan is a simple TV show, in Japan there are people who have watched one or 2 anime in a long time, as there can be people who have never watched an anime in their life.
Cosplays are not found as easily as one might think. I spent a week in Akihabara and did not find any cosplays other than Maid and Idol.
Myth 6 - Japan is all tech
Japan uses its technology to make people's lives easier, but that doesn't mean the entire country is technological. There are no robots in every store, not everything there is automatic.
In reality, there are more rural areas without technology than touchscreen devices on the streets as some might imagine. The japoneses don't care much about technology, so much so that they use flip phones.
Myth 7 - The Japanese are very polite
There is an idea that all japoneses são educados, are always bowing, smiling, and willing to do anything to please others. But, this is largely a myth. In fact, this respect and education is often due to social construct rather than personal desire.
It is part of Japanese culture to respect others, in Japan you are either polite or you are labeled an idiot. In Japan you can find ignorant, uneducated people who curse and don't care about their neighbors.
If you are interested in seeing other generalizations people make or stereotypes read the articles below: