Blog #3

Gambari: The expression Gambari means to work as hard as you can, to be diligent and to persevere. The root word of gambari is gambaru "Gambaru is a frequently used word in Japan, with the meaning of doing one's best and hanging on. For example, students gambaru (study hard) in order to pass entrance examinations." (P 83.) The Japanese people feel that they need to work hard and not waste any time. This feeling traces back to Japans far past where people had to brave the harsh geographical conditions of Japan and the difficulties associated with old rice growing techniques. "Rice growing left a permanent imprint on the Japanese character.....This farming style typically needs periods of particularly intensive labor in certain seasons, especially during rice planting and harvest time."(P 87.) This demanding work left a mark on the Japanese people and instilled the kind of work ethic we see in modern day Japan.

Kenkyo: The concept of Kenkyo would best be described as modesty or humility. "In Japanese society, people are expected to be modest regardless of their social position; this is, they must learn to modulate the personal display of talent, knowledge, or wealth in an appropriate manor." (P.143) The concept of Kenkyo was formed out of Japans vertically structured society, With those of higher power on top and those of lower power on the bottom. For example "although company employees may be similar in terms of ability, they are always ranked according to age, year of entry into the organization, and length of continuous service."(P144.) Therefor Kenkyo is important for maintaining the balance of many equally or unequally skilled individuals in the vertical system.

Honne to Tatemae: This concept is the contrasting of ones own beliefs with the beliefs of society. "For many people, ones words and actual intentions do not always agree; in these situations in Japan, one's superficial words are called tatemae, while one's actual intentions are called honne,"(P115) This concept revolves around the idea of maintaining harmony among people. "The Japanese so not like to express themselves in a straightforward manner for fear that they might hurt others feelings, so they are usually careful about what they say and often use tatemae in order to get along with others."(P116) Our book provides an example of tatemae, it says that, in the case of suppertime people will often say "Won't you dine with us?" this actually means its time for guests to go home. Its easy to see why this concept can be confusing to foreigners.