“Never think that what works or makes sense in your culture and country has the same value or meaning in Japan.” 

This is Flavia Milesi‘s comment on one of my posts. This is a profound insight. In recent years, I have become more aware of the way western values are being projected on non-western cultures. In many instances, the populations of such countries are expected to adopt certain ideas just because we believe that our way is the only way.

Culture is omnipresent. It shapes social, business and political practices, the way individuals and organizations build relationships, approach and solve conflicts and negotiations. 

Still, more often than not political and geopolitical events are analyzed through economic metrics and from a single (our own) perspective, without considering any cultural influences. The conclusion in this article is based on flawless logic. That is if you don’t include cultural implications in the mix. 

In Japan, national security and economic security are not seen as separate but as interconnected aspects of the same strategy. This holistic approach is influenced by cultural values that prioritize long-term stability and interdependence over short-term gains.

If you do not consider cultural factors, you are running the risk of misinterpreting the motives, actions and strategies of countries and their governments. For instance, the article’s claim that Japan’s national security objectives and private sector aims are disconnected overlooks the cultural practice of maintaining harmony and face, both domestically and with China.

In one of our recent conversations offline, Tim Sullivan noted that Confucian principles, such as maintaining harmony and allowing adversaries to save face, are integral to both Japanese and Chinese cultures. Recognizing these principles helps in understanding the strategic decisions made by these countries. In Japan, reality is never only black-and-white. 

The Japanese Approach

The Japanese approach to building and maintaining relationships is deeply nuanced. It takes into consideration the perspectives of all parties involved as this ensures stability and minimizes conflict.

The Japanese also believe that interdependence promotes harmony and this cultural value influences Japan’s internal and external affairs. This helps explain why Japan might tolerate certain degrees of dependence on China. This dependence helps maintain overall stability and, again, minimize conflict.

Countries uphold different values. These value systems more often than not cannot be transferred directly across borders. Projecting our own beliefs onto other cultures could lead to misunderstanding and conflict. We need to develop a better understanding to be able to resolve any potential conflict long before it gains a strong enough momentum to disrupt economies and livelihoods not only of single countries but also of entire regions.