Are Japan, Korea, and China different or similar?

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Very often, the word Asians is used to refer to people who may come from Korea, Japan, or China. Moreover, it is sometimes assumed that they represent a group that is homogeneous in terms of cultural values, political beliefs, or attitudes. This is one of the main misconceptions that should be avoided while discussing these countries.

This paper is aimed at determining whether Korea, China, and Japan are similar or different from one another. In particular, it is necessary to examine the cultural and educational dimensions, since they can help a person understand the relations among these countries.

Moreover, one should speak about the political culture of these nations. Much attention should be paid to the impact of Confucianism on these countries and the role of individuality in these cultures. Overall, it is possible to argue that unlike Japan and Korea, Chine be described as a more collectivist society in which Confucian values continue to influence the functioning of the educational system and the interactions between people. These are the main arguments that should be elaborated in greater detail.

When discussing these countries, one should first examine the role of Confucianism, since this philosophical system affected the development of these nations. There are various principles that are incorporated into this ethical teaching. First of all, according to Confucianism, the perfection of the world can be achieved, provided that a person strives to eliminate his/her own flaws (Goldin 5).

To a great extent, this moral teaching urges a person to reflect upon one’s own errors (Goldin 5). More importantly, Confucianism implies that the society should be governed by people who have acquired wisdom (Goldin 5).

The main issue is that this ethical theory does not encourage a person to take part in the active protest against the state or the existing social hierarchy. This is one of the main details that should be considered since it is helpful for understanding the differences between these nations. The state ideology of China has not always been driven by Confucianism. Nevertheless, Chine culture is traditionally associated with this system of philosophy (Kang 26).

Furthermore, China did not attempt to impose Confucianism on Korea or Japan because this state did not want to become a global empire (Kang 26). However, these countries were willing to use the cultural heritage of China for their own purposes (Kang 26). Overall, it is possible to argue that Confucianism was partly accepted in Japan, but it was only one of the philosophical traditions. More importantly, in Japan, the government was controlled by people who represented the warrior culture.

In many cases, they did not accept the Confucian notion of literati or scholars who should represent the state. In contrast, in Korea, the power was assumed by people who claimed the title of scholars or sages. These are some of the main distinctions that should be considered. Admittedly, the supporters of Confucianism can be found in each of these three countries. Nevertheless, its legacies are particularly influential in China and Korea. This is one of the aspects that can be identified.

Additionally, it is important to remember about the role of education in these states. In each of these countries, students are required to meet high educational standards. Nevertheless, there are some peculiarities that should be considered. One should focus on the philosophical and ethical values that underlie this process.

In particular, it is important to remember Confucian academies were often important educational centers (Kang 26). Therefore, the ethical principles of this teaching are partly incorporated in the ethical education of children. These are the main details that can be identified. This argument is also relevant if one speaks about Korea. Nevertheless, the education in Japan was also shaped by Buddhist tradition which has always been influential in this country.

Moreover, one should keep in mind that these countries have different political cultures. To a great extent, they were involved in the Cold War, and they represented the opposing sides (Cumming 3).

As a result, these nations often became geopolitical opponents (Cumming 3). Japan and South Korea can be regarded as very developed democracies in which the individual rights of citizens are recognized and enforced. In contrast, China is a more collectivist society, and to some degree, this tendency can be described by the enduring role of communism on the development of this state.

Overall, people, who represent these nations, are acutely of their differences. Nevertheless, one should keep in mind these differences are more likely to become less noticeable due to the impacts of globalization on these cultures. Therefore, it is not possible to say that China, Japan, and Korea can remain impervious to the influence of other countries. Such an assumption can prevent a person from understanding these countries. This is one of the counter-arguments that should not be disregarded.

To a great extent, this discussion is aimed at breaking many of the existing stereotypes about these countries. In cases, they can be explained by the early encounters of Europeans and Americans with people from Asian countries, especially China (Thompson, Stanley, and Perry 31). At that time, Western merchants were often met with hostility or suspicion (Thompson, Stanley, and Perry 31). In contrast, European travelers did not fully understand the culture of a country that was entirely unknown to them.

Moreover, in many cases, the misconceptions about Asian cultures and countries can affect the attitudes of policy-makers or governmental officials even nowadays (Awanohara 15). For instance, some governmental officials tend to portray Japanese people in a stereotypical way, and such descriptions are often inaccurate (Awanohara 15). These examples are important for showing that it is critical to understand the cultural heritage of various Asian nations. This is why these issues should not be overlooked.

Therefore, it is possible to argue that people should recognize the differences between China, Korea, and Japan, since this knowledge is important for interacting with people who come from these countries. Much attention should be paid to the impact of Confucianism on the development on these societies.

In particular, this philosophical system is particularly influential in China and Korea, while in Japan, it is only one of the ethical traditions. To a great extent, this difference can be useful for explaining the way in which people are educated in these countries. Moreover, one should concentrate on the political culture of these states. China can be described as a more collectivist society in which the interests of the community are more important than the interests of an individual. These are the main issues that can be identified.

Works Cited

Awanohara, Susumu. “Paradigm Paranoia: CIA Report Warns of Japanese Economic Domination.” Far Eastern Economic Review, 152.26 (1991): 15-16. Print.

Cumming, Bruce. “We look at it and see ourselves.” London Review of Books, 27.14 (2005): 1-14. Print.

Goldin, Paul. Confucianism, Berkeley: University of California Press, 2011. Print.

Kang, David. “States: The Confucian Society.” East Asia Before the West: Five Centuries of Trade and Tribute. Ed. David Kang. New York: Columbia University Press, 2013. 25-54. Print.

Thompson, James, Peter Stanley, and John Perry. Sentimental Imperialists: The American Experience in East Asia, Cambridge: Harper & Bow, 1999. Print.

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