IDENTITY STRIP

This past Saturday evening, I was asked to participate in a forum with select Japanese English students at my language school. The topic surrounded cultural differences (with this Kendall representing the obvious difference as the only non-Japanese participant). Specifically, we were asked to explore the opposing Japanese cultural fundamentals known as "Honne" (one's true self) and "Tatemae" (the socially acceptable self), defined in full below.

After two hours of questions and an uncharacteristically candid conversation, I was surprised to learn that the expectation to present a masked self to the world is actually a relieving choice for the students of Japan and seemingly this society as a whole. The idea of facing unnecessary judgment and/or igniting confrontation is easily sidestepped by falling in line behaviorally within the comfort of an already homogeneous society.

But, what is a welcomed blessing to the Japanese is this American's worse nightmare... the loss of self-expression. The idea of not wanting to represent yourself in both public and personal settings leaves me more lost than found. Additionally, I wonder how Japan has achieved its worldly stature by willfully following? Consider that Japan is arguably (although no one would dare argue it here) the most efficient society in the world. How does this continued greatness emerge within a culture of relative meekness? I'm fascinated.

More immediately however, I'm left feeling a bit uneasy as I go about my days. I continue to observe the passersby, but I no longer wholly trust or read them as truth. My comments on observed behavior- the shyness, happiness, even the perceived compatibility may have been a mere front. But, as I slow in my skepticism and become wary of representing myself as myself, it's evident that the Japanese are moving along just fine, perfectly content peacefully playing within their masquerade.

Honne (本音): refers to a person's true feelings and desires. These may be contrary to what is expected by society or is required according to one's position and circumstance, and they are often kept hidden, except with one's closest of friends.
Tatame(建前): literally "facade", is the behavior and opinions one displays in public. Tatamae is what is expected by society and required according to one's position and circumstances, and these may not match one's honne.