What the West Can Learn from Japan about the Cultural Value of Work
by John Lanchester
December 13, 2016
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/13/magazine/what-the-west-can-learn-from-japan-about-the-cultural-value-of-work.html?_r=0
The author gives many examples of his experiences of watching the way Japanese people work and live their lives. His first example is how he was watching a cook in a restaurant and how he would cook for each person's food with a slight difference in timing and technique so that it would be just right. The cook did everything by memorization and with no effort at all since it was a proof that he had mastered this skill completely. The man didn't look like he was working his job, but doing what his being was called to do. It is extremely noticable how the Japanese people make their work a personal investment. Many people in Japan say that their jobs include doing literally nothing due to how naturally and effortlessly it comes to them. Although the Japanese economy came to a hault like many other strong economies in the world, the people of Japan never grew angry or weary of their situation due to their strong and dedicated work ethics. Japan isn't a stagnant place economically because of this attitude. If the world could take anything from Japan, it should be their work ethic and attitude towards work because it makes the whole economic process smoother.
My thoughts on the article is that while going through the research about Japan in this project, this type of attitude towards work doesn't surprise me. The growing percentage of an older population could only be battled with economically by having the labor force working even harder which is exactly what is happening. If half the countries in the world could act like Japan in their work ethic, then there is no way the world be struggling as much.
This article ties in to the culture of the country as it shows what the people of Japan value the most in their daily lives, which is their work life. Most people spend an average of half of their day working everyday which is no where nearthe average what other countries put into their work life. The article simply states many practical examples of how the Japan people flourish based on their ideology of work.
My thoughts on the article is that while going through the research about Japan in this project, this type of attitude towards work doesn't surprise me. The growing percentage of an older population could only be battled with economically by having the labor force working even harder which is exactly what is happening. If half the countries in the world could act like Japan in their work ethic, then there is no way the world be struggling as much.
This article ties in to the culture of the country as it shows what the people of Japan value the most in their daily lives, which is their work life. Most people spend an average of half of their day working everyday which is no where nearthe average what other countries put into their work life. The article simply states many practical examples of how the Japan people flourish based on their ideology of work.