Cultural Differences Between China And Japan

What does one think when they hear the two nations “China” and “Japan?” Most will conclude that they are both Asian countries and believe they are alike. However, this assumption is incorrect. Chinese and Japanese’s generations were built on two separate cultural backgrounds. Between the two territories, they are both designed with two different styles of government. Not only the culture and government are diverse, but there is a contrast between China and Japan’s daily expectations such as interacting with others. The opposing side might argue by saying that the two territories have more similarities than differences. Regardless to the two nations being classify as Asian nations, they should not be thought as one country since it is offensive …show more content…
One of the most common Chinese religion is Taoism. “Taoism, founded by Lao Tse Tsu, is more mystical and less pragmatic than Confucianism” (Culture of China). This belief is based on becoming one with nature and the “way to heaven.” This philosophy identifies the world as a peaceful gathering. Furthermore, the world is known to be working together as one without man-kinds’ cooperation. Taoism recognizes people’s will within the harmony of the natural universe. If an individual’s will rejects the harmony already built within the universe, the universe would bring disasters which would cause a disturbance to nature’s flow of life. This religion also incorporates natural laws, which are known as The Five Elements Theory, to help define their universe. “The Five Elements Theory consists of meditation, visualization, imagination, certain techniques of breathing, and substances and medicine” (Taoism, Daoism). With these five elements, Chinese men and women will be able to understand themselves and gain more knowledge to the universe, and vice versa. While Taoism in China resembles the selflessness of humankind and the laws that abide with the Tao, Japan’s viewpoint takes a different path involving spirits and spiritual deities. Japanese religion is known as Shinto, the way of the gods. Shinto is embodied with many deities, or kami, who are …show more content…
Some will claim that there are more similarities than differences. Both China and Japan share the same importance of gift giving. They also show similarities in their philosophies, because both philosophies bring evil to those who disobeys the way of living. Some would say that their everyday life is identical and conclude that they are from the same ethnicity. However, with only minor connections to each other, this is not enough proof for opponents to say that they are similar. The amount of differences overpowers the tiny portion of similarities, which makes it difficult to say that this is arguable. China and Japan are set in two different locations and even though they are neighbors, they should not be considered the