I live in Japan and have been in relationship with the Japanese culture for more than 30 years. Even though I myself am not Japanese, I am familiar with the way of being of Japanese people. The following comments are based on a generalization I have made from my personal experience with Japanese culture and how my life has been and is currently led by The Awakened True Self.
The qualities I find noteworthy in Japanese culture that True Self has fine tuned in me since my Spiritual Awakening in 1993 are:
Kindness – this is the most obvious behavior most foreigners notice when they visit Japan, or even when they become friends with Japanese people while living in another country. The Japanese are naturally helpful. I am never concerned when I am lost, or about finding my way to the destination even though I cannot read, write or speak Japanese fluently. As soon as I appear unsure of where to go or what to do next, a smiling, English speaking Japanese person appears asking “Can I help you?” Often they go far out of their way to physically take me where I need to be to make sure I don’t take another wrong turn along the way. This gift of their attention and helpfulness in public is greatly appreciated.
Generousness – Japanese culture is very giving. Be it for a particular occasion or as a souvenir of a recent trip, the perfect gift has a way of showing up from Japanese friends. Sometimes it is a gift of “service,” such as a bonus piece of fruit or vegetable added to my regular food order, or a free shampoo from the neighborhood hairdresser. I have also been gifted with snack food, flowers, clothing, jewelry, and invitations to great adventures. Not only that, Japanese have taught me there is grace in one’s ability to receive as well as give.
Craftsmanship – The Japanese do their best, which is evident in the way they construct everything from handcrafts to their multi-level underground train system and their earthquake proof high rise buildings.
Inclusiveness - What’s good for one must be good for all. Sharing with each other is a way of life, be it food ordered in a restaurant, flowers from the neighbor’s garden, or food from the dinner pot. Our neighbors are always doing things to make us feel welcome, and part of the community.
Respectfulness – Parents and grandparents are treated well by their children and cared for whenever needed, continuously throughout their elder years. Family relationships are an important part of Japanese life, particularly during holiday and ceremonial times.
Sensitive to the needs of others – Japanese want to “get to know” those they interact with, so ask questions and listen carefully to the answers.
Value beauty – There is a great appreciation of beauty in the homes they live in, the clothes they wear and their celebration of seasonal changes in nature. Homes without gardens are usually surrounded with pots full of beautiful plants and flowers.
Trustworthiness – If you lose something in Japan, including a wallet or purse, you will most likely get it back with all contents intact. I have left things on trains and, once left my purse in a taxi; all were returned just as I left them.
Of course, there are variations in Japanese behavior, but the culture encourages and supports the eight characteristics I have just signaled out. These behaviors are likewise how I find myself naturally expressing since True Self took the lead of this body in 1993. The peaceful and accepting demeanor which I now enjoy, seems to be how my Japanese friends and neighbors have been raised to be.
Based on these natural tendencies, it seems to me, that letting go of the false identity most Japanese still carry should be easy, as their cultural way of being is already so close to the natural and spontaneous way of being I experience through the Awakened Awareness of True Self.
