I believe this is a lingering attitude from the clans mentality where style of dress was used as a visual indicator if someone belonged to the same or different clan. Thus the way you dress is seen as a reflection of your social status and the school or company you’re associated with. In the past Japanese clans used
ka-mon (家紋), which is similar in function to the European family crest, on kimono and significant architecture. Currently
mon (紋), emblems, are used by restaurants and shops or used on products to represent craftsmanship lineage
Holidays: Prior to exposure to Western traditions like celebrating individual’s birthdays, Japanese people only celebrated the collective Coming-of-Age Ceremony for all those turning 20 years old. The formal significance and popularity of this ceremony in Japan is similar to the American tradition of “prom” for graduating high school seniors who tend to be 18 years old, which is considered adult age in the U.S.
I also witnessed unique perspectives in Japan that emerged from its history of modernization, which affected the native culture and adoption of outside cultural influences.
- Language: While modernizing, Japan adopted and used many English loan words, such as konbini, a shortened version of the words “convenience store” or paso-kon, a shortened version of the words “personal computer” or "P.C.", a word is used in Japan instead of “laptop”.
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