General:
web japan- http://web-japan.org/
Economic:
Ueda, K.(2009). Solving Japan's Economic Puzzle. Far Eastern Economic Review. Hong Kong. 172(4) p49-52.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Question Five
Distinguish any similarities or differences in meaningful occupation for teenagers between your own culture and your given culture.
New Zealand culture is big on its sport, in particular Rugby. Although sport is a big part of Japanese teenage culture, rugby is one sport that is not that popular in Japan. Instead Japanese teenagers are found playing baseball, basketball and volleyball. Music plays a large part in both Japanese and New Zealand youth culture. Japanese teenagers however follow music a lot more passionately than New Zealand teenagers and are often found listening to their MP3 players.
A difference between the two is that Japanese teenagers tend to enjoy comics. Although animated cartoons are often associated with children and teenagers in NZ, it is not a huge part of the culture. Japanese teenagers are entering the western type of culture with little emphasis on old Japanese traditions. In both cultures occupations around advancing technology are becoming more popular.
New Zealand culture is big on its sport, in particular Rugby. Although sport is a big part of Japanese teenage culture, rugby is one sport that is not that popular in Japan. Instead Japanese teenagers are found playing baseball, basketball and volleyball. Music plays a large part in both Japanese and New Zealand youth culture. Japanese teenagers however follow music a lot more passionately than New Zealand teenagers and are often found listening to their MP3 players.
A difference between the two is that Japanese teenagers tend to enjoy comics. Although animated cartoons are often associated with children and teenagers in NZ, it is not a huge part of the culture. Japanese teenagers are entering the western type of culture with little emphasis on old Japanese traditions. In both cultures occupations around advancing technology are becoming more popular.
Question three
What types of activities might be meaningful to teenagers in this culture and why?
It is often heard that Japanese teenagers are often overburdened with preparatory work for entrance examinations to high schools and universities. However it is to be pointed out that this is only true for a third of this group. The rest have no great ambitions to go into higher education and hence participate more in youth culture. There is a strong tendency for boys and girls to consume music both actively and passively.
The expressive creativity of girls often finds outlet in drawing comics or writing diaries and literature. Printed anime (cartoons) called Manga are hugely popular amongst children and teenagers. Manga means “light-hearted pictures.”
Group sports like basketball and volleyball for both sexes and soccer and baseball for boys are very popular. Almost all Japanese teenagers play some sport after school.
Young women also tend to acquire aesthetic skills by learning flower arrangement, tea ceremony, calligraphy, or a Japanese musical instrument, preferably the Kato. This ‘bridal training’ however, is becoming less popular amongst the young.
Japanese teenagers can be found hanging out with friends, shopping, eating fast food and listening to their MP3 players. Cellphones are also very popular in Japan with more than 3/4 of all teenagers having their own phone. Most of all, Japanese teenagers enjoy seeing and being seen by their peers. Japanese music crazes usually imitate Western styles of punk rock and heavy metal. Japanese tend to follow fads with even more passion than teens of other countries. Karaoke is one form of expressing their musical desires.
Some people say that the popularity of brightly coloured punk rock hairstyles is an example of the Japanese teens wish to stand against the conformity that makes up the culture of the country. Some Japanese teens enjoy cosplay or ‘dressing up as anime, gothic or Lolita (young girl) characters. Japanese tend to take trend-following quite seriously.
It is often heard that Japanese teenagers are often overburdened with preparatory work for entrance examinations to high schools and universities. However it is to be pointed out that this is only true for a third of this group. The rest have no great ambitions to go into higher education and hence participate more in youth culture. There is a strong tendency for boys and girls to consume music both actively and passively.
The expressive creativity of girls often finds outlet in drawing comics or writing diaries and literature. Printed anime (cartoons) called Manga are hugely popular amongst children and teenagers. Manga means “light-hearted pictures.”
Group sports like basketball and volleyball for both sexes and soccer and baseball for boys are very popular. Almost all Japanese teenagers play some sport after school.
Young women also tend to acquire aesthetic skills by learning flower arrangement, tea ceremony, calligraphy, or a Japanese musical instrument, preferably the Kato. This ‘bridal training’ however, is becoming less popular amongst the young.
Japanese teenagers can be found hanging out with friends, shopping, eating fast food and listening to their MP3 players. Cellphones are also very popular in Japan with more than 3/4 of all teenagers having their own phone. Most of all, Japanese teenagers enjoy seeing and being seen by their peers. Japanese music crazes usually imitate Western styles of punk rock and heavy metal. Japanese tend to follow fads with even more passion than teens of other countries. Karaoke is one form of expressing their musical desires.
Some people say that the popularity of brightly coloured punk rock hairstyles is an example of the Japanese teens wish to stand against the conformity that makes up the culture of the country. Some Japanese teens enjoy cosplay or ‘dressing up as anime, gothic or Lolita (young girl) characters. Japanese tend to take trend-following quite seriously.
Question Two
How would you go about finding this information? Examples include talking with the local people with the aid of an interpreter?
-Government websites: Web.japan.Org
-Co-ordinator of International Relations within the local government
-Other local community groups, e.g sister city associations
- Literature and Travel Guides e.g Lonely Planet
-Local council (Town Hall)
-Visit local board of education
-Government websites: Web.japan.Org
-Co-ordinator of International Relations within the local government
-Other local community groups, e.g sister city associations
- Literature and Travel Guides e.g Lonely Planet
-Local council (Town Hall)
-Visit local board of education
Question One and Four
After research within our group we collaboratively decided that five main factors that may influence our group and even potentially provide a barrier were, Traditional Holidays, Politics, Economics, Geography and Schooling. Below is a description of each and the influence and or barrier they may hold:
General information on Japanese Holidays
New Years (Shogatsu)
Traditionally, the New Year’s holidays, known as Shogatsu, were a time for thanking the gods (kami) who oversee the harvests and for welcoming the ancestors’ spirits who protect families. The custom of displaying kadomatsu (decorations of pine branches and bamboo put up at both sides of the entrances to houses) and shime-kazari (straw rope decorations) was to welcome these gods and spirits. At the beginning of the year, people expressed appreciation to the gods and the ancestral spirits and prayed for a rich harvest in the new year. Because of this, the New Year’s holidays are for the Japanese people the most important of all annual celebrations. Many
people at this time draw up plans and make new resolutions for the coming year.
Vernal Equinox Day
The traditional observance of Haru no Higan, or “spring higan,” coincides with the period of seven days centering on the spring equinox, around March 21. At this time, people visit family graves, pay their respects to the souls of their ancestors, and ask Buddhist priests to perform sutra-readings in their honor. A similar observance, known as Aki no Higan, or “autumn higan,” is
held during the one-week period centering on the autumnal equinox, around September 23.
annual event to pray for the happiness and healthy growth of young girls. On this day, families display hina ningyo, dolls dressed in traditional court apparel, along with peach blossoms and offerings of such delicacies as white saké, diamond-shaped rice cakes (hishimochi), and dry rice-cake pellets (arare).
Hina Matsuri (Doll viewing day)
Hina Matsuri is celebrated on March 3, when spring is not far off. This is an annual event to pray for the happiness and healthy growth of young girls. On this day, families display hina ningyo, dolls dressed in traditional court apparel, along with peach blossoms and offerings of such delicacies as white saké, diamond-shaped rice cakes (hishimochi), and dry rice-cake pellets (arare).
The Hina Matsuri observance derives from ancient beliefs about ritual purification. At one time it was believed that human misdeeds and defilements could be washed away and purified in rites held beside streams. Later, dolls made of paper were used in these rituals, and after the Edo period (1600–1868) these dolls began to be designed in the form of the hina ningyo seen today.
Hanami (Cherry blossom Viewing)
At the end of March and the beginning of April, when in most of Japan the cherry blossoms which symbolize the country begin to bloom, the Japanese people like to make merry at picnics known as hanami (“flower-viewing”), held under blossoming cherry trees. The custom of arranging picnics to eat and drink under the spring blossoms has been widespread among the common people since the Edo period.
(Golden Week)
April can be a stressful time for students and employees who begin work careers during this month, which corresponds with the beginning of Japan’s fiscal year. However, from the end of April, many people take from a week to ten days off work, since this period includes a cluster of national holidays, namely Greenery Day on April 29, Constitution Day on May 3, and Children’s Day on May 5. Besides, since 1985, May 4 has also been a designated holiday. This period is commonly called “Golden Week.” The weather is warm and suitable for excursions, and tourist destinations throughout Japan bustle with crowds of visitors. Golden Week is notorious for traffic jams and crowded trains and airports.
Children’ Day
Children’s Day, which falls on May 5 during Golden Week, was traditionally called Tango no Sekku (known as “Boys’ Day” in English), and was a day set aside to wish for the healthy growth and future career success of young boys. Traditional decorations were carp-shaped cloth streamers attached to poles (koinobori) and dolls in the guise of warriors (mushaningyo), while special food delicacies were rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves (chimaki) and rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves (kashiwamochi).
In ancient times, the fifth month of the year was considered a bad month, and the fifth day of that month was thought to be particularly inauspicious. Tango no Sekku first developed as an annual observance of ritual purification to eliminate defilement.
On this day there is the custom of bathing in hot water containing iris leaves. It was traditionally thought that such leaves not only had medicinal properties but could banish evil
Bon
Bon or Obon is an annual observance to welcome and console the souls of one’s ancestors, who are thought to visit one’s home at this time of the year. It was traditionally observed around the middle of the seventh month according to the lunar calendar. At present it is observed in most places between July 13 and 15, though in some regions between August 13 and 15.
On July 13, welcoming fires (mukaebi) are lit to greet the ancestors’ spirits. Then, on the sixteenth, seeing-off fires (okuribi) are lit as the ancestral souls return to the spirit world.
During Bon, many companies and stores close for vacation and since people who work away from their native places often return there with their wives or husbands and children, transportation facilities, as during Golden Week, become very congested.
Moon viewing
According to the lunar calendar, the full moon appearing around the middle of the ninth month was called the mid-autumn moon (chushu no meigetsu), and it became a custom to arrange moon-viewing parties to appreciate its particular beauty. This was originally a custom practiced in China, which spread to Japan in the Heian period (794–1185). Houses were decorated with eulalia grass (susuki) and dumplings were made and offered to the moon together with samples of crops from the autumn harvest.
Shichigosan
November 15 is a day for visiting Shinto shrines with boys aged three and five and girls aged three and seven to pray for their safety and healthy growth. Traditionally, small boys wear haori (Japanese half-coats) and hakama (divided skirts) and the girls wear kimono, but many are seen nowadays wearing suits and dresses. On this day, parents buy at shrines a type of candy called chitose-ame which is supposed to convey prayers for long life, and at home families celebrate by eating rice boiled with red beans (sekihan) and a sea bream prepared complete with head and tail (okashiratsuki no tai).
Explanation of Traditional holidays and how it may affect the group, plus any barriers noticed.
If setting up an activities centre in Japan one factor that would need to be considered is the wide variety of holidays Japan celebrates. These dates need to be pencilled in as, to the Japanese people they serve as a time to celebrate themselves as individuals, their country, religion and tradition. The activities centre would possibly close for these celebrations however it would be appropriate to participate leading up to the event as a way of relating and showing respect to the users of the centre. If we consider any of New Zealand’s holidays and the tradition and history surrounding them there is a lot of meaning and protocol just as there is in Japan. Their holidays need to be understood by the facilitators of the activity centre to engage the teenagers as it is part of their culture. For example if an activity centre in New Zealand did not acknowledge Christmas the general users would find it hard to relate to. Also it needs to be factored in as dates to close out of respect or a low attendance.
General Information on Japanese Politics
At the head of Japan is the Japanese Emperor as the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people. The Emperor shall perform acts in matters of state as are provided for in this Constitution and shall not have powers related to government. The Emperor shall appoint the Prime Minister as designated by the DIET and the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court as designed by the Cabinet. The Emperor has a number of acts to perform on behalf of the people.
National Flag of Jap is called the Hinomaru, translated this means “sun circle”.
Upcoming election on Aug 30
Currently in power is the conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), (50 years). (Taro Aso Japanese Prime Minister since 2008, used to be the Foreign Minister)
When Aso became the new Prime Minister, some said he was popular with the young sector for his policies and leadership and was dubbed the “cool old dude”.
Current 2009 polls shows the Democrat Party of Japan well ahead, although 30% still undecided.
If the Democrat Party of Japan wins, they are pledging to listen to the consumers more rather than the companies, as well as take a less subservient stance to the United States
There is some concern that the DPOJ will inflate an already huge public debt and push up govt bond prices
Over the longer term there is questions about how the DPOJ will fund all their social programmes
Currently the voter age is set at 20 and it is believed that lowering this to 18 may increase voter turnout of the young.
Explanation of politics and how it may affect the group, plus any barriers noticed.
Currently in Japan there is an election coming up. The current Prime Minister has been in power for one year although his party has been there for 50 years. It appears he will not retain the position as polls show the favourite runner at the moment is the Democrat Party of Japan. They are pledging to listen to the consumers more, rather than the companies as in the past and are looking at incorporating social programmes through out Japan. This means it may be a good time to set up an activity centre for teenagers.
The government needs to look at ways to increase voter turnout for their youth (see article titled Politicians failing to engage youth) and they may see youth centres as a way of increasing their profile. By incorporating technology within these centres may be another way of reaching out to them.
The current economic crisis affecting most countries in the world along with Japan. There is concern around how the new government will pay for their social programmes and that they may see a blow out of the huge public debt that already exists, pushing up the government bond prices.
Economic status- General Information
Japan has the second largest market economy in the world; however it like the rest of the world is currently in a recession. Japan’s recession has been the worst in industrialized countries, with manufacturing production fallen by 40% from its most recent peak. This is because it relied heavily on foreign trade and unlike other countries in the same situation Japan has become increasingly exposed to economic fluctuations. This is due the recession that hit Japan in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.
It is also increasingly susceptible to fluctuations because Japan used to be an exporter of final goods however it is now an exporter of intermediate goods. They get sent to China to be finished where labor is cheaper. This means that when China’s exports fall this will heavily affect Japan’s exports.
It is reported that the fate of the Japanese economy will be determined by what happens in the rest of the world.
There is also a major difference in the amount that Japanese people get paid
Explanation of Economic Status and how it may affect the group, plus any barriers noticed.
These factors would influence the plan around the values and roles of the teenagers that will be coming to the activity centre. Because of the recession Japan is going through a hard time like the rest of the world. This means that family’s income may be reduced from what they used to be, putting pressure on all of the family to cut down on spending. This may also mean that members of the family that didn’t previously have paid employment will need to find work to help support the family such as the mum getting a part time job, as in the average household in Japan only the man has paid employment. Because of this children in the house could have an increased role in family tasks such as domestic chores and less time to go to activities centres.
Money will be a major socio economic factor that may inhibit participation in an ongoing way. As discussed earlier because of the recession teenagers may not be able to afford to come to the centre due to cost of transport, cost of attending the centre, increase involvement at home or having get paid employment.
There could also be a stigma around different teenager’s socio economic status. Teenagers from poorer family may find it hard to participate in activities and get along with wealthier teenagers and vice versa.
depending on where they live. For example the average pay rate for people living in Tokyo is approximately 3x that of the average pay for someone living in Okinawa, or smaller towns. This may lead to a stigma around people who are from the country versus people from the city.
General Information on Japan’s Geography
Physically, Japan is a long thin country located in the Pacific ocean, made up of four main islands along with many other smaller ones. It has approximately 378,000 square kilometres of land, of which approximately ¾ is mountainous (Isamu, 1993). The climate is varied, with four distinct seasons and variations between the different parts of the country from heavy snow in winter to sub tropical conditions in the far south. It is also susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons (Geography fact sheet, n.d). This means that the majority of the population is located in the flat plains area, which has a very high population density in comparison to other parts of the country. The majority of the population live on the main island of Honshu, which has the three largest cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.
Explanation of Geography and how it may affect the group, plus any barriers noticed.
Climate: Certain areas of Japan are under large amounts of snow during winter, which can affect both getting to the centre, as well as outdoor activities. Other areas, although more temperate, can experience extreme heat and humidity in summer.
Land: Urban areas have a huge population density, which results in a lot of pressure on land and house prices, including rent. Room space is much smaller and there are less suitable environments for an activity centre, especially if considering including outdoor activities. More people live in suburban areas where house prices are cheaper, and commute to work and school. (Transportation Fact Sheet, n.d). Rural areas usually have far more room and cheaper prices, as well as opportunities for a wider range of outdoor activities; although as they are often in mountainous areas, flat land can be a problem.
Transportation: Due to having more people, the urban areas also tend to have better transportation, in particular public transportation; which is used by the majority of young people in Japan due to the high costs of learning to drive. The public transport system is extremely efficient; however rural areas tend to have fewer options for times. Many young people walk or bike. An activity centre would need to be situated as close as possible to a bus or train route, or within walking and biking distance. The times of the sessions would also need to be considered in regards to the local transportation.
General Information on Education for 11-18 year olds
The younger years of this age group would attend junior high school which is compulsory for all and is academically demanding as students face pressure to perform well in exams. These exams hold pre requisites for senior high schools which are not compulsory however very competitive. The curriculum for both schools is rigorous and includes Japanese language, geography, history, civics, maths, science, health, p.e, art, foreign language, home economics and information. On top of this they must participate in compulsory extra curricular activities. School is five days a week however most participate in study programmes or activities after school
Explanation of Education and how it may affect the group, plus any barriers noticed.
Hence education and schooling needs to be taken into account when planning this activity centre as many youths may be too busy to participate in the centre. As schooling is so demanding time to relax or studying may be more desirable therefore this could be remedied by providing after school tutors and a place just to relax.
General information on Japanese Holidays
New Years (Shogatsu)
Traditionally, the New Year’s holidays, known as Shogatsu, were a time for thanking the gods (kami) who oversee the harvests and for welcoming the ancestors’ spirits who protect families. The custom of displaying kadomatsu (decorations of pine branches and bamboo put up at both sides of the entrances to houses) and shime-kazari (straw rope decorations) was to welcome these gods and spirits. At the beginning of the year, people expressed appreciation to the gods and the ancestral spirits and prayed for a rich harvest in the new year. Because of this, the New Year’s holidays are for the Japanese people the most important of all annual celebrations. Many
people at this time draw up plans and make new resolutions for the coming year.
Vernal Equinox Day
The traditional observance of Haru no Higan, or “spring higan,” coincides with the period of seven days centering on the spring equinox, around March 21. At this time, people visit family graves, pay their respects to the souls of their ancestors, and ask Buddhist priests to perform sutra-readings in their honor. A similar observance, known as Aki no Higan, or “autumn higan,” is
held during the one-week period centering on the autumnal equinox, around September 23.
annual event to pray for the happiness and healthy growth of young girls. On this day, families display hina ningyo, dolls dressed in traditional court apparel, along with peach blossoms and offerings of such delicacies as white saké, diamond-shaped rice cakes (hishimochi), and dry rice-cake pellets (arare).
Hina Matsuri (Doll viewing day)
Hina Matsuri is celebrated on March 3, when spring is not far off. This is an annual event to pray for the happiness and healthy growth of young girls. On this day, families display hina ningyo, dolls dressed in traditional court apparel, along with peach blossoms and offerings of such delicacies as white saké, diamond-shaped rice cakes (hishimochi), and dry rice-cake pellets (arare).
The Hina Matsuri observance derives from ancient beliefs about ritual purification. At one time it was believed that human misdeeds and defilements could be washed away and purified in rites held beside streams. Later, dolls made of paper were used in these rituals, and after the Edo period (1600–1868) these dolls began to be designed in the form of the hina ningyo seen today.
Hanami (Cherry blossom Viewing)
At the end of March and the beginning of April, when in most of Japan the cherry blossoms which symbolize the country begin to bloom, the Japanese people like to make merry at picnics known as hanami (“flower-viewing”), held under blossoming cherry trees. The custom of arranging picnics to eat and drink under the spring blossoms has been widespread among the common people since the Edo period.
(Golden Week)
April can be a stressful time for students and employees who begin work careers during this month, which corresponds with the beginning of Japan’s fiscal year. However, from the end of April, many people take from a week to ten days off work, since this period includes a cluster of national holidays, namely Greenery Day on April 29, Constitution Day on May 3, and Children’s Day on May 5. Besides, since 1985, May 4 has also been a designated holiday. This period is commonly called “Golden Week.” The weather is warm and suitable for excursions, and tourist destinations throughout Japan bustle with crowds of visitors. Golden Week is notorious for traffic jams and crowded trains and airports.
Children’ Day
Children’s Day, which falls on May 5 during Golden Week, was traditionally called Tango no Sekku (known as “Boys’ Day” in English), and was a day set aside to wish for the healthy growth and future career success of young boys. Traditional decorations were carp-shaped cloth streamers attached to poles (koinobori) and dolls in the guise of warriors (mushaningyo), while special food delicacies were rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves (chimaki) and rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves (kashiwamochi).
In ancient times, the fifth month of the year was considered a bad month, and the fifth day of that month was thought to be particularly inauspicious. Tango no Sekku first developed as an annual observance of ritual purification to eliminate defilement.
On this day there is the custom of bathing in hot water containing iris leaves. It was traditionally thought that such leaves not only had medicinal properties but could banish evil
Bon
Bon or Obon is an annual observance to welcome and console the souls of one’s ancestors, who are thought to visit one’s home at this time of the year. It was traditionally observed around the middle of the seventh month according to the lunar calendar. At present it is observed in most places between July 13 and 15, though in some regions between August 13 and 15.
On July 13, welcoming fires (mukaebi) are lit to greet the ancestors’ spirits. Then, on the sixteenth, seeing-off fires (okuribi) are lit as the ancestral souls return to the spirit world.
During Bon, many companies and stores close for vacation and since people who work away from their native places often return there with their wives or husbands and children, transportation facilities, as during Golden Week, become very congested.
Moon viewing
According to the lunar calendar, the full moon appearing around the middle of the ninth month was called the mid-autumn moon (chushu no meigetsu), and it became a custom to arrange moon-viewing parties to appreciate its particular beauty. This was originally a custom practiced in China, which spread to Japan in the Heian period (794–1185). Houses were decorated with eulalia grass (susuki) and dumplings were made and offered to the moon together with samples of crops from the autumn harvest.
Shichigosan
November 15 is a day for visiting Shinto shrines with boys aged three and five and girls aged three and seven to pray for their safety and healthy growth. Traditionally, small boys wear haori (Japanese half-coats) and hakama (divided skirts) and the girls wear kimono, but many are seen nowadays wearing suits and dresses. On this day, parents buy at shrines a type of candy called chitose-ame which is supposed to convey prayers for long life, and at home families celebrate by eating rice boiled with red beans (sekihan) and a sea bream prepared complete with head and tail (okashiratsuki no tai).
Explanation of Traditional holidays and how it may affect the group, plus any barriers noticed.
If setting up an activities centre in Japan one factor that would need to be considered is the wide variety of holidays Japan celebrates. These dates need to be pencilled in as, to the Japanese people they serve as a time to celebrate themselves as individuals, their country, religion and tradition. The activities centre would possibly close for these celebrations however it would be appropriate to participate leading up to the event as a way of relating and showing respect to the users of the centre. If we consider any of New Zealand’s holidays and the tradition and history surrounding them there is a lot of meaning and protocol just as there is in Japan. Their holidays need to be understood by the facilitators of the activity centre to engage the teenagers as it is part of their culture. For example if an activity centre in New Zealand did not acknowledge Christmas the general users would find it hard to relate to. Also it needs to be factored in as dates to close out of respect or a low attendance.
General Information on Japanese Politics
At the head of Japan is the Japanese Emperor as the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people. The Emperor shall perform acts in matters of state as are provided for in this Constitution and shall not have powers related to government. The Emperor shall appoint the Prime Minister as designated by the DIET and the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court as designed by the Cabinet. The Emperor has a number of acts to perform on behalf of the people.
National Flag of Jap is called the Hinomaru, translated this means “sun circle”.
Upcoming election on Aug 30
Currently in power is the conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), (50 years). (Taro Aso Japanese Prime Minister since 2008, used to be the Foreign Minister)
When Aso became the new Prime Minister, some said he was popular with the young sector for his policies and leadership and was dubbed the “cool old dude”.
Current 2009 polls shows the Democrat Party of Japan well ahead, although 30% still undecided.
If the Democrat Party of Japan wins, they are pledging to listen to the consumers more rather than the companies, as well as take a less subservient stance to the United States
There is some concern that the DPOJ will inflate an already huge public debt and push up govt bond prices
Over the longer term there is questions about how the DPOJ will fund all their social programmes
Currently the voter age is set at 20 and it is believed that lowering this to 18 may increase voter turnout of the young.
Explanation of politics and how it may affect the group, plus any barriers noticed.
Currently in Japan there is an election coming up. The current Prime Minister has been in power for one year although his party has been there for 50 years. It appears he will not retain the position as polls show the favourite runner at the moment is the Democrat Party of Japan. They are pledging to listen to the consumers more, rather than the companies as in the past and are looking at incorporating social programmes through out Japan. This means it may be a good time to set up an activity centre for teenagers.
The government needs to look at ways to increase voter turnout for their youth (see article titled Politicians failing to engage youth) and they may see youth centres as a way of increasing their profile. By incorporating technology within these centres may be another way of reaching out to them.
The current economic crisis affecting most countries in the world along with Japan. There is concern around how the new government will pay for their social programmes and that they may see a blow out of the huge public debt that already exists, pushing up the government bond prices.
Economic status- General Information
Japan has the second largest market economy in the world; however it like the rest of the world is currently in a recession. Japan’s recession has been the worst in industrialized countries, with manufacturing production fallen by 40% from its most recent peak. This is because it relied heavily on foreign trade and unlike other countries in the same situation Japan has become increasingly exposed to economic fluctuations. This is due the recession that hit Japan in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.
It is also increasingly susceptible to fluctuations because Japan used to be an exporter of final goods however it is now an exporter of intermediate goods. They get sent to China to be finished where labor is cheaper. This means that when China’s exports fall this will heavily affect Japan’s exports.
It is reported that the fate of the Japanese economy will be determined by what happens in the rest of the world.
There is also a major difference in the amount that Japanese people get paid
Explanation of Economic Status and how it may affect the group, plus any barriers noticed.
These factors would influence the plan around the values and roles of the teenagers that will be coming to the activity centre. Because of the recession Japan is going through a hard time like the rest of the world. This means that family’s income may be reduced from what they used to be, putting pressure on all of the family to cut down on spending. This may also mean that members of the family that didn’t previously have paid employment will need to find work to help support the family such as the mum getting a part time job, as in the average household in Japan only the man has paid employment. Because of this children in the house could have an increased role in family tasks such as domestic chores and less time to go to activities centres.
Money will be a major socio economic factor that may inhibit participation in an ongoing way. As discussed earlier because of the recession teenagers may not be able to afford to come to the centre due to cost of transport, cost of attending the centre, increase involvement at home or having get paid employment.
There could also be a stigma around different teenager’s socio economic status. Teenagers from poorer family may find it hard to participate in activities and get along with wealthier teenagers and vice versa.
depending on where they live. For example the average pay rate for people living in Tokyo is approximately 3x that of the average pay for someone living in Okinawa, or smaller towns. This may lead to a stigma around people who are from the country versus people from the city.
General Information on Japan’s Geography
Physically, Japan is a long thin country located in the Pacific ocean, made up of four main islands along with many other smaller ones. It has approximately 378,000 square kilometres of land, of which approximately ¾ is mountainous (Isamu, 1993). The climate is varied, with four distinct seasons and variations between the different parts of the country from heavy snow in winter to sub tropical conditions in the far south. It is also susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons (Geography fact sheet, n.d). This means that the majority of the population is located in the flat plains area, which has a very high population density in comparison to other parts of the country. The majority of the population live on the main island of Honshu, which has the three largest cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.
Explanation of Geography and how it may affect the group, plus any barriers noticed.
Climate: Certain areas of Japan are under large amounts of snow during winter, which can affect both getting to the centre, as well as outdoor activities. Other areas, although more temperate, can experience extreme heat and humidity in summer.
Land: Urban areas have a huge population density, which results in a lot of pressure on land and house prices, including rent. Room space is much smaller and there are less suitable environments for an activity centre, especially if considering including outdoor activities. More people live in suburban areas where house prices are cheaper, and commute to work and school. (Transportation Fact Sheet, n.d). Rural areas usually have far more room and cheaper prices, as well as opportunities for a wider range of outdoor activities; although as they are often in mountainous areas, flat land can be a problem.
Transportation: Due to having more people, the urban areas also tend to have better transportation, in particular public transportation; which is used by the majority of young people in Japan due to the high costs of learning to drive. The public transport system is extremely efficient; however rural areas tend to have fewer options for times. Many young people walk or bike. An activity centre would need to be situated as close as possible to a bus or train route, or within walking and biking distance. The times of the sessions would also need to be considered in regards to the local transportation.
General Information on Education for 11-18 year olds
The younger years of this age group would attend junior high school which is compulsory for all and is academically demanding as students face pressure to perform well in exams. These exams hold pre requisites for senior high schools which are not compulsory however very competitive. The curriculum for both schools is rigorous and includes Japanese language, geography, history, civics, maths, science, health, p.e, art, foreign language, home economics and information. On top of this they must participate in compulsory extra curricular activities. School is five days a week however most participate in study programmes or activities after school
Explanation of Education and how it may affect the group, plus any barriers noticed.
Hence education and schooling needs to be taken into account when planning this activity centre as many youths may be too busy to participate in the centre. As schooling is so demanding time to relax or studying may be more desirable therefore this could be remedied by providing after school tutors and a place just to relax.
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