"Why does the nail that sticks out get hammered down?" - なぜ出る釘は
打たれるの？This is a prime example of the type of differences in society from the West & East.
The answer ?
Go buy the book, or better yet ask a Japanese person , or wait till I write an article about the issue !
In brief; Group identity and harmony (和-wa) is more important than individualistic, self serving motivational factors. Even at the cost of your own opinion it is sometimes left to "leave things unsaid" and go with the consensus of the group that keeps the majority happy.
It's a difficult concept for many westerners, especially myself as I can be very outspoken and a devils advocate at any given chance, but slowly learning...Very Slowly.
=)
The book is published by
Kodansha and is available on
Amazon & other book stores, a recommended read for the short or long term resident or even the curious.
