Theme: Institution

–“Q: Curt, when you have time can you explain why the German and Japanese people are so similar when they’re so geographically distant.”–

Great Question

TLDR; territory, feudalism, militia, craftsmen, hostile richer neighbor created culture of hierarchy, piety, and duty. (and iq)

Explanation:

0) Geography: Both Japan and Germany are territorally challenging to govern, despite access to the sea in japan and rivers in germany. Until the age of rail governing the territory was far more difficult than say, france or england.

1) Medieval Feudalism
Feudalism in Medieval Germany:
– Hierarchy: The feudal system in Germany was characterized by a hierarchy where the king was at the top, followed by powerful nobles (dukes and counts), knights, and then peasants or serfs.
– Land Ownership: The king granted lands, known as fiefs, to his vassals (nobles) in exchange for their loyalty and military service. These vassals could further subdivide and grant the land to lower-ranking vassals or knights.
– Military Service: The vassals were obligated to provide military service to the king. This often involved serving a certain number of days in the king’s army or providing a certain number of knights for the king’s service.
– Serfdom: Peasants, or serfs, worked the land for the nobles. They were tied to the land and could not leave without the noble’s permission. In return for their labor, they received protection and the right to cultivate a portion of the land for their own use.

Feudalism in Medieval Japan:
– Hierarchy: The Japanese feudal system was also hierarchical, with the Emperor at the top in theory, but the Shogun (military leader) held the real power. Below the Shogun were the Daimyo (land-owning lords), followed by the Samurai (warrior class), and then the peasants.
– Land Ownership: Similar to Germany, the Shogun granted land to the Daimyo in exchange for their loyalty and military service. The Daimyo, in turn, had Samurai who served them.
– Military Service: The Samurai provided military service to their Daimyo. They were professional warriors who were trained in martial arts and followed the Bushido code, which emphasized honor, loyalty, and bravery.
– Farmers and Artisans: At the bottom of the hierarchy were the farmers and artisans. They were not tied to the land like serfs in Germany, but they were subject to high taxes and had little political power.

Note the duty/piety relationship with craftsmanship.
Note the odd relationship between german philosophy and chinese philosophy rather than religiosity.
Note that both these countries maximize duty and responsibility.

2) Norms: Piety Duty and Social Harmony: Both Germany and Japan have historically placed importance on collectivism and social harmony. These cultural values encourage conformity, respect for authority, and a strong work ethic, contributing to the similarities observed between the two cultures.

3) Parenting: the cultural value of respect for authority can be linked to authoritarian parenting styles prevalent in both countries, which in turn shaped individuals’ behavior and attitudes.

4) Powerful Neighbors (china vs france)
Both the Holy Roman Empire and Japan had a history of intermittent conflict and alliances with France and China, respectively. These interactions shaped their political institutions, diplomacy, and territorial ambitions. For instance, the Holy Roman Empire and France often competed for influence in Europe, while Japan and China had periods of conflict and alliance throughout history.

5) Nation-Building and Territorial Consolidation: Despite their different geographic locations, both Germany and Japan have a strong history of territorial expansion and the formation of cohesive nation-states. This shared experience of nation-building and territorial consolidation has likely contributed to similarities in cultural identity and the development of a strong national pride in both countries.

6) Industrialization and Modernization: As both Germany and Japan became industrial powerhouses in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they underwent societal changes that emphasized the importance of precision and efficiency to maintain economic competitiveness.

7) Post-World War II Reconstruction: Both countries underwent a process of rebuilding and modernization after World War II that focused on education, innovation, and economic development. This resulted in the emergence of similar values and cultural practices centered around efficiency and discipline.

Cheers
Curt Doolittle
The Natural Law Institute
The Science of Cooperation

Reply addressees: @JaredAberach