Contents
foreword
“… The Japanese character can be compared with a tree, on which the gardener worked for a long time, bending, tying, propping it up. Even if such a tree is then freed from fetters and supports, young shoots are given free rein, then under their freely grown crown, the outlines that were once given to the trunk and main branches will still be preserved … ”V. Ovchinnikov. «Sakura branch»»
The Japanese … Many of us have heard a lot about this people, but, as a rule, they know very little. An amazing country about which many legends are composed, shrouded in a veil of secrets and mysteries. However, in order to understand the peculiarities and mentality of the Japanese, you need to turn to some facts, thanks to which the Japanese system has largely developed in the form in which it is presented in the modern world.
Brief historical background: Japan is a state in East Asia, located on 4 large islands — Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Koshu — and numerous small islands adjacent to them. Territory — 372,2 thousand km2. The population is 127 million. The official language is Japanese. The capital is Tokyo (about 13 million people). It should be noted that Japan is one of the most densely populated states in the world. As a great economic power, Japan ranks third in the world in terms of nominal GDP and third in terms of GDP calculated at purchasing power parity. Japan is the fourth largest exporter and sixth largest importer. Japan is a developed country with a very high standard of living (twelfth in the Human Development Index). Japan has one of the highest life expectancies, at 2009 years in 82,12, and one of the lowest infant mortality rates. The main religions are Shintoism and Buddhism.
A lot of Russian people are attracted by this exotic country, high culture and ancient traditions. Many are imbued with sincere respect for this hardworking and persistent people. What is only an example of the recent events of March 11, 2011, in which the Japanese showed themselves to be a united, organized, strong-willed people. Why are we so interested in a seemingly completely different country in terms of mentality and culture? And it seems that I have some assumptions about this. I have lived in this country for a total of about 4 years and would like to share some of my observations, which I hope will be interesting and most importantly useful to other people.
Interest in Japan arises primarily because Japan is very different from our culture and our customs. And it’s not bad and it’s not good! But this is a unique opportunity to learn and adopt the good sides, as well as to share, including your valuable experience.
When you get to this country for the first time, at first you experience a slight shock. Further, you go through several more stages, namely, shock turns into pleasant euphoria, then into surprise, then in some places indignation and rejection, and only at the last stage understanding, deep respect and gaining valuable experience. By the way, often tourists who visit Japan for about a week leave just the same at the stage of pleasant euphoria, and then for the rest of their lives they dream of visiting this country again, or even moving there to live. And there really is something to be captivated by. Starting from the diversity of natural beauty, which the Japanese carefully cherish and respect, the impeccable cleanliness of the streets, which is constantly maintained not only by special workers, but by every conscientious citizen of Japan. All this, along with high technology, where everything is arranged according to the principle “for a person” … And what is worth caring for and preserving one’s traditions, as well as the highest level of culture and service in the world! Those who linger in Japan a little longer begin to be surprised at many things. And this is understandable, because. if a person does not understand the reasons for this or that event or action, then he finds it at least strange, and sometimes even alien. Also, I know many foreigners who come to Japan under the impression of euphoria, but after living here for a year or more, they leave disappointed or even with some indignation that pink dreams have not been realized, and the Japanese are aliens on the other. planets. And only, upon closer examination, love for this country and people, when your attention is focused not on what I would have here, but on how I can be useful here, you can see that very subtle philosophy … and then you will discover a truly amazing world, the world of oriental wisdom and extraordinary beauty.
Like a dear ring on the finger of a loved one,
Like a string of blue pearls,
So dazzlingly beautiful is your happy land,
Which you call home.
Not everyone can be a poet in our country,
Not everyone is used to muses and poems,
But who at least once in the country will stay this
And he will meet you — he will become a poet in an instant.
Anna Evgenievna Gluskina. «Japan»
Introduction
- Avoid goo with people
- Be polite
- Be unpretentious in everyday life
- Keep calm but stay active
- Don’t let emotions cloud your mind
Eastern philosophy
In this paper, I would like to consider the positive aspects of the Japanese system. After entering the UPP, I compared some of the established rules in Japanese society and Shinton distance exercises, and as it turned out, I found a lot in common. It should be noted that even the word «Shinton» is very similar to the name of one of the main Japanese religion «Shintoism». But not only in sound, but also in a certain sense, the general philosophical thought unites these words. Background: Shinto, Shinto (神道 Shinto:, «the way of the gods») is the traditional religion of Japan. Based on the animistic beliefs of the ancient Japanese, the objects of worship are numerous deities and spirits of the dead. Experienced in its development a significant influence of Buddhism. The main spiritual principle of Shinto is to live in harmony with nature and people. There is no concept of salvation in Shinto; instead, everyone determines their natural place in the world through their feelings, motivations, and actions.
Synton — the term of practical psychology, introduced by A.P. Egides. «Sin» — together, «tone» — sound, «synton» — consonance, harmony.
Synthons are primarily an element of communication, a positive communicative message. However, synthons are not only elements of communication, not only communication, these are all our words and actions, all the little things and details in communication and relationships that are pleasant to the interlocutor. In this paper, I want to consider the effectiveness of remote exercises on the example of the way of life and thinking of the Japanese, as representatives of one of the most successful and civilized state. People who know how to survive in difficult natural situations (I remind you that earthquakes of various strengths, typhoons and tsunamis constantly occur in Japan), who know how to quickly get together, organize themselves and each time rebuild what was destroyed! Relying always and in everything, primarily only on themselves (the author’s position), in a country where there are practically no resources, they are able not only to survive, but to live with dignity and quite happily. What helps them in this? And how did they learn to deal with it? The answer lies in the fact that techniques very similar to the synton approach have long been used in Japan, which will be discussed in my term paper, based on my own experience, as well as the experience of other people who have lived in Japan for a long time. So let’s go!
Distance exercises of the synton approach and features of the Japanese mentality
1 part. «Remove NO-ki»
One of the first exercises of the distance is “Remove NOs” (the meaning is to remove the conflictogen in speech, to make it more conscious, positive). Somehow, the Japanese have figured out that the less you say the word «NO» (NAI, IIE), the better. The word “NO” is not very popular in Japan and is rarely spoken. To be more precise, this word is practically not used separately by itself (it is considered bad form), but rather as a part (negation) of another word, something like our “NOT”, while this particle is placed at the end, and not at the beginning words as we do. (Literally it would sound like this: instead of Do not like, would like NOT). It seems the same, but the perception of the word is a little more positive, isn’t it? ))
If you ask a Japanese a question, the answer to which is implied denial, then he will rather answer like this: “differently”, “everything is in order”, “maybe”, “I will think about it”.
Question: Are you cold?
1.rus. option «no», «not cold»
2. Japanese the option “everything is in order”, “not so, in a different way”.
Question: Would you like some tea?
1. Russian option: «no», «don’t», «not now»
2. Japanese option: “later”, “so far everything is in order”, “everything is already in order”
Very often, foreigners who don’t know that the Japanese don’t like to say «NO» can simply misinterpret the answers, and that’s often why they think the Japanese are weird. When they finally realize that it turns out they have been denied for a long time, they sincerely wonder why it was impossible to say a clear “no”, but instead, anything but that. Sometimes it’s like a game. It is curious how the Japanese sometimes cunningly dodge their answers, using their entire Japanese arsenal of words, emotions and gestures, so as not to say this «terrible» word «NO»)).
In order to maintain harmony, Japanese conversation is largely tuned to the agreement of the participants. Interlocutors try to avoid conflict situations. Refusal, if necessary, is most often expressed evasively, and this may be a particular difficulty for «newcomers» — it is necessary to fix even the partner’s implicit doubts, pay attention to sighs, head movements and phrases like «frankly speaking» (they are very common as a way to delaying a specific decision) and “it can be difficult”. The word «no» in Japanese sounds very gu.e. and rarely spoken. Instead, they resort to expressions like «maybe» or use the art of pause. A pause often means no, just as evading an answer in most cases is tantamount to a refusal. The lack of response to correspondence, faxes or e-mails is one of the most difficult aspects of Japanese behavior for foreigners to understand and accept; this is especially difficult to comprehend when a Japanese person whom you think you know well or quite well behaves in this way. To insist beyond a certain point is a mistake, it is better to move on to a new question.
An excerpt from the book by V.V. Ovchinnikov «Sakura and Oak» on this topic:
Imagine that an American shoe salesman arrives in Japan wanting to order a shipment of sandals. He finds out who exactly is the leading manufacturer of this product, and comes into contact with him. First things first, he lays out his recommendations on how to tailor these sandals to the needs of the American consumer. Well, let’s say, increase the maximum male size from 38 to 44, or, for example, make sure that the straps are not threaded between the fingers, like the Japanese, but fastened in some other way. The sandal manufacturer has an ample domestic market for this purely Japanese type of footwear, and he has no intention of changing production technology for the sake of an export order. But to directly answer the sentence with the word “no”, the Japanese do not turn their tongue. He considers it an indispensable duty to show the appearance of interest in the application from across the ocean and, on behalf of his firm, invites the American to have some fun. First, the guest is treated to dinner in the most expensive restaurant, then they go around two or three cabarets with him and complete the spree in a Japanese hotel with a large number of pseudo-geishas. The generosity of the hospitality convinces the American importer that the Japanese firm is very interested in doing business with him, and he starts business negotiations the next day. The shoemaker is sure from the very beginning that he will not take on the order, but prefers the American to guess it himself. The Japanese listens attentively to all wishes and explanations, even orders his subordinates to take the necessary notes, but as soon as the American leaves the office, he immediately forgets about him, writes off the expenses for the previous evening as unjustified production costs and begins to deal with current affairs. When the foreign customer reminds him tomorrow about himself, he is asked to wait a couple of days, and then they forget about him again. If the importer calls again, they make up an incredible story that the company has experienced a strike, fire, flood, or some other natural disaster. If the American, even after that, does not understand what’s what, and does not get rid of it, he is reassured that factory samples of the goods have just been sent to him by courier. After fruitlessly waiting for them until the evening, he learns that the messenger got into a car accident, the samples burned down along with the car and he will have to wait another week until new ones are made. The buyer of the sandal, who has been paying the hotel bill for fifty dollars a day all this time, thereby helping the Japanese economy to create foreign exchange reserves, eventually loses patience and flies to Hong Kong to complete his deal there. And a leading Japanese sandal manufacturer thus brilliantly ends complex negotiations by evading an order without saying the word «no».
Perhaps such endurance and resourcefulness can be envied even by a UPP distance rider.
2 Part. «Total Yes»
Yes («high»); Yes, so «sou desu» Here is the most popular and frequently used word. This keyword is the easiest to learn and remember. It is enough to be at least once next to a Japanese who is talking on the phone: continuously nodding his head to an invisible interlocutor on the other end of the wire, he endlessly repeats: “hi”, “hi”, “hi”.
If you ask what this word means, everyone will answer: “hi” in Japanese is “yes”. However, over time, you will find that to consider any “hi” said by a Japanese as a statement, that is, as the word “yes”, is to show unforgivable optimism. The word is much more often than «yes», it means: «I hear, I understand.» The Japanese, who responds to every phrase with the word “hi”, does not always express agreement with your words, but simply says: “So, so, continue, I hear you.”
Moreover, sometimes the word “hi-hi” 2 times slowly pronounced with a special facial expression can also mean a firm “no”. If you need to express agreement with the interlocutor, then another word “sow” is often used.
However, no matter how these words are pronounced, they make a truly bewitching impression on a person. It’s always nice when they agree with you. Even if in the end they do it their own way, but it’s still not offensive somehow. The feeling remains such that the person who said “yes” did everything possible for you and with all his heart.
3 Part. «Mistake»
Rather than looking for what has been lost, it is better to develop what is left.
Aya Quito
There is such a word in Japanese speech «shoganai» (colloquial), «shikataganai» (officer). Do not literally translate into Russian, because there are no analogues to this word, but the phrase “nothing can be done!” will be the closest in meaning! At the same time, hands are usually spread to the side, you can shrug your shoulders more, relax your face, smile (sometimes) inhale and, as you exhale, say, well, “shoganai!” Doesn’t it remind you of anything? Correctly! Exercise «Mistake! I’m good! Work!». The Japanese love the word «shikatanai». Because, no matter what happens: their own mistake, someone else’s mistake, natural disasters and other troubles, they prefer not to worry about this (isn’t that why they live so long?). The Japanese mentality does not suggest worrying about the troubles that have happened, because. they are focused on spending their energy on solving a problem, rather than useless sighs and aahs and self-flagellation of themselves or someone else. The usual reaction of the Japanese to something that didn’t work out, or something didn’t work out as we would like, is this: mistake (nothing can be done), I’m good (no one is to blame), work (action). I think that is why they quickly recover after any destruction (for example, after numerous earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as after the Second World War) without focusing on the negative, but throwing all their strength and energy into restoration and constructive. Probably, this national trait appeared in part due to the peculiarities of climatic conditions. Every Japanese in the depths of his soul is ready to lose everything he has and at the same time not to worry, but to create and build again. The attitude of «shoganai» also applies to any kind of affection (parting, divorce, death). Shoganai is even more than a word, it is a feeling of reality (the head is turned on) that the world works this way and nothing else, in other words, it is unreasonable and inappropriate to be offended, sad and worry about it (the world). After I began to pronounce this word in Japanese, I noticed that my feelings about many things really became less significant than before. Moreover, I often lacked this word in Russia, and in order to use it at home (and those around me would understand adequately), I taught this word to all my friends and relatives, explaining its meaning that makes life easier.
And now I have in my arsenal one more, more understandable for a Russian person, the word “mistake”, which I use with great success in my life and teach others this.
4 Part. «Problem-task»
The word «problem» (mondai), like the word «no», is not often pronounced by the Japanese. But unlike “no”, it is still sometimes used in speech. However, this word is usually followed by specific actions or instructions. For example, if you return a product to a store (it didn’t fit, it’s defective, you don’t like it, etc.), then for the store it’s kind of a problem. It usually happens like this. They listen to you carefully, take the goods, say “wait a bit”, go to the elder with this problem, they quickly decide what to do with it and come out in 5 minutes with a ready solution. This happens without unnecessary trials (who is right, who is wrong), without entering into discussions, etc.
As a rule, this is always a decision in the style of “point 1: the client is always right, point 2: even if the client is wrong, see point 1”, unless this, of course, contradicts the law. In general, all Japanese «problems» are solved in task mode. No one, as a rule, worries and does not take it to heart, only a sober calculation and focus on results. Problems are not always solved quickly (the Japanese often play it safe, weigh and recheck for a long time), but they are not emotionally involved in this in any way, for them it is a matter of time, due to the peculiarity of the system, thoroughness and responsibility. In addition, the Japanese are always doing something, they are always busy with something, they often have goals and plans for the future, which is probably why they have neither the strength nor the time to experience, but only creative tasks.
For us Japanese, being happy means, first of all, that at any age and at any moment we have something to do and what we like to do.
Takeshi Kitano
5 Part. «We don’t play the victim»
I have always been surprised by how the Japanese react when they are given remarks (for example, at work). If the boss makes a remark to a subordinate, then he nods his head and answers everything with a total “yes”, adding a total “understandable”. They never make excuses! Because it is considered something indecent. Of course, if they ask for explanations, they explain. Moreover, it often happens that there is simply no one to make excuses. The fact is that in Japan many processes are automated. For example, many offices have a timecard system. This is when you come to work, you swipe the card through a special device, and the time of arrival at work is indicated on the card. In Japan, many companies pay by the hour. Accordingly, if you are 5 minutes late, the countdown time will go 30 minutes later, i.e. this is minus 30 minutes of your salary, and so on. etc. The bottom line is that for what reason you were late — no one cares anymore, there is a system, there is a fact, there is no one to justify. But this is more an exception than a rule, because. they arrive not exactly on time, but in advance and often leave later than the allotted time.
Everyone knows that the Japanese work hard. Moreover, they work with full dedication, with high quality and honesty, giving their best «to the fullest» (that’s why Japan has the best service in the world, as well as high-level product quality). But none of them complain. Yes, if you complain, then no one will regret it, rather, they will laugh or say “ganbate!” (try, work). By the way, «ganbate» is the second most popular word after «yes». According to the Japanese, you should always «gunbari», i.e. try, work, in a global sense, do something in general. Therefore, it is useless to complain in Japan, anyway, the answer will be the same — “try hard!”, And if you still continue to complain, then the answer will be “then try harder!”.
Never think that you have reached the necessary stage of understanding. Always tell yourself, «This is not enough.»
Yamamoto Tsunetomo
6 Part. «Good relationship»
No matter how you speak, formally or informally, always look into the eyes of the listener. A polite greeting should be said once, at the beginning of a conversation, and not repeated again. Talking with downcast eyes is impolite.
Yamamoto Tsunetomo.
The Japanese are very welcoming and friendly people. They will always smile, say hello, even if you are strangers, but, say, you are riding in the same elevator. Politeness is generally the basis of communication in Japan. Here they pay a lot of attention to this, because. in Japan, everyone knows that a friendly and attentive attitude is the key to success, for example, in personal life (girls often smile sweetly, which automatically evokes sympathy for them), in business (disposes the client to further cooperation).
From the book «Sakura Branch» by V.V. Ovchinnikov:
“An unfamiliar man in overalls and a yellow construction helmet came in and handed me a box and an envelope tied with a ribbon. In the box was a gift set of three multi-colored pieces of toilet soap, in the envelope — a written apology: in connection with the replacement of water pipes, in the alley, you will have to dig a trench and disturb the surrounding residents with the crash of pneumatic jackhammers. After that, my wife and I again talked about the originality Japanese courtesy. Nothing so hypnotizes in this country at first as exotic courtesy.
True, many believe that the Japanese do not always show their benevolence sincerely, and it is generally not clear what they are thinking in their heads. One of my Russian acquaintances has been living in Japan for about 10 years, she says this: “I like that there are friendly, friendly people around me, smiling, polite, so I feel good here” To which I asked her: “and if they don’t do it sincerely and do they really think badly of you?” to which she told me “It doesn’t matter. I don’t know about it. It is important for me that even if this is true, they, in any case, do not show it, unlike the Russians, who can first get naked, and then figure out what’s wrong. And I feel calmer and more comfortable among friendly faces. I must say that I used to think that straightforwardness and sincere expression of feelings (including negative ones) are good. But then, I realized that people change, opinions too, so you should not immediately express negative reactions to a person. After all, there is always a possibility that it may be, firstly, a mistake, and secondly, there is a chance that a person will improve, or my opinion will change, etc. And with the beginning of my studies at UPP, I completely said goodbye to all kinds of negativity, both explicit and hidden)).
The Japanese are also very interested, addicted and curious. They are always busy with something, be it work or a hobby. There is, however, some feature, the older the age, the more these qualities are manifested and vice versa, perhaps this is due to free time, which appears only at an advanced age.
Multiple hobbies and communication of interests help to always stay in a good mood, regardless of age, marital status and other circumstances.
7 Part. «Sensual Pleasure»
To make life happy, you need to love everyday little things. The radiance of clouds, the rustle of bamboo, the chirping of a flock of sparrows, the faces of passers-by — in all these everyday trifles one must find the highest pleasure.
Ryunosuke Akutagawa
Perhaps, in the ability to feel pleasure, oriental people are truly professionals!
What is worth one tea ceremony! It would seem that there is something difficult to bring tea and drink it. But no… The Japanese tea ceremony is a whole ritual. Tea drinking can last for several hours in complete immersion in the atmosphere, on the verge of meditation, with a feeling of inhaling a delicate aroma and an unusual tart, slightly sweet taste. The feeling of warmth from the clay cup, which you hold firmly, but with soft hands, is transmitted to the whole body and warms you both inside and out. The same attitude to the ritual of eating food, especially on special holidays, when the whole family gathers and cooks one traditional dish. You can talk about this for a long time, but I think I at least convinced you a little that food and drinks for Eastern people are not just to saturate the body, but also the soul.
Try it dear friends! I’m sure you will like it))
I want to note another feature in the Japanese people, like admiring! The Japanese can admire and admire indefinitely. Every year they admire such natural phenomena as cherry blossoms in spring and red maple trees in autumn. Just for the sake of looking at beautiful trees, they are ready to travel long distances, go to the mountains, go to another island, stand in long lines (during these periods there are always many who want to admire) All this for the sake of one day, or even several hours of admiring natural beauty . Traditional cherry blossom viewing is generally a separate large ritual, usually accompanied by a picnic in the company of friends, family and loved ones. But the Japanese admire not only natural phenomena, but also in everything that surrounds them, they try to see beauty and harmony.
From the book of V. Ovchinnikov:
“… foreign experts admit that aesthetic education in the Japanese school is broader and more thorough than in other countries of the world. Already a second-grader uses paints of thirty-six colors and knows the names of each of them. On a fine day, the school principal has the right to cancel all classes so that the children go outside to draw from nature or listen to the teacher’s explanations on how to recognize beauty in nature.
This good property should be applied in your life as well. this helps to tune in to positive thinking, and life seems much more beautiful when you notice and fix in your memory beautiful and harmonious things, phenomena.
8 Part. «Proper rest»
If you pick flowers along the way and look at the blue sky, then walking is not at all difficult.
Aya Kito.
The fact that the Japanese work hard has already been said, but where do they get so much energy for this and how do they rest in order to be able to work like that?
I’ll tell you … The Japanese love everything of high quality, including quality rest. For this, however, all conditions have been created in Japan for every taste and color.
During the day, the Japanese practically do not rest, but use the time of the trip in transport (before and after work) for short sleep. This is how they replenish their daily sleep ration. People living in the villages go to bed early and get up early, which is understandable, because. they are mainly engaged in agriculture or animal husbandry. That is, those who live in large cities tend to stay up late and get up early. This is the price of urbanization. Working late, often having dinner with employees or clients, then a long drive home (in Tokyo, apartments are expensive and many try to live away from the center, because prices in the outskirts or in the suburbs are significantly lower than in the center). They sleep in the subway trains, buses on the way to and from work. In general, it must be said that every Japanese has a unique ability to sleep under any conditions when such an opportunity falls. At the same time, they fall asleep instantly and also wake up according to some incomprehensible internal clock. Many times I noticed that they can sleep peacefully in the subway, but clearly wake up exactly at their station. They can fall asleep for a couple of minutes in a cafe, on a bench or somewhere else sitting, almost standing.
I think that this is hardly applicable to us, if only because in Russia it is simply not safe to fall asleep in the subway or on a bench. But if we could learn how to fall asleep so quickly at least at home, in our own bed, it would be great, well, or where and when we deem it necessary.
On their holidays and long weekends, they usually travel around Japan or other countries. But on a typical weekend, it is often walks in the park (especially if there are children), picnics, outdoor games in the same parks or on the seashore, visits to various entertainment complexes (there are a large number of them here, different in theme — this is a big separate topic). ), meeting with friends (karaoke, bars, restaurants) mainly for young people. Also, perhaps, the most popular and traditional type of recreation is the Japanese SPA (onsen). Onsen is a hot spring of volcanic origin, bathing in which has a very beneficial effect on health. This is a great way to relax your mind and body. One hour of visiting such a source removes all the accumulated negativity during the day, the body becomes relaxed, and thoughts are calm. After visiting the onsen, as a rule, it is necessary to rest, lie down or even sleep. The next day you feel rested, toned and energized.
In Russia, there is also a good tradition — this is a Russian bath (sauna). Unfortunately, it’s not that popular right now (only in some circles) and it’s not always available or convenient. But, if possible, it is advisable to visit saunas and baths, because this has a very beneficial effect on the body as a whole. But not only baths and saunas have a positive effect, but also the usual procedure for taking a bath at home, especially with the addition of a few aromatic oils or salt. Don’t be lazy, gentlemen! Give yourself the pleasure of sometimes lying in a warm fragrant bath (for example, before going to bed) with heartfelt pleasure in order to recharge the next day for doing good and useful deeds. After all, as N.I. Kozlov says — “What you don’t do, amount of good the world must multiply!”
Have a nice holiday, friends!
Conclusion
In this work, I have considered some features of the Japanese mentality, behavior, culture and tradition. I tried to reveal and show the positive aspects of some of these features, many of which are very similar to our distance exercises, which once again proves, using the example of an entire country, that it works!An example of this is the favorable influence of these national characteristics on the Japanese themselves and Japan as a whole. Speaking about Japan as a highly developed state with a high level of technology, at the same time preserving the spirit of tradition, respecting its culture and history of the country. A state capable of reviving and coping with shocks of various levels quickly and successfully, drawing the right conclusions for the future, while not dwelling on negative experience.
From the book of Vsevolod Ovchinnikov:
“It is often asked: how did Japan manage to quickly break out after the war into the top three industrial powers, despite the huge destruction from American bombing; despite the fact that the country was occupied, despite the fact that the colonies were taken away, and there are practically no natural resources on the islands? Parodying the style of riddles-paradoxes favored by the Buddhist sect of Zen, the Japanese are ironic that each of these questions turns into an answer if the word «despite» is replaced by the word «thanks».