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Impressions of Japanese people and Japanese culture from the perspective of foreigners in the past and present

1. Rutherford Alcock (British diplomat)
He praised the Japanese people as polite, sincere, and kind.
However, he also pointed out that due to the country’s isolation policy, there was strong suspicion toward foreigners.
He was impressed by the pride and dignity of the samurai, as well as their strong sense of duty and humanity.
He also admired the beauty of Japanese traditional events and lifestyles.

2. Isabella Bird (British traveler)
While traveling through rural Japan, she was impressed by the simple yet sincere lifestyle of the farmers.
She praised the hardworking women who supported their families, calling them “the world’s most diligent women.”
On the other hand, she was shocked by the poverty and harsh living conditions in the Tohoku region, urging government support.
She also admired Japan’s natural beauty and the richness of its four seasons.

3. Erwin von Baelz(German physician)
He admired the Japanese people’s high level of hygiene, especially their use of hot springs for therapy.
He praised their habit of bathing daily to keep their bodies clean.
He also appreciated the Japanese diet, which he believed contributed to their lean and healthy bodies.
However, he found issues in Japan’s underdeveloped medical system and reliance on superstitions in healthcare.

4. Basil Hall Chamberlain (British Japanologist)
He highly praised the depth of Japanese culture and their respect for tradition.
He noted that “the Japanese have a remarkable ability to adopt new cultures.”
He was fascinated by the unique grammar and complex expressions of the Japanese language, which he explained in his writings.
He was especially fond of the Japanese people’s thoughtful manners and humble nature.

5. Edward S. Morse (American zoologist)
He was deeply impressed by the beauty and delicacy of Japanese pottery and crafts, calling Japanese tea utensils “the finest in the world.”
He also admired the functional and simple design of Japanese houses.
He praised the Japanese people’s craftsmanship and delicate handiwork.
However, he criticized Japan’s reliance on superstitions and non-scientific beliefs.

6. Helen Keller (American social welfare activist)
During her visit to Japan, she said, “I was comforted by the warmth and kindness of the Japanese people.”
She was especially impressed by their determination to overcome hardships and praised the excellence of Japanese education.
During her visit, she interacted with many Japanese people and emphasized the importance of support for people with disabilities.
She showed strong interest in Japan’s traditional culture and spiritual richness.

7. Albert Einstein (German physicist)
During his visit to Japan, he said, “The Japanese are humble, polite, and value spiritual richness.”
He was impressed by their sensitivity to nature and the arts.
He praised Japanese culture for its deep philosophical thinking, which he believed connected to the principles of physics.
He also showed great interest in Japan’s traditional performing arts and philosophy, expressing deep respect for them.

Impressions of Japan by Missionaries During the Sengoku and Edo Periods

Missionaries who visited Japan during the Sengoku and Edo periods had various impressions of Japanese culture and society. Here are summaries of their impressions, based on their records and reports.

Impressions of Missionaries During the Sengoku Period

• Francisco Xavier
  • Impressed by the Japanese people’s high intellectual curiosity and politeness.
  • Surprised by the differences in religious views and the constant warfare.
• Luis Frois
  • Detailed records of the Japanese people’s lifestyle and values, noting differences from Europe.
  • Particularly impressed by the Japanese people’s cleanliness and the spirit of Bushido.

Impressions of Missionaries During the Edo Period

• João Rodrigues
  • Left detailed records of Japanese art, culture, and social systems.
  • Impressed by the Japanese people’s adaptability and high level of technical skill.
• Jesuit missionaries
  • Observed the Japanese people’s religious and moral views through Christian missionary activities.
  • While appreciating the Japanese people’s diligence and orderliness, also pointed out their exclusive aspects.

Overall

• The missionaries held both admiration and bewilderment towards Japanese culture and society.
• While impressed by Japan’s high cultural standards, technical capabilities, and social order, they were also perplexed by differences in religious views, exclusive aspects, and the state of war.

These records are valuable resources for understanding the state of Japan at that time.

Detailed Impressions:

Francisco Xavier

1. He was impressed by the high intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn of the Japanese people.
2. He praised their polite customs and courteous treatment of guests.
3. On the other hand, he was perplexed by the differences in religious views, especially the complexity of Buddhism and Shinto.
4. He was saddened by the constant warfare and felt the need for peace.
5. He was impressed by the Japanese moral code, especially the Bushido spirit of valuing honor.
6. He pointed out the lack of charity towards the poor and felt the lack of social welfare.
7. He was surprised by the Japanese love of cleanliness, especially the custom of bathing.
8. He appreciated the food culture, especially the diet centered on rice and fish.
9. He was moved by the beautiful Japanese nature, especially the seasonal scenery.
10. While struggling to learn Japanese, he was interested in its complex system.

Luis Frois

1. He recorded in detail the Japanese people’s lifestyle, especially their punctuality and tidiness.
2. He highly praised the spirit of Bushido, especially loyalty to one’s lord and self-sacrifice.
3. On the other hand, he was shocked by customs such as seppuku and pointed out their cruelty.
4. He was amazed by Japanese art, especially the delicate aesthetics of tea ceremony and flower arrangement.
5. He critically viewed the low status of women, especially the strictness of the patriarchal system.
6. He deeply considered the Japanese view of religion, especially polytheistic beliefs and views on life and death.
7. He recorded in detail the Japanese social hierarchy, especially the differences in the lives of samurai and commoners.
8. He praised the Japanese love of cleanliness, especially the cleanliness of clothing and housing.
9. He was impressed by Japanese technology, especially the high level of sword and architectural technology.
10. He recorded in detail the Japanese political situation, especially Oda Nobunaga’s expansion of power, and analyzed his influence.

João Rodrigues

1. He was amazed by the high level of Japanese art, especially painting and craft techniques.
2. He was deeply fascinated by traditional performing arts such as tea ceremony and Noh, and tried to understand their spirituality.
3. He recorded in detail the Japanese social system, especially the shogunate’s governing structure and the status system.
4. He closely examined Japanese economic activities, especially the development of commerce and the monetary system.
5. He recorded in detail the Japanese view of religion, especially the doctrines and rituals of Buddhism and Shinto.
6. He appreciated the Japanese moral code, especially the customs of valuing giri-ninjo and etiquette.
7. He was interested in the Japanese language, especially the complexity of honorifics and euphemisms.
8. He recorded in detail the Japanese lifestyle, especially food, clothing, and housing.
9. He was impressed by Japanese technology, especially shipbuilding and gun technology.
10. He recorded in detail the Japanese political situation, especially Tokugawa Ieyasu’s expansion of power, and analyzed his influence.

Jesuit Missionaries

1. They appreciated the diligence of the Japanese people, especially the work ethic of those engaged in agriculture and commerce.
2. They were impressed by the orderliness of the Japanese people, especially the discipline and good public order of the whole society.
3. On the other hand, they struggled with the exclusive attitude towards Christianity, especially the conflict with Buddhist forces.
4. They felt perplexed by the Japanese view of religion, especially ancestor worship and polytheistic beliefs.
5. They tried to understand the Japanese moral code, especially the spirit of Bushido and the concept of loyalty.
6. They recorded in detail the Japanese lifestyle, especially food, clothing, and housing.
7. They were amazed by Japanese art, especially painting and craft techniques.
8. While struggling to learn Japanese, they were interested in its complex system.
9. They were saddened by the issuance of the Christian prohibition order and the persecution of believers.
10. They tried to understand Japanese culture, especially traditional performing arts such as tea ceremony and flower arrangement.

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Over the past 30 years, many visitors to Japan have shared their impressions of Japanese culture, society, and its people. Here are some of their thoughts

1. Appreciation of Cultural Details: Traditional Japanese arts, such as tea ceremonies, Noh theatre, ikebana, and festivals, have deeply impressed visitors with their beauty and spirituality. Modern cultural phenomena like anime, manga, and J-POP are also hugely popular.
2. Politeness and Hospitality: Many visitors praise the politeness and hospitality of Japanese people. The kindness and courteous manner shown toward guests are especially memorable.
3. Safety and Efficiency: Japan’s cleanliness, the efficiency of public transportation, and the overall sense of safety are highly regarded. The reliability of Japan’s transportation network, especially the Shinkansen, is often celebrated.
4. Seasonal Beauty: The distinct beauty of Japan’s four seasons is a major attraction for foreigners. Cherry blossoms in spring, colorful foliage in autumn, snowy landscapes in winter, and summer festivals or fireworks draw significant admiration.
5. Surprising Contrasts: Visitors are often amazed by the coexistence of tradition and modernity in Japan. Ancient shrines and temples harmoniously blend with the cutting-edge urban environment.
6. Unique Cultural Norms: Aspects such as the quietness in public places, punctuality, and patience in queuing are pointed out as cultural traits that differ from other countries.

These impressions vary depending on the visitors’ backgrounds and interests, but overall, Japan’s diversity and uniqueness captivate many people.

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Impressions of Japan from Recent Visitors

American Visitors:

1. Calmness and Order: A couple from North Carolina marveled at Tokyo’s calmness and sense of order. “For such a big city, it’s incredible how you barely hear car horns,” they said.
2. Diverse Food Culture: An American tourist was deeply impressed by the variety and quality of Japanese cuisine, including sushi, barbecue, and ramen, describing it all as “fresh and delicious.”
3. Spirit of Hospitality: The politeness and attentiveness of Japanese hospitality amazed one visitor. “It’s incredible to receive this level of service without the concept of tipping,” they remarked.

European Visitors:

1. Depth of Culture: A French traveler admired the coexistence of traditional and modern cultures in Japan, stating, “It feels like stepping into another world.”
2. Scenic Beauty: A German tourist was struck by the beauty of temples and gardens in places like Kyoto and Nara, describing them as “beyond what any photograph can capture.”
3. Efficient Public Transportation: A British tourist was in awe of Japan’s punctual and clean train system, saying, “I’ve never seen such an efficient transport network.”

Asian Visitors:

1. Safety: A visitor from Malaysia was impressed by Japan’s safety, noting, “You can walk around late at night without worry.”
2. Cleanliness: A traveler from Thailand was amazed by the cleanliness of Japanese streets and public facilities, marveling at the lack of litter.
3. Culinary Excellence: A tourist from South Korea was captivated by Japanese ramen and sushi, describing it as “a new discovery with every bite.”

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Each visitor’s unique perspective highlights Japan’s multifaceted appeal. Which impression resonated with you the most?