China and Japan are among the best known Asian nations. Westerners often share them, but thanks to this guide you will learn to distinguish the cultures of the two countries.
Steps
Step 1. Learn which languages are spoken in the two countries
In China there are many languages spoken, such as Mandarin, wu, yue (which includes Cantonese) and min, but only one written system, "Chinese". In contrast, only one language is spoken in Japan, but there are three different writing systems.
- Chinese is a tonal language, while Japanese tends to be more monotone (although not all letters are pronounced as they are written).
- Japanese kanji is based on Chinese characters. These two alphabets are very similar, but not identical.
- Japanese has regional dialects and Tokyo is considered the standard one.
Step 2. Consider how geography has shaped the two cultures
China extends over a vast territory of mainland Asia, while Japan is a group of islands.
- China borders on countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South Asia, North and South Korea, Russia and Mongolia. These borders have allowed for the creation of vast commercial networks and cultural exchanges across borders. As a result, Chinese culture has a broad sphere of influence, and large differences between the northern and southern parts of the country still persist today.
- The countries bordering Japan are limited to North and South Korea, China, Russia, the Ainu peoples in the north (today the island of Hokkaido) and the Ryukyu kingdom (today Okinawa).
Step 3. Learn about the typical dishes of China and Japan
Knowing which are the characteristic flavors of the two nations, you will be able to distinguish their cuisines. Since Japan is an island, fish is predominant in Japanese cuisine. Chinese cuisine doesn't use fish so abundantly, except in coastal regions.
- Chinese food varies from region to region, but tends to have stronger flavors. Northern China is known for its pasta and cereal dishes, while more rice is consumed in the southern part of the country. Japanese cuisine often features more delicate flavors.
- Japanese cuisine makes abundant use of fish broth (dashi), seaweed, miso, soy sauce, sake and rice vinegar. Japanese rice is starchy, small-grained and has a tendency to be stickier. The most famous Japanese dishes include sushi, tempura and ramen.
- Chinese cuisine, in general, favors the use of soy sauce, rice wine and ginger. Some typical dishes include Peking duck, chow mein, char siu (grilled pork), and yumcha / dim sum. Chinese rice is usually long-grained and contains little starch, so it's less sticky.
Step 4. Learn how the two nations are governed
Mainland China is a Communist state (the Nationalist Party fled to Taiwan shortly after World War II), while Japan is a constitutional and democratic parliamentary monarchy.
In Japan, the head of state is the emperor, who however has no real executive power, while the prime minister acts as the head of the government. Legislative power is assigned to the Diet, made up of representatives elected by the 47 prefectures
Step 5. Learn the difference between Chinese and Japanese holidays and the ways they are celebrated
While many Asian countries celebrate the Lunar New Year (such as South Korea and Vietnam), this is not the case in Japan. On the contrary, in the land of the rising sun the new year is celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar. The celebrations are similar but different. In both countries it is important to visit your family and clean up before the New Year, but the Chinese New Year is celebrated in a very special way, with fireworks and red objects everywhere.
Another important holiday in Japan is Obon, in late summer. Many people return home and to their families to honor the spirits of their ancestors
Step 6. Learn the differences between Chinese and Japanese names
In China, nouns are usually composed of a single syllable. Conversely Japanese nouns often have three syllables and end with a vowel.
Step 7. Learn about the various religions practiced in China and Japan
Knowing how to identify the sacred symbols will help you recognize which religion belongs to the respective nation.
- Buddhism was imported to both nations (as well as throughout the Asian continent) from India. However, Buddhism which is mainly practiced in China has evolved very differently than its Indian roots. Similarly, Buddhism in Japan was imported by Chinese monks and developed independently of Chinese tradition. As a result, this religion in China and Japan is practiced differently, although there are some similarities.
- Taoism and Confucianism originated in China and have influenced and suffered the influence of Chinese Buddhism.
- Shinto is Japan's indigenous religion and many Japanese practice it alongside Buddhism throughout their lives. Zen Buddhism is one of the most practiced versions of Japanese Buddhism.
Advice
- As mentioned earlier, Confucianism originated in China, but there is a school of it in Japan as well.
- Much of the culture of ancient Japan originated from China, via Korea, so don't be surprised at the various similarities.
- Do not tell a Japanese that he is a Chinese or vice versa. This is a serious offense to those who belong to those cultures.
- If you are interested in learning more about these cultures, try asking respectful questions to people native to those areas. Most people appreciate when someone is interested in their culture, but always respect the preferences of those in front of you.
