15. Hierarchy

Japan has a strong sense of hierarchy, established by birth or election
               residual from feudal/Confucian culture
age groups reinforce hierarchy in business, government factions (e.g. LDP)
promotions almost automatic by cohort (age and years of service)

BUT, Japan is a very egalitarian society:
    equality of law, educational opportunities
    since of group identity is strong
        egalitarian values in work place, uniforms, shared offices, single cafeterias
    income distribution reasonably egalitarian.  Few very rich or poor, inheritance taxes
        very weak "class" feelings, trade unions weak

Hierarchy is embedded in language and culture, so it doesn't need other symbolisms
 

16. Individual

With group consciousness so strong, is it necessary to rebel to be an individual?

in politics, young officers of 1930's, 1960, 1967, Red Army, airport demonstrations

One modality of individualism is "non-conformity"
    entertainment industry, "water trade"
    yakuza gangs

hobbies, gardens, writing, dance, martial arts, sports, self discipline

discussion of suicide

"...for all their group orientation, [the Japanese] are also very self-conscious and proud as individuals.

17. Women

traditionally, women always obeyed men:  father, husband, son
tradition of arranged marriage, now people are "introduced"
men socializing, >> sex industry throughout Asia
women out of labor market after marriage
  temporary positions 50% pay of man
many social changes and improvements for women:
    law - post 1947, full legal equality for women
    politics - Ms. Doi Takako, head of Socialist Party and women in the cabinet