Which group of people am I describing? People with defiling occupations who were outcasts of the society.
Burakumin
How many members does a Japanese ie have?
The total membership includes all those who went before: the ancestors, now forgotten as individuals; the recently dead who are remembered; and the descendants.
Why were puppeteers considered special status people?
The puppets were originally held to be able to embody certain spiritual beings that had powerful but also dangerous qualities.
What is the meaning of "honne" and"tatemae"?
Honne = one's true feelings; tatemae = public behavior
What rule do Japanese parents first teach their children about uchi-soto relations?
To take off their shoes before they enter their home.
True or false? Explain why. Some senmin invoked sacred power during their rituals for the village inhabitants, for which they were judged.
False. On the contrary, they were respected (and feared) for it. They were the connection between deities and humans.
What does it mean if an education system is co-educational?
Both male and female students learn together in the classes.
Was it possible to marry someone from another caste in the Edo period?
Officially, it wasn't, but it happened many times.
Who were the two big groups of Japan's population in the medieval period Medieval period (12th~16th centuries)?
Heimin (平民, common people) = residents, Genin & shojū（下人・所従）= non-residents
Tell us one kind of people who did not belong in any clear caste in the Edo Period, but they were also not outcastes.
Priests and scholars floated within the system to some extent, and there were travellers always on the road, whose status was also unclear.
Define the meaning of "status". (Only the definition! Not the kinds of status.)
Relative rank that somebody holds, with certain rights, duties, and lifestyle, in a social hierarchy.
What is the difference between “rural” and “urban”?
Rural means countryside, urban means city.
How do Japanese kindergartens focus on equality? Mention two examples.
Rota system, uniform, activities are done together, etc.
What is the meaning of the Japanese expression "mukōsangen ryōdonari 向こう三軒両隣"?
The three houses opposite and one on either side.
Who were the two big groups of Japan's population in the ancient period (Ancient Period (300 BCE~12th century)?
良民（りょうみん）= “good people”, 賎民（せんみん）= “base people”
At any level of hierarchy, there is always some flexibility, especially when we are talking about equality in certain situations. Describe one situation where this is true.
Japanese people vs. outside world/foreigners; members of companies vs. outsiders
Why were university students happier and more relaxed a few decades ago in Japan?
The quality of career that they could expect was more or less independent of how well they did and whether they got a really good grade for their degree.
How long is the compulsory period of education in Japan?
9 years. (6 years of elementary school, 3 years of lower secondary school.)
Define the two kinds of status that we learned about. Give examples for both.
Ascribed (or assigned); achieved.
What does it mean if an education system is egalitarian?
Every student have the same rights and opportunities.
Which group of people am I describing? Full-fledged members of the society, not owned by other individuals, could move freely and carry arms, had to pay taxes.
Heimin (平民・common people)
What were some occupations of special status people in the ancient period? Mention three.
guards of imperial mausoleums, cultivating the land, servants, public slaves, private slaves
What are Jichikai (自治会) or Chounaikai (町内会)?
Neighbourhood associations.
How many prefectures does Japan have?
47
Who are "special status people"?
People who occupied a special position (sometimes positively and sometimes negatively defined) in Japanese society.
Why are kindergartens important in Japan?
They help children socialize; first uchi group after their families.
What is the meaning of elitism?
Only the best can do something.
Why do Japanese people rarely show their anger in public?
Face is connected to dignity, honour and public standing. Expressing anger publicly would cause both themselves and the recipient of their anger to lose face.
What is the meaning of "hierarchy" in society?
One of the most important principles of classification in any society. It is a ranking of positions of authority, often associated with command and control.
Why was "tatami mat maker" a dirty job?
Because it was touched by the feet, the dirtiest part of the body.
Why do many Japanese excuse, forgive drunken behavior?
Drunkenness in Japan gains one immunity from acts or behavior committed “under the influence.”
What is the meaning of the Japanese word "koseki"?
family register
What were some occupations of special status people in the medieval period? Mention three.
There's a lot to choose from :P
What is the meaning of a "meritocratic" system in Japanese schools?
Students have to prove their abilities; they only become successful if they have good abilities.
What is the Japanese term for the following definition? [busy place where people go to have fun; place for entertainment]
sakariba
How can language be useful when determining relative status (even within a family?)
People make judgments about each other depending on their ability to use polite forms in the right way. The way something is said > what is being said.
What are the three levels of Japanese polite language called?
尊敬語 (そんけいご), 謙譲語 (けんじょうご), 丁寧語 (ていねいご)
Many foreigners think Japanese people are not honest and lie. Why is that?
Because keeping the harmony within a society is crucial. People don't talk about their true feelings to avoid hurting others.
What are some factors that decide whether a person is uchi or soto?
circumstance, social standing, age, professional position, etc.
Society was divided into which four classes in the Edo Period?
Samurai warriors, farmers, artisans and merchants (in that order).
Who decides which textbooks Japanese students can learn from (compulsory education)?
The Japanese government, not the schools.
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