12-4: Differences and Similarities Between China and Japan
Directions: Read the following article about the differences and similarities between China and Japan. With
your group, takes notes within each column.
On the cultural front, Chinese culture had a strong hold over Japan up unto the fall of the Tang Dynasty. As
such, the impact of Chinese culture on Japan has been seen over a long time. Buddhism came to Japan
through the Chinese. This religion has a strong influence over both, China and Japan.
As the influence of Chinese culture over Japan started to decline, Japanese culture began to emerge and
evolve, creating its own identity. This gave rise to quite a few differences between the Chinese and
Japanese cultures
Differences Between Chinese and Japanese Culture
Language
There are multiple dialects that are spoken in China (for example, Mandarin, Cantonese, Wu), where as,
there is only one written language, Chinese. Japanese people have a variety of written languages
(Katakana, Hiragana, Rōmaji), while the dialect spoken is the same; Japanese.
Names
Most Chinese names are monosyllabic (Lee, Ma, Lú). Although, there has been some change seen in this
trend off late. While most of the Chinese names are monosyllabic, Japanese names are polysyllabic
(Hayate, Minato, Yuzuki).
Religion
Along with Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are also widely
practiced in China. Shinto is a largely practiced religion in Japan, just
like Buddhism is. Most Japanese do not follow a single religion. They are
practitioners of Shintoism and Buddhism at the same time.
Mannerisms
It is a common sight in China to see people talking or laughing loudly in
public places or while traveling aboard public transport. Today, public
display of affection has not remained uncommon in China. Japanese
people consider it impolite to talk loudly in public places. Most of them mute the ringer of their phones when
using public transport for travel. It is considered rude to show affection towards loved ones in public.
Food
The food in China is diverse because of the large geographic extent as well
as the influence of various foreign cuisines, especially middle-eastern and
Mongolian. The Chinese use a lot of oil, and evenly fry their food along with
using various flavors and spices. Their food mainly include duck, chicken,
pork, and beef. Japanese cuisine, like their culture, was isolated for a long
time, owing to the fact that Japan is an island. Seafood is preferred on a
large-scale here. Japanese food is
considered to be more healthier, as
there is minimal use of oil. In Japanese cuisine, most of the food is
raw. While slurping when having your meals can draw frowns in China,
it is considered as a compliment in Japan.
China DIFFERENCES Japan
Language
Names
Religion
Mannerisms
Food
Similarities Between Chinese and Japanese Culture
Religion
Both cultures are strongly influenced by Confucianism. There is a strong sense of loyalty that people of
Japan as well as China have, though, the Chinese people tend to stay more loyal to their families. On the
other hand, the Japanese are loyal to the group to which they belong. Like they are most loyal to, say, the
company they are working for.
Another common link shared by China and Japan is Buddhism. Japan was introduced to Buddhism through
China. The Japanese scholars and monks who visited China bought along with them the teachings of
Buddhism. In Japan, people started following Buddhism along with Shintoism.
Mentality
There is also a strong sense of collectivism displayed in both the countries. People stick together with one
another, and there is an emphasis on the interdependence of human beings. This has led to a healthier
social life, in general. This, however, at times, also may be a test of patience and time-consuming, as
people tend to avoid doing even mundane things alone.
Food
The food habits of these neighbors, though varied, also show a lot of similarities. Both cuisines emphasize
on rice and noodles in their meals. Noodles, that forms a major component in the diet, are of three types:
Udon, Soba, and Ramen. The Japanese, like their counterparts, also include pork and beef in their diet.
China SIMILARITIES Japan
Religion
Mentality
Food
