Individualism does exist in Japan you just have to know where to look.

This is a topic that is not talked about much in Japan because of the belief you have to conform in get along in Japanese society (if a nail sticks up pound it down). However being an individual goes a long way in any culture and here in Japan individualism is practiced in degrees. For some to break out of the group and be an individual they often times have to leave Japan or some incases such as business start their own.

If you look at the Japanese who have left Japan most want to be an individual and do that they leave Japan. It becomes very difficult if and when they return to accept the groups hug if you will and conform. This is not to say all the social engineering is bad, for schools it is a good thing teaching what they do. But I believe once out of high school college students should be allowed to think on their own. Some companies search out the individuals that can think on their own and not rely on the group consensus to make decisions. I happen to know several students that were courted by large companies for being the individual.

A prime example of consensus failure is Daiichi powerplant. The individual that could have and should have prevented the meltdown was not allowed to because the group leaders did not say to. The same thing applies to Japanese airline pilots, co-pilots are taught not to question the captain (authority) and it leads to disaster. Being able to question authority as an individual can make the difference in many situations and the Japanese are learning this in a very hard way. I know this is a broad statement, but I just wanted to point out some situations where the group can fail and does.

However there is a place for consensus in society, but not in every situation. I come from a Western country and I was taught a moral code and conduct from my parents. It is the parents responsibility to teach children same as they do here in Japan. The school I attended reinforced what was taught at home.

I live in Japan because the social group makes it a great place to live, but with it I have to accept some social engineering. As a freethinking individual I run into conflicts all the time, but I choose my battles carefully.

Just one man?s opinion.