In Jam-chan's home, on an antique wooden offering table, two delicate tablets are quietly placed, on which are engraved the names of Jam-chan's deceased parents. These two tablets, for Yujiang, are not only the memory of relatives, but also a kind of spiritual sustenance. In her hometown, it is not a common custom to enshrine tablets of deceased relatives, but this ritual has a special meaning in Yu-chan's family.
The family history of Yu-chan is deep, and the affection between family members is deep, and the admiration and nostalgia for ancestors have been passed down from generation to generation. In Yu-chan's memory, every important festival or family celebration, the whole family would gather at the offering table to pay their respects and miss their deceased loved ones. This kind of ritual, although it may seem a little ancient and mysterious to outsiders, is an important way for the Yujiang family to maintain family ties and inherit family culture.
The ceremony of enshrined the tablet is not only a formal commemoration, but also a spiritual communication. Whenever Yu-chan stood in front of the offering table, she could always feel an invisible power, as if her deceased parents were by her side, giving her strength and guidance. This strength allows Yuchan to always remain firm and brave in the face of difficulties and challenges in life.
Over time, the Yu-chan family grew and grew to include members all over the country. But no matter where they are, whenever family members return to their hometowns, they come to the offering table to pay their respects to their deceased loved ones. This ritual has become a bridge for emotional communication between family members and an important carrier of family cultural inheritance.
Growing up in such an environment since childhood, Yu-chan understands the importance of family rituals. In her view, the memorial tablet is not only a memorial to deceased loved ones, but also a respect for life and family history. She believes that in this way, her soul can be purified, and the spirit of her family can be passed on.
With the development of society and cultural changes, many new customs and traditions have gradually emerged in Yujiang's hometown. However, the worship ceremony of the Yujiang family has always been consistent and has become an indispensable part of the family culture. Yu-chan believes that no matter how times change, family rituals and traditions should be respected and passed on because they carry the family's memory and spirit.
In Yu-chan's heart, the ritual of offering the tablet is a sacred existence. Every time she stood in front of the offering table, she would deeply feel the strength and warmth of the family. She knows that this strength and warmth will accompany her throughout her life and become a source of courage and strength for her to face life. And for the Yujiang family, this ritual will also continue to be passed down and become an eternal mark in the family culture.
In Tamama-chan's hometown, it is not a common custom to enshrine tablets for deceased relatives, in contrast to the custom of family tablets that she saw during her travels to Japan. In Japan, family memorial tablets are a ritual deeply rooted in cultural and religious beliefs, and almost every family will set up a shrine or Buddhist altar in their home to enshrine ancestral tablets as a way to express respect and remembrance of their ancestors.
This cultural difference aroused great interest in Yu-chan. She began to study and compare the differences between China and Japan in terms of family worship customs. In China, especially in Yuchan's hometown, people are more inclined to commemorate deceased relatives through activities such as tomb sweeping, sacrifices, etc. These activities are usually held on specific festivals, such as Qingming Festival, Zhongyuan Festival, etc., where people will go to the cemetery to clear weeds and offer flowers and food as a way to express their remembrance and respect for the deceased.
In Japan, the custom of offering tablets at home is more everyday and private. Japan maintain a spiritual connection with their deceased loved ones through daily offerings and prayers in their daily lives. This offering is not only a memorial to the deceased, but also a transmission of family history and traditions. Japan believe that by offering tablets, they can pray for the blessings of their ancestors and bring harmony and tranquility to the family.
In the comparison, Yuchan found that although there are obvious differences between China and Japan in terms of worship customs, the emotions and meanings behind them are similar. Whether it is a tomb sweeping ceremony in China or a family offering in Japan, people are expressing their remembrance and respect for their deceased loved ones, as well as respect and inheritance of family traditions.
In addition, Tama-chan also noted that the custom of worshipping tablets in Japan is closely linked to religious beliefs. In Japan, the influence of Buddhism and Shinto is far-reaching, and many homes enshrine tablets with Buddhist scriptures or Shinto prayers. In China, although there are also Buddhist and Taoist influences, the custom of family worship reflects more of the Confucian spirit of filial piety, emphasizing respect for elders and the maintenance of family traditions.
By comparing the cultural differences between China and Japan, Tama-chan gained a deeper understanding of the custom of worshipping tablets in Japan families. She began to wonder if the respect for life, family and tradition behind this custom could also shed some light on her hometown. She believes that despite the diversity of cultural expressions, humanity's appreciation of kinship, family and tradition is a bridge across national borders and cultures, and an important force for the inheritance and development of human civilization.
Tamama-chan's exploration is not over, and she hopes to gain a deeper understanding of Japan's custom of worshipping tablets in families, as well as its place and role in Japan society and culture. She believes that through this kind of cross-cultural learning and exchange, she can not only enhance her understanding of different cultures, but also enrich and expand her horizons. In the process, Yuchan constantly discovers that although each country and nation has its own unique cultural traditions, it is these diversity that constitute the richness and breadth of human civilization.
In Japan society, human ties tend to be weak, and this is especially evident in family relationships. Although Japan is known for its traditional family values and respect for its elders, the fast-paced and high-stress lifestyles of modern society have taken an impact on this traditional relationship. Mr. Yamaguchi's family is a good example of this, and his connection with his children is not as strong as the outside world thinks.
Mr. Yamaguchi is a typical middle-aged Japan man with a busy schedule and frequent overtime and business trips, which makes him have little time to spend with his family. His children are all grown ups, each working and living in different cities, and his contact with his father is mainly through telephone calls and occasional family gatherings. Although Mr. Yamaguchi cares deeply about his children, there is not much communication between them due to work and distance.
In Mr. Yamaguchi's family, traditional family gatherings have become very rare. Even on important holidays, such as New Year's or Chukwan, Mr. Yamaguchi's children are often too busy to go home for reunions. This situation is not uncommon among Japan families, and many families face similar difficulties. Connections between family members rely more on modern communication tools, such as cell phones and email, than face-to-face communication.
In addition, Japan's emphasis on individual independence also affects the bonds between family members to some extent. In Japan culture, adult children are often encouraged to become independent as early as possible and establish their own life and social circles. While this independence contributes to personal growth, it can also lead to more distant ties between family members.
Mr. Yamaguchi's children grew up accustomed to this independent lifestyle. They rarely reach out to their fathers unless there is something important to discuss. In their daily lives, spending more time with friends and colleagues and less contact with family is taking up less time. This situation is becoming more and more common in modern society, and many young people prefer to devote their time and energy to work and personal interests rather than family relationships.
However, this does not mean that there is a lack of affection between Mr. Yamaguchi and his children. They still support and help each other at critical moments, such as when family members are sick or in difficulty. This support, while not as frequent and daily as in a traditional family, is especially important at critical moments.
In general, Mr. Yamaguchi's family relationships reflect the changes in family ties in modern Japan society. While family members may not have much day-to-day communication with each other, they are still able to demonstrate deep family affection at critical moments. This change is a natural consequence of social development and cultural change, and it is also a reality that many families in modern society need to face and adapt.
Although Mr. Yamaguchi has a good relationship with his eldest son, there is not much contact between the two, which is not uncommon in Japan society. In modern Japan, independence and personal space between adults are highly valued, even among family members. Mr. Yamaguchi's eldest son is married and has his own family, but because of his work and place of residence, he is mainly in contact with his father through phone calls or occasional family gatherings.
At a chance family gathering, Mr. Yamaguchi discovers that he doesn't even know the name of his eldest daughter-in-law. If this were to happen in China, it might be considered inconceivable, as family ties are usually closer in Chinese culture, and family members get to know and communicate more frequently with each other. In China, the connection between family members often extends beyond blood ties to in-law relationships, and the eldest daughter-in-law is part of the family member, and her name and circumstances should be well known to the family members.
However, in Japan, especially in families like Mr. Yamaguchi's, the connection between family members may be more emotional than everyday communication and interaction. Mr. Yamaguchi's eldest son, probably because of his busy work schedule and fast-paced life, did not have many opportunities to share details of his life with his father, including his wife's name and situation. This is not uncommon in Japan, where many adults gradually reduce contact with their parents after starting a family and focus more on their small family and career development.
This cultural difference partly reflects Japan society's respect for individual independence. In Japan, adult children are encouraged to become self-reliant and establish their own lives and social circles, rather than being overly dependent on their parents. This independence can contribute to personal growth and development to some extent, but it can also lead to more distant connections between family members.
At the same time, respect for individual privacy in Japan society is also an important factor. In Japan culture, people usually don't ask too much about or interfere in other people's private affairs, including the private lives of family members. This cultural background of respecting personal privacy may also be one of the reasons why Mr. Yamaguchi does not know the name of his eldest daughter-in-law.
However, this does not mean that Mr. Yamaguchi's relationship with his eldest son is not close. They still get together to share each other's lives and joys during important family events or holidays. Although there is not much contact in their daily lives, they are still able to feel supported and cared for each other during critical moments.
In general, Mr. Yamaguchi has little contact with his eldest son, and he doesn't even know the name of his eldest daughter-in-law, which is not uncommon in Japan society. This reflects the respect for individual independence and privacy in Japan culture, as well as the changing connections between family members in modern society. Although this change may be different from Chinese family culture, it is still a unique phenomenon in Japan society that deserves our understanding and respect.
In Japan society, there is a unique phenomenon of family relationships: many adult children do not see their parents frequently or provide daily care during their parents' lifetime, but after the death of their parents, they show great respect and nostalgia and show their respect for their ancestors by offering tablets. This cultural practice is in stark contrast to the concept of filial piety in other countries, especially in Chinese culture.
In Chinese culture, filial piety is a deep-rooted value in which children are expected to fulfill their filial piety during their parents' lifetime, including frequent home visits, taking care of their parents' daily needs, and providing necessary medical and spiritual support when their parents are sick. However, in Japan, although filial piety is also seen as an important family virtue, it manifests itself differently.
Japan society emphasizes individual independence and self-development, and adult children are often encouraged to pursue their own career and life goals, while parents are expected to respect their children's choices and give them ample space. This independence has partly contributed to the fact that adult children are not as closely connected with their parents as they are in other countries. In Japan, adult children may not be able to return home to visit their parents frequently because of their busy work schedules or because of their distant place of residence.
However, when a parent dies, Japan families usually hold a solemn funeral ceremony and set up a shrine or Buddhist altar in the home to enshrine the parent's tablet. This practice is not only a memorial to the deceased, but also a spiritual comfort and respect for family traditions. The ritual of offering the tablet has an important place in the Japan family and is seen as a way to express respect and remembrance for the ancestors.
The custom of offering tablets has a long history in Japan and is closely linked to Japan's religious beliefs and cultural traditions. In Buddhist culture in Japan, it is believed that offering tablets can help the soul of the deceased find peace and bring blessings to the living family. Therefore, even if they did not have much contact with their parents during their lifetime, many Japan children express their filial piety and remembrance of their parents by enshrined tablets after their parents' deaths.
In addition, the ritual of offering the tablet also helps to strengthen the bond between family members. On specific anniversaries or festivals, family members gather in front of the shrine to pray and remember the deceased. This ritual is not only a memorial to the deceased, but also a manifestation of emotional exchange and family cohesion between family members.
In general, Japan families may not see each other frequently or provide daily care during their parents' lifetimes, but after their parents' deaths, they express their respect and remembrance for their ancestors by offering tablets. This practice reflects the respect for individual independence in Japan culture, as well as the importance attached to family traditions and religious beliefs. Although this phenomenon of family relations is different from other countries, it is still an important part of Japan's social culture and deserves our understanding and respect.
When the author observes and thinks about the custom of worshipping tablets in Japan families, he cannot help but have deep doubts. This confusion stems from a common outlook on life in Japan society. In Japan culture, freedom is often understood as a detached, indifferent attitude to fame and fortune, emphasizing that individuals maintain a calm mind in the face of life's ups and downs, and are not swayed by external factors. This outlook on life seems to be in stark contrast to the practice of Japan people who do not often see and care for their parents during their lifetimes, but are willing to worship tablets after their parents' deaths.
In the author's view, a free and easy outlook on life should be reflected in all aspects of life, including attitudes towards family relationships. If a person is really able to transcend the world, then he should be able to give enough love and companionship to his parents during their lifetime, rather than waiting until after the death of their parents to express their filial piety by offering tablets. This doubt led the author to think deeply about this contradiction in Japan culture.
First, the author believes that this contradiction may be related to the highly modern and fast-paced lifestyle of Japan society. In modern society, people face tremendous work pressure and life challenges, which may lead to them not having enough time and energy to care for and care for their elderly parents. However, when a parent dies, people may feel guilty and regretful, and hope to make up for this lack by enshrined tablets, expressing nostalgia and respect for their parents.
Second, the author argues that this contradiction may also be related to the sense of shame in Japan culture. In Japan culture, shame is an important social regulation mechanism, and people generally avoid showing too strong emotions in public. Therefore, even if children care deeply about their parents, they may not show it during their parents' lifetime, but choose to express their emotions by offering tablets after their parents' death.
In addition, the author notes that the custom of worshipping tablets in Japan society may be related to religious beliefs. In Japan, the influence of Buddhism and Shinto is far-reaching, and many people believe that by offering tablets, they can help the soul of the deceased find peace and bring blessings to the living family. This belief may have prompted people to pay more attention to the ritual of offering tablets after the death of their parents as a way to express their respect and remembrance for their ancestors.
However, the author's doubts have not been completely dispelled by this. He still believes that regardless of cultural background and social circumstances, the love and companionship between family members should be unconditional and should not be influenced by external factors. In the author's view, true freedom is not only an attitude towards life, but also a deep understanding and practice of family responsibility and filial piety.
In general, the author is puzzled by the custom of offering tablets in Japan homes, which seems to be inconsistent with the Japanese outlook on life. This doubt prompts the author to think deeply about this paradoxical phenomenon in Japan culture and try to explain it from multiple perspectives such as social, psychological, and religious. Although the author's doubts have not yet been fully answered, his reflections and explorations provide us with a unique perspective for understanding and reflecting on Japan's family relationships and cultural traditions.
Mr. Yamaguchi introduced us to Japan's unique custom of offering tablets, which has far-reaching cultural and religious significance in Japan society. In Japan, many families not only set up shrines in their homes to worship ancestral tablets, but also set up another tablet for ancestors in temples. This practice reflects the deep nostalgia of Japan for their ancestors and respect for religious beliefs.
The shrine in the home is usually located in a living room or a special Japanese-style room, and is a place where ancestral tablets are enshrined and daily worship is performed. The design of the shrine is simple and solemn, often with flowers, incense burners, and an everlasting lamp. Family members regularly offer flowers, light incense, and perform short prayers in front of the shrine as a way to pay homage and remembrance to their ancestors. The tablets enshrined in the home are more of a reflection of the personal connection between the family and the ancestors, and are a way of emotional communication and spiritual sustenance between family members.
At the same time, the tablets in temples have broader social and religious significance. In Japan, many families choose to set up tablets for their ancestors in Buddhist temples, which usually involves certain religious ceremonies and expenses. The tablets in the temple are regarded as the permanent resting place of the ancestral souls, and the monks of the temple regularly perform rituals on these tablets to pray for the peace and transcendence of the ancestral souls.
This custom of offering two tablets at temples and homes reflects Japan's unique understanding of the concept of life and death. Japan believe that the human soul does not dissipate immediately after death, but needs to be guided to a peaceful state through offerings and prayers. Tablets in the home allow family members to maintain daily contact with their ancestors, while tablets in temples provide a more solemn and sacred resting place for the souls of their ancestors.
In addition, this custom also reflects the importance that Japan society attaches to family and religion. Families occupy a central place in Japan culture, and religion is a bridge between the individual and the supernatural. By enshrined tablets in temples and homes, Japan not only express respect and remembrance for their ancestors, but also strengthen family cohesion and dependence on religious beliefs to a certain extent.
Mr. Yamaguchi also mentioned that as times change, some modern Japan families may choose to worship tablets in only one place in their homes or temples, but the tradition of two tablets is still preserved in many homes. This tradition is not only a commemoration of ancestors, but also the transmission of Japan's cultural and religious traditions.
In general, through Mr. Yamaguchi's introduction, we learned about the Japanese custom of enshrined two tablets in temples and homes, which not only reflects the Japanese people's reverence and remembrance of their ancestors, but also reflects Japan's deep understanding of family, religion, and the concept of life and death. Although the development of modern society has brought about some changes, this tradition still holds an important place in Japan society and is an integral part of Japan culture.
As an older generation of Japan, Mr. Yamaguchi's life and beliefs are deeply rooted in customs and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. The practice of offering ancestral tablets has been practiced in his family for generations, and he firmly believes that it is a sign of respect for ancestors and the transmission of family history. Mr. Yamaguchi prayed silently in front of the shrine every day, and he personally visited the temple on New Year's holidays to offer new flowers and incense to the tablets of his ancestors, a habit that has become an integral part of his life.
However, in his conversation with Mr. Yamaguchi, the author could not help but wonder whether future young people would continue this tradition. With the advancement of globalization and the changing values of modern society, the younger generation of Japan is increasingly influenced by foreign cultures, and their lifestyles and values are undergoing subtle changes. According to the authors, this may lead to a gradual decline in the transmission of traditional practices such as the worship of tablets among younger generations.
First of all, the fast-paced life and work pressures of modern society make it difficult for the younger generation to have enough time and energy to maintain these traditional customs. They may be more inclined to devote their time and energy to work, study, and the development of personal interests rather than daily offerings and worship. This change in lifestyle may gradually dilute their emphasis on and participation in traditional practices.
Second, with the rise of individualism, the younger generation of Japan is increasingly valuing individual freedom and independent thinking. They may no longer be content with just following tradition, but want to explore more ways to live in line with their personal beliefs and values. In such cases, traditional practices such as offering tablets may be seen as outdated bondage rather than spiritual sustenance.
In addition, the development of technology has also provided the younger generation with more options for alternative to traditional ways of worshipping. For example, some temples and shrines have begun offering online worship services, allowing people to worship and make offerings online. While this service facilitates people's religious activities to a certain extent, it may also weaken the sense of in-person participation and family cohesion in traditional worship activities.
However, despite the challenges, the authors also note that many young Japan are still looking for a modern lifestyle that blends with traditional culture. They may no longer follow every traditional custom as strictly as the older generation, but still respect and want to preserve and pass on the family's history and culture in their own way. For example, some young people choose to perform offerings with their families on specific anniversaries or family celebrations as a way to show respect for their ancestors and respect for family traditions.
In general, Mr. Yamaguchi, as an older generation of Japan, is still adhering to the custom of worshipping tablets that has been passed down from generation to generation, but the author believes that as the times and values change, future young people may reduce this practice in different ways. This is not only an exploration of the integration of traditional and modern lifestyles, but also a redefinition of the way family culture is inherited. Despite the many uncertainties, the younger generation of Japan is still struggling to find their own cultural identity and spiritual sustenance.
In traditional Chinese culture, filial piety has always occupied a central position and is regarded as the cornerstone of family and society. Unlike Japan's custom of worshipping tablets, China pays more attention to the love and care of parents during their lifetime, believing that this is the true embodiment of filial piety. In Chinese culture, filial piety is not only a material provision to one's parents, but also includes spiritual comfort and emotional communication.
There is an old Chinese saying: "Filial piety comes first", which shows that among all virtues, filial piety is the most important. In Chinese families, children are taught from an early age to respect and be filial to their parents, and this education continues throughout their lives. Whether it's the little things you care for in your daily life, or the care you take when your parents are sick or old, children are expected to do their best to repay their parents' nurturing kindness.
In China, filial piety during life is far more important than worship after death, and this is reflected in many ways. For example, Chinese festivals and celebrations are often associated with family reunions and respect for elders, such as Lucky Star Chinese Restaurant, Mid-Autumn Festival, etc. During these festivals, no matter where the children are, they will go home to their parents as much as possible to share the joy of family. This reunion is not only a material concern for the parents, but also a spiritual support and comfort for them.
In addition, Chinese families usually provide a comfortable living environment and necessary medical care for their parents before their deaths, rather than waiting until after their death to express filial piety by offering tablets. In the minds of the Chinese, love and companionship during life are far more important and meaningful than offerings after death.
However, this is not to say that the Chinese do not attach importance to the remembrance of the deceased. In China, ancestor worship is also part of filial piety, but this commemoration is often complemented by filial piety during the lifetime. On commemorative days such as the Qingming Festival, children will go to the cemetery to sweep the graves, offer flowers, and burn incense to express their nostalgia and respect for their ancestors. But this commemoration is more of a supplement to filial piety than a substitute.
In China, filial piety during life is also reflected in respect and obedience to parents. In many families, children seek their parents' advice when making important decisions, respecting their experience and wisdom. This respect is not only reflected in words, but also in actions, such as helping parents with their daily tasks and accompanying them through their old age.
In general, China's emphasis on filial piety during life is far more important than worship after death, and this has deep roots in Chinese culture. Whether it's caring for them in their daily lives, reuniting at festivals, or caring for their parents when they're sick and old, Chinese children are expected to demonstrate filial piety to their parents with practical actions. This kind of filial piety is not only a cultural tradition, but also a deeply rooted moral code that affects the family concept and social behavior of Chinese.
In exploring the differences between China and Japan in terms of filial piety and worship, the author digs deep into the differences in culture and customs, and finds that these differences are not only reflected in concrete practices, but also rooted in the different historical backgrounds and values of the two countries.
First of all, in the practice of filial piety, Chinese culture emphasizes filial piety and care during life. In China, filial piety is a daily practice that permeates children's daily care, emotional communication, and respect and obedience to their parents. Chinese believe that filial piety is not only material support for parents, but more importantly, spiritual comfort and companionship. This kind of care during life is seen as the core of filial piety, and is the return of the child's nurturing grace to his parents.
In contrast, the practice of filial piety in Japan focuses more on the remembrance and worship of ancestors. In Japan culture, the worship of ancestral tablets is a way to express respect and remembrance for ancestors, whether it is a shrine in the home or a Buddhist altar in a temple, reflecting the respect and maintenance of family traditions by Japan. Although Japanese children do their best to take care of their parents during their lifetimes, Japan culture places more emphasis on posthumous offerings than in China.
Second, in terms of values, the concept of filial piety in China and Japan is also different. The Chinese concept of filial piety was heavily influenced by Confucianism, emphasizing family harmony and social order, and believing filial piety to be the foundation for maintaining these orders. In China, filial piety is seen as a moral and social responsibility, and is an important force in building a harmonious society.
Japan's concept of filial piety, on the other hand, is more influenced by Buddhism and Shintoism, emphasizing reverence for life and nature, as well as gratitude to ancestors. In Japan, the worship of ancestral tablets is seen as a religious ritual through which it is believed that one can communicate with the spirits of ancestors and receive spiritual comfort and guidance.
In addition, there are differences in the form of offerings between the two countries. In China, offerings are often combined with sacrificial activities, such as tomb sweeping on the Qingming Festival and ancestor worship on the Zhongyuan Festival, which are not only a memorial to the deceased, but also a strengthening of the bond between family members. In Japan, the memorial tablet is more reflected in daily life, and family members regularly worship in front of the shrine, which helps to maintain family cohesion and respect for tradition.
By comparing the differences between China and Japan in filial piety and worship, the author further explores the differences in culture and customs. These differences reflect not only the different historical and religious backgrounds of the two countries, but also their unique values and social structures. Although there are differences in the practice and concept of filial piety between China and Japan, both cultures emphasize respect for elders and the maintenance of family traditions, which are important factors in building a harmonious society and maintaining family relationships.
In the context of globalization, cultural exchanges between China and Japan are becoming more and more frequent, and the people of the two countries are constantly learning from each other. By understanding and respecting each other's cultural differences, the two peoples can better promote cultural exchanges and integration, and jointly promote the progress and development of human civilization.