Quote:
Originally Posted by jasonbvr
On the theme of Koreans are more patriotic than Japanese, I would consider:
First, all Korean boys (maybe girls too) are required to serve in the armed forces when they come of age. This sort of indoctrination forms a very strong nationalistic attitude before they go off to universities. Having a constant enemy to the north, the DPRK, plays a huge role in the South Korean psyche of strong nationalism.
Second, Japanese can't honestly be overtly nationalistic anymore. Even within their own country when for example someone suggest making sure all students stand and sing the national anthem people start raving about Japan returning to imperialistic times. And the fact that Japanese kids don't know their national anthem has nothing to do with patriotism. The song is a) confusing and b) boring (Not my words, straight from a sixty plus year old Japanese man).
Anyways, I would definitely support the statement about it being more a differences in personalities.
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You make it sound like most Japanese in general
want to be overtly nationalistic but can't. I don't think that's the case... certainly not in my experience with Japanese people and culture.