Japan's Historical Isolation to Modern Diplomacy Challenges

Throughout its extensive history, Japan had remained largely isolated from interactions with other countries, except for select elite exchanges, until the mid-18th century, primarily due to its geographic isolation surrounded by the ocean. During this period, Japan's unique values and culture, which are still evident today, were nurtured, and a unified national character was formed. The Japanese language and culture are often described as "high context," implying that communication relies heavily on unspoken backgrounds and contexts. This influence has contributed to the general perception that Japan may not excel in diplomacy with foreign countries. Despite many cultural differences, most Japanese tend to assume that foreigners think and make decisions in the same way as Japanese people, largely due to limited historical exposure to foreign cultures. To enhance diplomatic capabilities, it is crucial to prioritize the improvement of both the quality and quantity of information from Japan.

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