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Exploring Cultures: Indonesian Perspectives through Japanese Lenses

By; Ali Syarief

Every Saturday morning, we gather on Zoom with our friends from Hippo, scattered across various regions in Japan. Our discussions are as dynamic as the participants, with topics shifting like the seasons—kisetsu (季節). Yet, one theme remains a favorite: Indonesia. There’s a palpable curiosity among our Japanese friends about Indonesian culture, leading us to delve into cross-cultural discussions that reveal fascinating perspectives.

Indonesia through Japanese Eyes

The Japanese participants often approach Indonesia with a blend of curiosity and respect, a sentiment rooted in tatemae (建前) and honne (本音)—the Japanese concepts of public and private thoughts. While some express admiration for the rich tapestry of Indonesia’s traditions, others are intrigued by the nation’s modern dynamism. This duality mirrors Japan’s own blend of wabi-sabi (侘寂), appreciating imperfection and transience, with the relentless pursuit of innovation.

One recurring topic is Indonesia’s gotong-royong spirit, a term we translate as “mutual cooperation.” It resonates deeply with the Japanese concept of omoiyari (思いやり), the act of being considerate and empathetic towards others. These cultural parallels foster a sense of shared humanity, bridging the geographic and cultural distance between the two nations.

Cultural Curiosity and Misunderstandings

While mutual admiration prevails, cultural misunderstandings also emerge, often stemming from differences in social norms and communication styles. For instance, Indonesians’ tendency for indirectness to maintain harmony parallels the Japanese aimai (曖昧), or ambiguity in communication. However, the nuances differ; what Indonesians consider polite might occasionally be perceived as evasive by Japanese participants, and vice versa.

This contrast sparks lively debates, often leading to a deeper appreciation of each other’s cultural contexts. We find ourselves reflecting on how wa (和)—the Japanese ideal of harmony—compares and contrasts with Indonesia’s kebersamaan, a collective sense of togetherness.

Language as a Cultural Bridge

Our sessions are enriched by language exchanges, where we explore the beauty of bahasa Indonesia alongside Japanese. Words like selamat datang (welcome) are met with enthusiasm, as they mirror the warmth of Japanese greetings like yokoso (ようこそ). Similarly, exploring Indonesian proverbs akin to Japanese kotowaza (ことわざ) becomes a delightful way to uncover shared wisdom.

The linguistic journey also reveals the profound connection between language and worldview. For example, the Indonesian use of “kami” (exclusive “we”) and “kita” (inclusive “we”) sparks discussions about inclusivity, resonating with Japan’s collectivist ethos.

Cross-Cultural Insights

Through these meetings, we’ve come to understand that cultural exchange isn’t just about learning facts or mastering foreign phrases; it’s about embracing differences and finding common ground. These discussions become a microcosm of what kokusai kouryuu (国際交流)—international exchange—truly means.

The Indonesian participants gain fresh perspectives on their own culture through the lens of Japanese curiosity, while the Japanese participants enrich their worldview with Indonesia’s vibrant traditions. Together, we embody the essence of tabunka kyousei (多文化共生)—multicultural coexistence.

Conclusion: Building Bridges, One Conversation at a Time

As we close each session, there’s a sense of yuiitsu mugen (唯一無限)—the uniqueness and infinite potential of our dialogue. These Saturday mornings are not just about exchanging knowledge; they are about building bridges of understanding, where bunka (文化)—culture—becomes the thread that weaves our stories together.

Through the lens of cross-culture, our weekly meetings transcend borders, reminding us of the richness of diversity and the power of dialogue to create connections that last a lifetime. Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます), Hippo friends, for this shared journey of discovery.

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