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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker contrasts collective conformity in Japan with individualism in America.
In plain terms
Everyone in Japan is the same; in America, people are individuals.
What can you take from it?
Individuality can be more valued in some cultures.

Where it applies

  • immigration
  • cross-cultural work
  • travel

Putting it to work

  • cultural adaptation
  • expatriate life
  • self-expression

Questions to consider

  • Which values define your culture?
  • Can you be individual within a group?

Another view

Both conformity and individualism have pros and cons.

More from Shigesato Itoi

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