As various trends for globalization spread worldwide, it is imperative that Japan not falls behind the development. However, it must be said that in many ways, we Japanese are not so adept at responding to globalization. Precisely for this reason, we must make a very conscious and active effort.
The key to globalization is to take up the challenge posed by problems of communication among different cultures in broad sense. This, in turn, can be broken down to the following tasks:(1)to improve our ability to communicate with foreign persons in narrow sense;(2)to make a sustained effort to deepen our understanding of different cultures; and (3)to maintain self-awareness of our basically homogeneous society and to be able to relate and adapt to a more diversified society.
In order to realize these tasks:(1)we can achieve communication with foreigners by transcending the culture of shame and breaking out of our customary reticence, by overcoming our complex about English, and actively utilizing Information Technology. (2)We can achieve better understanding of other cultures by being genuinely interested and concerned about other countries and cultures by study-ing deeply "DOs & DON' Ts" that are distinctive to each country and specialized technical skills, interpersonal skills and conceptualizing skills.
Thus, although it will take some time and depending on effort and determination, I believe that we Japanese have the basic ethos and the necessary ability to take part in globalization actively, while preserving our own culture and values.
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