The British and the Japanese

The one huge difference that completely separates both is one are humane and civilized and another are complete spawn of devils that takes life without batting an eyelid.

The one huge difference that completely separates both is one are humane and civilized and another are complete spawn of devils that takes life without batting an eyelid.

And yet, anyone with half a brain cell knows perfectly well that both countries have done things which fit into both categories...


I've lived and worked in Japan, yes there are some similarities, but they're only in very basic general senses.

no chance mate.

What we have done cannot in a million years be compared with them. They just gave brutality a whole new definition.

Say what you mean. You think the Japanese aren't 'civilised' and/or are 'spawn of devils'?

There are some fascinating parrellels between the British and the Japanese


(1) Both are an island race* living on a large island/isle offshore a large continent

(2) Both were major seafaring powers who built up a large empire protected by a powerful navy (the British obviously of a different scope, but nonetheless)

(3) Both adopted industrialisation at the earliest possible opportunity

(4) Both are considered to have a somewhat "quirky" sense of humour

(5) Both consider or considered themselves highly superior to their continental cousins

(6) Both enjoy an obsession with tea and gardening


*I don't mean island race to imply any ethnic consideration, it's more in the Churchillian/Thatcherian sense

the last time i posted a few pictures about it i got banned for posting gore pics. so feel free to google it yourself.

There are certain cultural similarities - a understated and embedded conservatism for example. Indeed one is in Europe and the other in Asia, they're not exactly twins. But I see what the OP is getting at. My two favourite countries.

I've lived and worked in Japan, yes there are some similarities, but they're only in very basic general senses.

I'm not commenting on parrallels in the superficial "In Japan, they bow and we don't", or as you say, one is in Asia and the other is in Europe, sense.

I'm more pointing to sociological, geographic and geopolitical factors that have influenced their history and culture in very interesting ways. In particular, I think the fact they are both island races is hugely important in considering why they both evolved in ways that mimiced each other on many levels.

To be honest, I did expect (not saying you did this) some TSRians to respond along the lines of, "What are you talking about? They're nothing like us, we have an alphabet and they use characters" or something similar to demonstrate they completely missed the point and are looking at this only on the most facile level

The comparison of Japan and Britain is not new, it's been made since the 19th century and they used to be called "the Britain of the East". It's particularly their similar island status (Britain and Japan are really the only two major island civilisations in the world, there are no others) and subsequent development as seafaring/naval powers, and their similar full-fledged and enthusiastic adoption of industrialisation in a way that allowed them to outmatch their vastly more populous continental neighbours.

And having drawn attention to that particular and notable parrallel, it's then just the cherry on top to point out they both have what is seen elsewhere as a quirky sense of humour, they are both perceived to be quite formal and attached to manners and courtesy, they both love tea and gardening, and so on.

As I said, I'm not saying they are identical cultures or even similar in the ordinary sense; they are alien to one another in manyways. It's a comment on their social and geopolitical development, and how they interacted with and were perceived by the world, that isbeing commented upon

no chance mate.

What we have done cannot in a million years be compared with them. They just gave brutality a whole new definition.

Care to elaborate on this, without posting pictures? I find Japan a much better place than Britain as everytime I've visited, the atmosphere is a lot more friendly, relaxed and the culture hasn't been destroyed by immigrants.