SOCIETY OF THE MASK. THE DISCONNECT BETWEEN HONNE AND TATEMAE IN JAPANESE CULTURE AND SOCIAL PHENOMENA

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The present paper explores the correlation between the mask as a major theme in Japanese art throughout history and as an important social tool, especially when constructing social hierarchies. Expanding upon Erving Goffman’s theory of self-presentation, we focus on the dissociation between subjective intentions (honne) and the social mask/façade (tatemae) as one of the leading factors behind Japan’s post-war identity crisis, reflected in the autobiographical works of authors such as Yukio Mishima and Osamu Dazai. We also seek to analyze contemporary negative social phenomena such as hikikomori through the lens of this cultural conflict.