The acceptance of nursing theory in Japan: a cultural perspective.

Abstract

So often there is discussion of how the cultures of the East and the West differ. Yet there are many similarities in perspective and practice. So too in life, for the many differences among humans there is much sameness. An interesting practice that occurs in some towns in the United States is to move vehicles to the side of the road as a funeral procession passes. The practice is viewed as showing respect for the dead and it makes no difference whether or not you know the person. Upon moving from a large urban area where the only concession to funeral processions is that they are not required to stop for red lights and stop signs, I was surprised by this practice. Yet, it clearly shows some of the rich diversity of American culture and one of the many ways of exhibiting reverence for the dead. The Japanese hold great reverence for dead ancestors. The initial grief period is followed by a prolonged period of remembrance of loved ones. This reverence of the Japanese for the dead is not far removed from the funeral procession practices in a southern U.S. community. I was struck by a similarity in Parse’s thinking about a human’s relationship with predecessors, contemporaries, and successors to the long period of mourning observed by the Japanese for deceased loved ones. Parse posits that our predecessors, contemporaries, and successors are with us at all times in day-to-day living (Parse, 1999). Though not exactly like the thinking of the Japanese, a strong remembrance of loved ones is consonant with her theoretical perspective. The evolution of nursing and nursing theory in Japan is quite fascinating. Many of the changes follow Japanese political and social events of the late 19th century and the 20th. A predominant facet of Japanese culture is the emphasis on family affiliation and respect for ancestors. Dr. Kay Hisama explains some of the cultural expectations of Japanese nurses in the following column.