Geta by Sushi Suzuki

If you are here to ask, “Can we learn about Japanese Culture via JRPGs?” then I will have to ask back, “Can we learn Chinese culture by watching Mulan? Or American culture by playing Sims?”

Of course not. Pff.

Just as Seinfeld and Friends do not really portray American culture, so do JRPGs not give an accurate description of Japanese culture. I know, some of you readers out there must be pointing out that I’m comparing two different mediums, but let’s face it, due to the fantasy elements in JRPGs, the question is pretty much moot to begin with.

Some games like the Persona series does show a glimpse of what life is like in a Japanese school. Mind you, since it is still a video-game, I take the school life part in Persona 4 with a ton of salt. Just like how urban-weary Americans idolized the Small Town and its Simple Lifestyle *cough*Palin*cough*, I believe that the same thing occurs in Japan. Sure, maybe in some towns in Japan, they still do have a festival here and there, but overall, I think it is an idealized version and not the real deal. Who wants to play the real-life simulation of a high school student, no matter how cool their uniforms seem?

Not to sound like your fourth grade teacher, but if you really want to explore Japanese culture, go read a book…or better yet, scrimp together the money (or dig a gold mine) and go visit Japan. Eat the local food, not burgers. Take the public transport, not a tour caravan. Visit small isolated towns, not the capital city. That, I believe, is the best way to explore Japanese culture. 

What's your thoughts on this? Did you pick up any bits of Japanese culture through playing games? Send me a note and let's kick up a debate. 

Comments [5]

post a comment

  • First
    • Jump To Page:
    • [ 1 ]
  • Last
DrZeiss

How about anime? Some of them might seem realistic enough... or is that still not "real" enough? Maybe watching some J-Drama shows?
I'm sure most people are surprised to find out that you have to change to a different shoe before you properly enter a Japanese school.
I do agree that there isn't much Japanese culture to be picked up from JRPG since most of them are too far out, wrong timeline, too pretty/fake, really absurd fashion, etc.

Mandifesto

hmmm...I'd have to agree with Zeiss here. I learned a crap ton [tm] about Japanese history from Samurai Champloo. I do wonder if we can't pick up something about the culture that produces the games though from even something as how "absurd" they are. I know I can tell that Americans love them their cowboy/lone hero from all the rebel/outlaw titles we have out there. Just look at Gears of War.

KenTheGreat1

Most of the things I've learned about Japan through video games were picked up from many playthroughs of anime-based games, like anything from the Ranma 1/2 series.

Rustificatedid

I guess my point is, yeah we learn some facts about Japan through games and anime, but we don't usually figure out why they do what they do unless we read up about their history, life etc. etc. (not to bore you guys! ^_^) Same thing with Japanese gamers. They most probably get the hint that we love cowboys over here, but why we love them is tied to American's historical roots which most Japanese (and other people all over the globe) will not be able to pick up just by playing Gears of War. Feel free to twhack me if I don't make any sense. ;)

DrZeiss

Haha... Gears of war = US is all testosteroney(?) eh?
I remember back in the day when I was watching american sitcoms and thought "wow! such a nice life". Big house, most people where nice/looks good, somewhat well off compared to where I come from. Now that I'm in the US, (and much older) I realized my folly.
I guess most games (JRPG or any other types) just introduces us to the tip of the culture iceberg and hopefully encourages us to be more curious and inclined to find out more about those other cultures. (but let's just say history's not my favorite subject). There's always wikipedia...

  • First
    • Jump To Page:
    • [ 1 ]
  • Last

Post a Comment