Being Japanese

Being Japanese is uniquely unique. Thus social obligation (giri) is something only the Japanese can truly understand.

Likewise, the subtlety of ninjo (human compassion) can only be experienced by the Japanese, or by someone who has a strong sense of duty.

Thus is it difficult for someone not born Japanese to truly know what it is to be Japanese.

Fo the casual Western observer would first be impressed by my exquisite manners, only to consider it superficial and me, a hypocrite.

Yet am I finding that even the West is subtly turning Japanese, especially when I allow myself to express honne.