Right-Brain Left-Brain – Part 2

Right-Brain Left-Brain – Part 2

Right-Brain Left-Brain – Part 2

Right-Brain Left-Brain – Part 2

According to the research of Dr. Tadanobu Tsunoda in the 1970s, there is a fundamental difference in the hemisphere dominance of the brains in the Japanese and non-Japanese.

レトロファッション 1970

His research also demonstrated the difference in dominant side of the brain is a direct result of the individual’s native language.

What is even more remarkable is that Dr. Tsunoda found there were only two languages which always produces right brain dominance: Japanese and Polynesian.

As a musician, one found Dr. Tsunoda’s research indicating the secret of which side of the brain is dominant is based on whether the sounds of the language are harmonic or non-harmonic.

日本人の脳

This led to the understanding that Japanese being a harmonic language uses the right side of the brain, while all other languages are non-harmonic and are processed by the left side of the brain.

The Japanese are unique as the worlds only large, prominent, group of people whose mind is primarily right-brain centric.

As an outsider reflecting on the spirit and soul of the Japanese for over three decades, one believes a valuable culture traits is the Japanese ability to apply both right and left brain insights and energy in all their efforts.

On the other hand, a negative right-brain aspect would be the extraordinary emotional content of the Japanese culture, which makes it complex and time-consuming to maintain harmonious relationships.

Emotional Intelligence The Japanese Way

Indeed, maintaining harmonious relationships with the Japanese is tricky and one must always pay close attention so as to successfully navigate this esoteric culture and society.

This is even more true, when the Japanese have to maintain relationships with people whose cultures are less emotionally burdensome.

The difficulty in maintain proper relationships in this complex and hierarchical system of Japan is something one has experienced many times.

Valuable, if not somewhat painful lessons are plenty when going thorough the inevitable growing pains of assimilating into the Japanese culture and understanding their right-brain thinking.

Every Pain Gives a Lesson

During the industrialization of Japan between 1870 and 1890, left brain decision-making and a growing degree of left brain behaviour was necessary to incorporate to modernize Japan.

Further erosion of the right-brain culture continued after the defeat of Japan in the second world war, and with the importation of popular American culture.

In fact, one has observed more and more of the left brain thinking staining the right-brain Japanese over three decades living among the Japanese.

One could almost attributed this to the incessant creeping of American culture, if there is indeed such a thing as, “American culture.”

However, this erosion process has still not penetrate to the core of the Japanese culture or psyche, and the Japanese language remains virtually intact and continue to program the right side of the brain from birth.

Over the last few decades, a large percentage of the Japanese population has been exposed to English with mixed results.

Confused Japanese

One could say the more English imprinted on to left side of the Japanese brain the more readily the Japanese can switch to the left brain thinking and acting.

However, for most Japanese, speaking and listening to English can be extremely tiring, especially if they are not very good at language.

In fact, the has been mentioned many times by one’s extraordinary spouse, who only started to learn English much later in life, and for certain still finds English not only tiring, but noisy.

Indeed, the core of Japanese culture will always remain right-brain, and this may turns out to be an advantage in this changing world, only time will tell.

Next week let’s peak further into the right-side-of-the-Japanese-brain.

Peak into the right brain of the Japanese

Right-Brain Left-Brain – Part 1

Right-Brain Left-Brain – Part 1

Right-Brain Left-Brain – Part 1

Right-Brain Left-Brain – Part 1

Many years ago now one read a book by the eclectic writer Boyé Lafayette De Mente entitled, “ Why The Japanese Are A Superior People”, which explores the advantages of using both sides of the brain.

Keep in mind that Boyé Lafayette De Mente was among the first writers to introduce the Japanese terms wanemawashikaizentatemae-honneshibui, and wabi-sabi to the Western world.

Boye De Mente eclectic author on Japan a LOTRS favorite

Interestingly, many of the observations in this book rang so very true, particularly after being immersed in the Japanese culture and society for over three decades.

Inside the ancient roots of the Japanese culture is a built-in condition lurking in their DNA, known as “kiga suma nai (気が進まない), where one could think of as “my spirit is not satisfied“

In other words, the Japanese have been culturally programmed to be dissatisfied with any thought, action, or product that is less than perfect.

Perhaps one could say this is where the spirit of kaizen comes from.

Kaizen - The Art of Continuous Improvement

Science has ascertained that there are basic differences in the function and role of the left and right side of the brain.

It seems that the left sphere is programmed for linear or straight line thinking, and directs routine, repetitive physical actions, logic, direct verbal communication, and for making objective, fact based decisions.

On the other hand, the right side sphere is said to directs emotions, intuition, personal relations, aesthetics, mutual corporation, group orientation, and maintaining harmony throughout nonverbal communication and indirect speech.

Of course there is crossover between the right and left-brain, but the basic function of the two sides are different, with people behaving and reacting differently, depending on which side of the brain is engaged.

Difference Between Left Brain and Right Brain

In left-brain cultures the right sphere is active when contemplating matters of religion, aesthetics, and other esoteric subjects, which are not based on hard, objective facts.

This can be evidenced as discussions of these types of subjects tend to become very emotional.

Some people in fundamental right-brain cultures are capable switching to left-brain thinking when pursuing practical manner such as engineering, math, and scientific research, which can be looked upon as an advantage.

Indeed these kinds of thinkers are able to benefit from using both sides of the brain in tandem a process known as holistic thinking.

Moreover, there’s also a significant difference in the basic brain orientation of men and women.

In predominantly left-brain cultures, women tend to be more right-brained in thinking and behavior. In other words, female attitudes and behaviour are more emotional and intuitive than males.

Clearly women are wired to be more caring, nurturing, and aesthetically inclined than men, and any observation of a nurturing mother confirms this point.

nurturing Japanese mother

In predominantly right-brain cultures, women tend to be less right-brain oriented than men.

While they are more caring and nurturing than men of the right-brain culture, they are typically more direct and practical in their attitudes and behaviour as a survival trait.

Many cultures are left-brain oriented such as China, the U$A, Germany, England, Russia, and Israel.

One can consider the cultures of all Spanish-speaking countries, as well as France and Italy, to have combinations of left-brain and right-brain thinking and behavior.

The two most right-brain oriented cultures on the planet are those of Japan and the Polynesian speaking nations of the South Pacific.

In fact, there is ample evidence that the right-brain orientation of the Japanese is the main source of many positive cultural Japanese traits.

It can also be considered the right-brain orientation of the Japanese played a major role in transforming Japan, which remains a tiny, resource poor country into an economic superpower in less than 30 years after the end of the second world war.

There is a reason for this astounding economic achievement, and this remains an advantageous trait that will serve the Japanese well into the uncertain future.

In the next several post, one will explore the left-brain right-brain phenomena and why the great writer Boyé Lafayette De Mente, thinks, “The Japanese are Superior People.”

Why the Japanese are superior people - the advantage of using both sides of your brain

 

Master Storyteller Dan Carlin

Master Storyteller Dan Carlin

Master Storyteller Dan Carlin

Master Storyteller Dan Carlin entrances and engulfs battalions of spellbound adherents into incredible rides probing the nooks and crannies of Hardcore History, the most widely acclaimed podcast in, well, history.

Master Carlin’s exquisite voice personifies his unparalleled style—his shows in fact, are the most listened to within the entire Hardcore History and its divine sister inside his Addendum Sphere—leaving him alone, untouchable, as the undisputed Master Podcaster across all gamuts of infinity known as time.

Master Podcaster Dan Carlin Illustration

Once upon a time, Master Carlin released the first in a series of podcasts concerning the Pacific Crusade entitled—Supernova in the East—concerning the fleeting Japanese empire, and their Mal Matriculated ventures in WWII.

Self Matriculating under this incredible storyteller for many years, and as a token of appreciation for his magnificent work, Master Carlin was stimulated by sharing books to facilitate further enlightenment into the Japanese Way. Token of Appreciation to Master Podcaster Dan CarlinThe serendipitous notion of infinite motion was for Master Carlin to embrue his suppositions into a Hardcore History Special—with respect to Japan.

Imagine the surprise and delight when Master Carlin referenced a book in the inaugural instalment of the incredible podcast series entitled—Super Nova in the East.

The first book mentioned in Super Nova in the East was Japan and the Shackles of the Past, by R. Taggart Murphy.

Japan and the Shackles of the Past, by Emeritus Professor R. TAGGART MURPHY

Need to start?

Taggart Murphy’s Shackles of the Past is top on the list to commence Infinite Journey into the notion of Pacific islands called Japan.

Super Nova in the East podcast series progressed with a new release once every 6 to 8 months, and was once again compelled to elevate Master Carlin, thus edifying Each Other forever all the more.

The Nobility of Failure: Tragic Heroes in the History of Japan, by Ivan Morris was originally published in 1975.

The Nobility of Failure Tragic Heroes in the History of Japan by Ivan MORRIS

This seminal work by Ivan Morris contains several stories of failed heroes with the climax described in these tragic, yet noble tales, Master Carlin fills in the missing pieces in heart-wrenching visceral details.

The final chapter of this particular Ocxxie Mal Matriculation Instance—encompasses bleak accounts of kamikaze fighters which entail—If Only We Might Fall—for this truly stands alone, as a cautionary tale, within this tragic string of a Noble Fail.

Accounts of young kamikaze fighters along with their letters to their families, waiting to sacrifice their lives, for the Empire of Japan.

If Only We Might Fall

Master Carlin made a cultured observation, when saying he was taught in school (Mal Matriculated)—kamikaze fighters were mindless robots blindly sacrificing their lives for notion of the Empire of Japan.

Super Nova in the East 6, the masterful five hour and forty-five minute Epic Conclusion to the incredible Super Nova in the East Opus was not only spellbindingly breathtaking—is an instance of a Creative Genius Masterpiece.

The adroitness of Master Carlin lies in his impartiality and Narration Mastery—maintaining a virtuous interpretation of the historical accounts, and in this instance of the true nature of the Japanese, and indeed all of humanity.

Master Carlin so brilliantly describes the Japanese—they are just like everybody else—but even more so!

Bonus:

The global reach of Master Carlin became crystal clear during a visited local shrine on an immaculate sunny day.

There was a special event in progress, and unusually so, quite a few foreigners participating, all dressed up in martial art garb.

An unidentified stranger came and paid compliment to this exceptional hat, and said all members of this neo-clan were also big fans of Master Carlin.

The notion of a place in space called Croatia is where on Earth these life forms originated from.

Deep notion of gratitude flow into Master Carlin’s prodigious creative genius flooding Mother Earth with a historically significant incident of a Muse Getting Loose inside his erudite mind, and from where Hardcore History Books will forever opine.

Master Podcaster Dan Carlin Hardcore History Hat - Making History Hardcare

Hardcore History 62 – Supernova in the East I

Dan-Carlin-HH-62-Supernova-in-the-East-1

Supernova in the East I: The Asia-Pacific War of 1937-1945 has deep roots. It also involves a Japanese society that’s been called one of the most distinctive on Earth. If there were a Japanese version of Captain America, this would be his origin story: 4 hour 28 min; July 14, 2018.

Hardcore History 63 – Supernova in the East II

Dan-Carlin-HH-63-Supernova-in-the-East-2
Supernova in the East II: Deep themes run through this show, with allegations of Japanese war crimes and atrocities in China at the start leading to eerily familiar, almost modern questions over how the world should respond. And then Dec 7, 1941 arrives: 4 hour 2 min; January 12, 2019

Hardcore History 64 – Supernova in the East III

Dan-Carlin-HH-64-Supernova-in-the-East-3
Supernova in the East III: Japan’s rising sun goes supernova and engulfs a huge area of Asia and the Pacific. A war without mercy begins to develop infusing the whole conflict with a savage vibe: 4 hour 53 min; October 24, 2019

Hardcore History 65 – Supernova in the East IV

Dan-Carlin-HH-65-Supernova-in-the-East-4

Supernova in the East IV: Coral Sea, Midway and Guadalcanal are three of the most famous battles of the Second World War. Together they will shift the momentum in the Pacific theater and usher in the era of modern naval and amphibious warfare: 3 hour 58 min; June 3, 2020

Hardcore History 66 – Supernova in the East V

Dan-Carlin-HH-66-Supernova-in-the-East-5

Supernova in the East V: Can suicidal bravery and fanatical determination make up for material, industrial and numerical insufficiency? As the Asia-Pacific conflict turns against the Japanese these questions are put to the test. The results are nightmarish: 3 hour 32 min November 13, 2020

Hardcore History 67 – Supernova in the East VI

Dan-Carlin-HH-67-Supernova-in-the-East-6
Supernova in the East VI : When do spirit, tenacity, resilience and bravery cross into madness? When cities are incinerated? When suicide attacks become the norm? When atomic weapons are used? Japan’s leaders test the limits of national endurance in the war’s last year: 5 hours 45 min June 8, 2021

Last Olympics – 1976

Last Olympics – 1976

Last Olympics – 1976

Last Olympics – 1976

This spectacle broadcast from Montreal, Canada took place in the summer of 1976.

As a harbinger of the stark and abject politicization of future olympic games, twenty-nine countries, mostly African, boycotted the Montreal Games when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) refused to ban New Zealand, after the New Zealand national rugby union team had toured South Africa earlier in 1976 in defiance of the United Nations’ calls for a sporting embargo of the country.

Regardless, as a still naive young teenager, one was so very excited to see the variety of countries and their representatives, along with flags, anthems, and languages.

At the time, one really felt a deep sense of world unity through friendly, if not intense sporting competition.

Here, all representatives created a sense of fairness and sportsmanship, even if outside of these games the political ideologies of the participating nations could not have been more disconnected. 

These sporting events used to connect the common citizens of the world bringing joy and excitement to otherwise somewhat mundane and dull existences.

One of the most spectacular highlights, not only of this particular game, but in the entire sporting world ever, was gymnast Nadia Comăneci of Romania.

At age 14, she became the first person to score a perfect 10, not only once, but seven perfect 10.00 scores.

Nadia Comăneci perfect 10

Interestingly enough, and similar to the Y2K problem, the scoreboard could hold only 3 digits and the score was shown as 1.00.

Alas, starting in 1980, the olympics became a vile political weapon, extinguishing the essence and meaning of what was once an important sporting event.

Led by the United States, 66 countries boycotted the games entirely because of the Soviet–Afghan War. 

Then, as always, just like immature snotty little brats on the school yard playground doing a tit-for-tat, the Soviet Union would later boycott the 1984 Summer olympics. 

Regardless of all the olympics having transpired since then, abject greed and power has only increased by an order of magnitude over the years.

This has left the IOC and their ilk with their insatiable pockets lined, but have left their soulless carcasses universally despised, especially by the common Japanese citizens, who will receive no benefit whatsoever, except for mountains of inter-generational debt.

Like all in this despicable avaricious clique, they are truly psychopaths without regard for common sense or the lives of the Japanese.

Always remember, when seeing at these grotesque faces, one is not seeing any semblance of humanity, but a universal representation of abject greed, power, and malice toward not only the Japanese citizens, but their distain for humanity in general.

Thomas Bach, International Olympic Committee Criminal Bach

IOC's Tokyo Olympic Games Criminal Coats

Look upon these predators with with scorn, distrust, and contempt, for this is the way they look at us. 

To be clear, there’s also a swath of culpable greedy Japanese, and they are merely minions of the IOC corruption and graft culture, and do not represent the Japanese people one knows and loves. 

In fact, these Japanese have become so drunk with corrupt power and greed, they can be considered weak minded and filthy, and not worthy of a Japanese passport.

Ex-Japan PM Mori Olympic Thug President Yamashita Yasuhiro

Now, with the recent rumblings from the occidental world to boycott the next olympics in China, all can now confirm the olympics is officially dead, and a fetid cesspool of greed, corruption, and malfeasance, with its ugly face now in plain sight for all who care to see.

Who will be the big winner at the Tokyo 2020 olympics?

That would be the IOC.

Bonus 1:

Recently there has been strong voices in Japan to include more women in important positions. Unfortunately for Seiko Hashimoto, she has been nominated to be the sacrificial lamb to this farcical spectacle. However, true to Japanese spirit of sacrifice, she wears this mission with honour, and is reminiscent of the page from the tragic tales in the seminal book entitled “The Nobility of Failure” by Ivan Morris.

Hashimoto the Olympic scapegoat

Bonus 2:

The final the nail in the olympic coffin.

New Zealand weightlifter Hubbard to become first transgender athlete to compete at games. 

Truly, one is a person who understands all kinds of people, but when it comes to men and women sports, it’s a different story.

A true pity for the actual biological women who have worked so very hard in this tough sport, and are now facing unprecedented competition from someone who was a biological  male for the first 35 years of life.

New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard

No I Do, Yes, I Don’t

No I Do, Yes, I Don’t

No I Do, Yes, I Don’t

No I Do, Yes, I Don’t

Polar opposites they are, Japanese and English.

Concepts are structurally embedded into language and dictates the speakers behaviour, process, and form.

One of the most interesting things about the Japanese is the necessity to be in harmony and tactical agreement among the participants of a conversation.I totally agree because I have to

One must read the “air”, as well as interpreting what is being spoken, the tone and texture of the words, and the unique situation concerning the members of the conversation.

This can be extremely confusing for the uninitiated, and indeed annoys native English speakers, especially Americans, as they often frank and direct (obnoxious and pushy), frequently to the detriment of their objective.

Fundamentally, Japanese will never openly disagree or say no directly.

Nor will they reject an offer outright.

The answer is more often than not, ambiguous.

The ambiguity of the Japanese language

One was often amused when inviting people to come hear some music, they will say “ikketera iku”, “if I can make it I will,” which 99% of the time means “Can’t make it.”

Why not simply say, “can’t make it” instead of this ambivalent phrase.

Here in lies soul and spirit of the Japanese language.

In Japanese, it is believed that words have a soul of their own.

This is known as the “spirit of words” or “kotodama”.

言霊

Indeed this Japanese is an elegant phrase to keep in mind and to keep one’s own words in check.

Kotodama, is of paramount importance to keep the grease on the rails of the Japanese society, and indeed this speeding train on the right track.

言霊口

One must continually interpret the essence of the conversation all the while reading the “air” for this is where kotodama resides.

Being ignorant of kotodama, and the importance of reading the air, will always leave one at a distinct disadvantage when interacting with the Japanese, if unaware of this element of communication.

 So, how can one be more in tune to the unspoken conventions of our society. 

Learning the Japanese Cultural Code Words is a very good start. 

Code Word Land Of The Rising Son Original

With a heart full of gratitude, one has created a series of podcasts explaining some important Japanese Cultural Code Words.

One can gain a deeper understanding into the Japanese society and how the all important kotodama remains a critical element of communication in the hierarchical society of Japan.

Japanese society structure

Mr. Big Tree

Mr. Big Tree

Mr. Big Tree

Mr. Big Tree

In the depths of despair, from out of the blue, came an angel in the form of an ordinary Japanese businessman.

After parting ways with one’s first employer in Japan, there was a very short stint in as the export manager of a construction machinery rental company.

This was the last real “job” one would ever have.

With limited Japanese language skills, and a confused and very nervous new young wife (the marriage lasted 23 years), one was left one with a deep sense of aloneness.

For it was at this time one thought, “Here you are truly on your own.”

Lonely boy all alone

This was reinforced by the new wife, who said in her own sadness, and to one’s deep consternation, “I am miserable.”

Fortunately, there was still one private lesson remaining from where good fortune arose.

Mentioning my dilemma to Mr. Big Tree, the father of the private student, he was so very kind to point me in the right direction.

He had a building near the station in a mid-sized rural city and this charming old building has an empty 2nd floor.

He said “I will make you a pamphlet to distribute through this city, and you can make this into your own English school.”

For this he charged just a small percentage of the gross sales, which was so very reasonable.

Great deal Mr. Big Tree

After the school got going in about 6 months, he switched the payment to a monthly rental fee that was significantly below the monthly sales volume, thus giving one another boost up.

Always looking for interesting things to do, there was a rental business boom going on Japan at that time.

The second floor of the building had a very unique charm to it, and there and then it was decided to imported limited edition Canadian art from my father’s frame shop and gallery.

There, an art gallery was created and these wonderful limited editions were also rented out to businesses including dentist and doctors offices, boutiques, and restaurants, among others.

 

Sunset Canadian Forest British Columbia

Eventually this old building was simply too old and was scheduled for demolition.

Perfect timing for certain, as life had become much busier with corporate classes, as well as a nascent import-export business, and it was time to move on from that chapter of life.

Here I say to you Mr. Big Tree
Wherever today you may be
Appreciated so very much
Your kindness and generosity

Helping a wandering stranger
Into a life-long journey
Cherishing Japanese people
In this exceptional society

感謝-大木様