Japan Overseas Study Missions (OSM) Trip

A short journal of Ryan's OSM Trip

The seven days Japan Overseas Mission Trip 2016 is definitely a fun, fulfilling and memorable trip as I have gained much knowledge and insights from the Japanese companies that we have visited. It allows me to understand the culture of Japan, the current trend of the Japanese market, their future plans and the global economic viewpoints which I would further elaborate later on. Moreover, I always wanted to travel to Japan as I enjoy traveling to different countries to experience the different type of cultures. And I was lucky enough to experience snow on the first day of our trip as Tokyo hardly snow.

The main objective for me of going to the Japan Overseas Mission Trip is to understand and explore the culture of Japan. As I always believe that the personality and characteristic of each individual, on this point I’m referring to Japanese culture, would influence their actions and belief. The ability of them having the soft power to dream and innovate really impressed me. For instance, the creation of ASIMO, a humanoid robot designed and developed by Honda since the 1980s has lasted more than 20 years. The aim of creating ASIMO is to help those who lack mobility. Despite using much resources and time, they never give up and improve the ASIMO form, abilities and mobility to be better. Another good example would be the DMM located at the Akihabara. It is a place for the innovative entrepreneurs to create new products. This enhanced their creativeness and the ability to dream big. On the contrast, the education system and upbringing in Singapore lack of the freedom for creativeness and innovation. Many of us would choose to forsake our dreams and followed the usual routine such as pursuing a degree after the high school. As such, we do not have the ability to be innovative or to create something that is unique.

Another characteristic of Japanese culture would be there ambitious, but yet humble personality. With the ability to dream big, most of the companies have the ambitious mindset to gain back the market shares and status they have lost in the lost decade. They always wished to venture or remain their status in the global market, so as to influence the world with their insights or innovative technologies. Although being so ambitious, but the humble personality of their making them be respectable. For instance, they adopt Confucianism and Bushido approach in their system, and as such, they are disciplined and always respect for authority and elderly. Another example would be whenever when they address their colleagues or friends, they would add a “san” to their names. This is an honorific approach and a polite gesture. On the contrast, some of the younger generation in Singapore has been influenced by western cultures, and some of them tend to have no respect for the elderly or they like to challenge authority. In this context, I felt that the characteristic of ambitious, but yet humble personality has been really worth learning.

Most importantly, these Japanese companies have the mission to impact life, protect the environment and the sustainability of the earth which I think is very commendable. For instance, Panasonic created a hydrogen car to reduce carbon emission and burn lesser natural resources. This hydrogen car does not take in fuel and is reusable by charging its batteries. This helps to improve and prolong the sustainability of the natural resources. Moreover, they also wish to improve and impact life by creating many ideas and technologies. One of the most important approaches is their Eco-friendly house such as the PanaHome Smart Houses. With the creation of Artificial intelligence, it is to ease and support people daily life. Another example is that you can hardly find dustbins on the street, but yet the streets are so clean. The people in Japan focus very much on recycling and sustainable of earth resources. As the earth is shared by all mankind, it is always good that you start to save the earth by changing yourself from small.

But on the other hand, I could not agree with some of the speakers on their points of view. There are two points that I wish to clarify in my reflection. The first point I wish to highlight is that making sarcastic remarks about the other culture and country. As an anthropological point of view, it is not right to make sarcastic remarks based on the standard of Singapore and Japanese culture. We should take the approach of cultural relativism rather than being ethnocentric. As this is an educational trip, I think it is better to educate the young with a correct attitude rather than instill them with cultural biases. The second point I wish to highlight is that in the 21^st century, influential and controlling power is not just about warfare. It includes all aspects such as the culture, the ability to be innovative and dreams, and economic power of each country. As the topics on Southern China Sea are highly sensitive, I think it would be better elaborate if the speakers are from a neutral state. And lastly, I always believe that China, Japan, and the US are equally ambitious to be the world superpower.

On a side note, I have learned from Mr. Neo that whenever encounters any problems, the most important is to stay calm. When being calm, you will not panic and able to think of better solutions. One such example is that during the last day of our trip when we are traveling to the airport, Mr. Neo stays calm to tackle the issue of transportation. As such, I have learned a very valuable lesson to stay calm in whatever situations. Drawing on the points discussed, I really enjoyed myself and gain a lot of insights from the Japan Overseas Mission Trip 2016. Most importantly, the friendships that I have made through this trip are really valuable. If there is a chance, I really wish to join other Overseas Mission Trip in the future. Once again, I want to thank Mr. Neo for organizing this trip.