Question regarding Japanese Culture/Honor - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Samalie · 12-07-2004, 07:47 AM

Allow me to give a breif background on myself and the issue before I ask the actual question.

I'm a currently serving city alderman (city councillor, whatever) for a city in Western Canada. Our city is "twinned" with a similar city in Japan, and have been for over 10 years.

Now, its been approximately 7 years since the last time we sent an "official" delegation to our twin city., which then was comprised basically of just our Mayor at the time - although some members of the community also paid to go along, mostly just to experience Japan.

We're now faced with the prospect of our "Friendship Society" sending an unofficial delegation to Japan in 2005. As I serve on this society as part of my duties in council, I have started (as it is budget time) to push for Council to send "official" represenatives in this delegation. After all, our twin city sends official delegations every couple years, plows a pile of money into the local economy, yadda yadda yadda.

Now, I know for a fact that our Mayor has no wishes whatsoever to go to Japan, and that's his choice and perrogative as far as I'm concerned. The statement that came at me in mettings recently was to the effect of

"...it would be a greater insult to [our twin city] to send someone in the place of the mayor than it would be to just not send an official delegation and send written greetings along with the unofficial delegation..."

Now, I'll admit freely that I'm not an expert on Japanese culture, but quite frankly I think the opinion above is pure bullshit, and that really my fellow councillors just don't want to spend money on this diplomatic tie. My question comes down to, is there merit in the concerns that were raised, or can I safely call bullshit on my fellow councillors opinions and dig in my heels on sending an official delegation?

Thank you very much for the help.

Sammy (aka JT)

Seaver · 12-07-2004, 11:14 AM

As far as Asian cultures go, that's just not true. Of course they would see it as more respectful if the Mayor went, but not sending anyone would surely raise some eyebrows.

lIt's like not making it to your friends baby shower (girls are more touchy than guys so I used them as an example). You can either send a card and a gift, or send nothing. While you couldnt make it, they still know you put in the thought and money for it.

I agree with you that I think they just dont want to put down the money.

12-07-2004, 07:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
Samalie Tilted Location: Edmonton, Canada	Question regarding Japanese Culture/Honor Allow me to give a breif background on myself and the issue before I ask the actual question. I'm a currently serving city alderman (city councillor, whatever) for a city in Western Canada. Our city is "twinned" with a similar city in Japan, and have been for over 10 years. Now, its been approximately 7 years since the last time we sent an "official" delegation to our twin city., which then was comprised basically of just our Mayor at the time - although some members of the community also paid to go along, mostly just to experience Japan. We're now faced with the prospect of our "Friendship Society" sending an unofficial delegation to Japan in 2005. As I serve on this society as part of my duties in council, I have started (as it is budget time) to push for Council to send "official" represenatives in this delegation. After all, our twin city sends official delegations every couple years, plows a pile of money into the local economy, yadda yadda yadda. Now, I know for a fact that our Mayor has no wishes whatsoever to go to Japan, and that's his choice and perrogative as far as I'm concerned. The statement that came at me in mettings recently was to the effect of "...it would be a greater insult to [our twin city] to send someone in the place of the mayor than it would be to just not send an official delegation and send written greetings along with the unofficial delegation..." Now, I'll admit freely that I'm not an expert on Japanese culture, but quite frankly I think the opinion above is pure bullshit, and that really my fellow councillors just don't want to spend money on this diplomatic tie. My question comes down to, is there merit in the concerns that were raised, or can I safely call bullshit on my fellow councillors opinions and dig in my heels on sending an official delegation? Thank you very much for the help. Sammy (aka JT)

12-07-2004, 11:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
Seaver Junkie Location: Fort Worth, TX	As far as Asian cultures go, that's just not true. Of course they would see it as more respectful if the Mayor went, but not sending anyone would surely raise some eyebrows. lIt's like not making it to your friends baby shower (girls are more touchy than guys so I used them as an example). You can either send a card and a gift, or send nothing. While you couldnt make it, they still know you put in the thought and money for it. I agree with you that I think they just dont want to put down the money.