The Rise of Industriousness in Early Modern Japan

Abstract

The Japanese people are often said to be industrious (although this has recently become questionable). In particular, there are those who say this is due to the “national character” (kokuminsei) of the Japanese people. The author does not feel that the concept of “national character” is appropriate in all circumstances. The French term “mentalité” indicates the basic psychological condition of a social group that has endured for an extended period. This term is difficult to translate into Japanese since it differs from the English word “mentality,” but it does not mean “national character.”.