Cora C. Dickson
Age 28, Graduate Student, Kyoto
Since I came to Japan, E-mail has become my lifeline. Due to the time zone difference, it comes from America in the middle of the night, and reading mail from my friends and family is now part of my morning routine right alongside coffee and the newspaper.
Having an interest in intercultural communication, I thought I would like to research how the Internet affects US-Japan relations. So last year, through the exchange system between American University and Ritsumeikan University, I arrived Japan.
What I think is really fascinating about the Internet is the way we can easily talk to complete strangers from around the world. However, I get the impression that Japanese are not fully taking advantage of this opportunity. There are cultural differences between Americans and Japanese even on the Internet; this is something I realized only after living in Japan.
The Japanese lack of English skills ("I'm not good at English") is often pointed out as their excuse. This is not a useful attitude for an "information society." English doesn't have to be perfect to communicate. Behind this so-called "English Complex" is the shy nature of Japanese people in general.
Towards people they are meeting for the first time, I think Americans are more outgoing than Japanese. For example, on a bus or train, an American can easily start a light conversation with the person sitting next to them. But the Japanese often make use of a "go-between" in order to get to know strangers.
Two years ago, through a Monbusho (Ministry of Education) program, I worked as an assistant English teacher at junior high schools in Imari City, Saga Prefecture. At that time, the schools weren't actually connected to the Internet, but with the help of a teacher in America I planned an e-mail exchange project between the students in both countries. When we gathered together some willing participants, I watched them typing their messages with such excitement, and I was deeply moved.
Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties the project never made it past the first stage. However, if it had been successful, could I have considered myself a "go-between" for US-Japan relations on the Internet?
Let me hear your opinions: cora@jmail.co.jp. Japanese or English.