Ch.3

In this chapter the author analyzed sense of individualism and collectivism in Europe and East Asia.
I was kind of persuaded by his analysis. Japanese people are always said to be self-critical and not good in expressing themselves compared to Westerners. You can see that in politics;Japanese prime minister(particularly current one) is indecisive, likely to have long-term dialog(it irritates other countries) and pictured at the edge in the photo of the summit.
I think, however, this characteristic of Japanese people can be a big advantage in the international society. I don't remember exactly who put it, but someone (Japanese) working for an international organization said "European people tend to go into individualism and push their opinion through. In such a case, Japanese sense of collectivism is indispensable for an international conference. A little more expressiveness and Japan would be able to show its presense. Japanese people have potential as a leader." I was really impressed his word because I had thought that the Japanese couldn't be on such a position because of its personality.
The story went off the track, but this chapter reminded me of his word. The author's analysis was to the point and the different characteristics of all the contries in the world make up the world today. The comparison made in the book was very interesting.