In or Out?

Have you ever walked in Shibuya and wondered why Japanese girls have similar outfits? Or have you ever wondered why Japanese people are constantly self-conscious and aware of their surroundings? It is because most of the Japanese citizens like to be involved and accepted from others. Most likely, the Japanese business management and social concepts must be taking a big part in sculpting such citizens’ behaviors and attitudes.




One of the well-known Japanese management is “Uchi Society” meaning “being in.” It is based on give-and-take relationships that hold valid among its members like strong family ties. There is a strong emotional connection between an organization and its members often pervading the private life of its employees. Once one is “in” the company, harmonious relationships among group members are emphasized, and group-ism and collectivism emphasize the need for consensus. Thus, communication and team work becomes very important factors Japanese companies take in consideration.

Group-ism and collectivism then leads people to emotionally get attached, leading to ritualized behavior patterns. Once a member is accepted from the group, cooperation and conformity among group members takes place, creating peace and harmony. One must then get a clear grasp about how it is nice to be part of the group, shaping one to individually work hard to get accepted by their members.

To the answer of why Japanese girls have similar outfits, girls must want to be continued to be identified in the “fashionable” group, innovating them to keep up with the trends currently sold in the department stores. In addition, citizens are most likely self-conscious of how others think about them because they don’t want to be excluded from the group. No one wants to be “out.”