J a p a n e s e    C u l t u r e

Individualistic Japanese: Demon Kogure, a photo by timtak on Flickr.

Demon Kogure, also known as Demon Kakka (His excellency Demon) is a Japanese heavy metal singer, Sumo commentator and all round talento, or television personality. He regularly appears on news programs as a commentator. He always appears in full make up and costume, even in serious programmes such as the one in the image above, commenting on the situation at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant after the 11th March 2011 earthquake and tsunami (often referred to as 3/11 with reference to the 9/11 tragedy).

This degree of eccentricity is not seen in the UK or the USA, where, for instance, while the singers of KISS who likewise wear make up, can do so on stage or perhaps on the street, they would not be allowed to wear make up while being asked for their opinion regarding an American tragedy such as 9/11.

Demon Kogure is always like this when he appears in the media. This is his persona. No one thinks even to take notice, let alone deride him for his eccentricity. He is allowed to be who he wants to be, only in Japan.

Labels: collectivism, individualism, japan, japanese culture, nihonbunka, 個人主義, 日本文化, 集団主義

# posted by Timtak @ 12:33 PM