Group Research and Discussion

Our topics for the group research project include, in the historical domain, the historical development of Zen Buddhism over the ages and for our cultural research topic, we will be studying drinking culture in Japan. These topics were chosen by our group as a whole, due to a general interest in these subjects as well as a number of media sources bringing the interesting differences between Canada and Japan, such as the opposing drinking cultures, such as the phenomenon of salaryman drinking culture, including work parties and the general culture of frequent drinking to repress societal stresses. Nationally indoctrinated alcoholism is recurrent and common worldwide, so it is little surprise to hear of it in both the proud nation of Japan as well as our own nation of Canada. Specifically, in Japan, dining and drinking with your coworkers and business clients is very common, as it is an important way to enhance the relationships. Certain Japanese societal circles (the workplace, university clubs, etc) run more smoothly with the help of alcoholic lubrication in the form of after-hours “drinking parties” to facilitate team-building and bonding—it’s called nomication, a portmanteau of “nomu” (to drink) and “communication”. A common saying in Japan is, “if you want to work your way up the corporate ladder you have to drink”. This was how many older generation workers established relationships and considered this the normal way of doing business. On the other hand, as one of the two traditional religions in Japan, Zen Buddhism can be found in commonly in Japan cultures, such as tea ceremony, Zen garden and so on. Through the practice of various Japanese arts, many of the moral and spiritual values of Zen were taught and transmitted in Japan. By examining Zen Buddhism over history, we intend to seek its reflection on the evolution of Japanese religions in general, as well as the contemporary mindset of Japanese People.

We plan on conducting our field research with a combination of various methods, such as visiting many temples and religious institutions in addition to places such as museums for our historical research section on Zen Buddhism, and experiencing hands on the culture of Japan, namely through the imbibing of specific libations as opportunities present themselves. This will hopefully include the visiting of various places to experience the nature of drinking culture in Japan firsthand, including various bars, izakaya, nomihoudai et cetera.

While it is difficult at this particular juncture to say what the individual members of our group are to expect to find in the course of the historical and cultural research we will be conducting for this course, we do expect to find that the Japanese people are not so different as to ourselves; They drink hard when they can and work tirelessly when they must. Like the Buddha, they understand balance in their day to day. Through our observing and research, we are hoping to understand the significant role of drinking plays on social occasions and cultural aspects in contemporary Japan, as well as how Zen Buddhism is practiced in Japanese lifestyles.