Title: Culture difference between China and Japan
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culture difference between China and Japan
Culture is simply the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society.China and Japan are both East Asian countries with rich cultural histories, but they have distinct differences in their cultural practices and traditions. Aspects such as language, religion, social hierarchy,  art and aesthetics, communication style, and historical influences. It's important to note that both countries have shared elements due to history.......
Language 
One of the cultural difference is language . According to Geng(2022),  Chinese and Japanese are two completely different languages with unique writing systems. Chinese uses characters, while Japanese uses a combination of characters (kanji) borrowed from Chinese and two syllabic scripts (hiragana and katakana) .The Chinese writing system is composed of thousands of characters, each with its own meaning and pronunciation .While on the other hand Kanji characters are often borrowed from Chinese but can have different readings and meanings. 
Religion
However, religion is another cultural difference.According to Seiwert(2022), China has a long history of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, while Japan has a strong influence of Shintoism and Buddhism. Shintoism is unique to Japan and focuses on the worship of kami (spirits or gods). Although there is religion in China its an atheist country and many Han Chinese people do not actually believe in religion. On the other hand half of the population in Japan still practice Shintoism in some way.  
Social hierarchy  
Social hierarchy ia also another culture difference .According to Chen, Xing, and Nie(2022), Japan's hierarchical structure is far more strict than China's more equalitarian approach. Both countries have traditional hierarchical structures, but the specific customs and expectations differ. In China, respect for elders and authority figures is emphasized, while in Japan, there is a strong emphasis on group harmony and consensus decision-making. 
Cuisine 
Fathermore, cuisine is a culture difference between China and Japan. According to Kim, Choe, and Kim (2022), Chinese cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Japanese cuisine, on the other hand, is known for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and meticulous presentation according to Kim. Japan is renowned for its sushi and sashimi, while China boasts a diverse array of dishes, including Peking duck and dim sum. 
Art and aesthetics 
In terms of art and aesthetics there is a cultural difference between China and Japan.According to Pincus (2023), both countries have a rich tradition of art, but the styles and techniques differ. Chinese art often features intricate brushwork and bold colors, while Japanese art tends to be more minimalist and focused on nature. 
Communication style  
Morerover, Communication style is also considered as a cultural difference. According to Diner, Zulaeha, Subyantoro, and Suptiatnaningsih (2022). Chinese communication tends to be more direct and assertive, while Japanese communication is often more subtle and indirect. In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on non-verbal cues and reading between the lines. Japanese people tend to be reserved and polite, while Chinese people might seem more direct and assertive. 
Historical Influence 
Lastly historical influence is also considered as a culture difference between the two countries.According to Gustafsson, (2022). China has a long and continuous history, with various dynasties shaping its culture. Influences from neighboring regions have also played a role. While on the other hand Japan has a unique historical trajectory, with periods of isolation and cultural borrowing from China. The samurai era and the Meiji Restoration are significant historical milestones. 
conclusion
Overall, while China and Japan share some cultural similarities due to their geographical proximity and historical interactions, they also have distinct cultural practices that reflect their unique histories and values. It's crucial to recognize that both China and Japan are diverse countries with regional variations in culture. Additionally, globalization and modernization have led to the blending of traditional and contemporary elements in both societies. 

Reference 
Geng, F. (2022). A contrastive study of the Chinese and Japanese mood type systems. Journal       of World Languages, 8(1), 83-118. 
Seiwert, H. (2022). What Constitutes the Identity of a Religion?. Australian Association for the Study of Religions Book Series, 7-7. 
Du, H., Chen, A., Li, Y., Ma, L., Xing, Q., & Nie, Y. (2022). Perceived income inequality increases status seeking among low social class individuals. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 25(1), 52-59. 
Kim, S., Choe, J. Y., & Kim, P. B. (2022). Effects of local food attributes on tourist dining satisfaction and future: The moderating role of food culture difference. Journal of China Tourism Research, 18(1), 121-143. 
Pincus, L. (2023). Authenticating culture in imperial Japan: Kuki Shuzo and the rise of national aesthetics (Vol. 5). Univ of California Press. 
Diner, L., Zulaeha, I., Subyantoro, S., & Suptiatnaningsih, R. (2022). Barriers and Strategies of Intercultural Manadonese and Japanese Communication in Japan. Languages, 7(3), 232.
Gustafsson, K. (2022). Understanding the persistence of history-related issues in Sino–Japanese relations: from memory to forgetting. In Historical Memory and Foreign Policy (pp. 107-122). Cham: Springer International Publishing.