Cultural codes of Japan

In Japan, the imperial institution has gained a sacred background with the quality of 'Son of the Sun'. Shintoism, which is based on the story of the foundation of Japanese lands, and Buddhism and Confucianism, which entered the country with Chinese influence, are the factors that build the 'Spirit of Japan'. On the other hand, the policies implemented with the Edo period, isolation and the Bushido philosophy that emerged during this period had a deep impact on the construction of Japan's political culture, collective consciousness and cultural codes. Japan, which entered the modern period with the Meiji period, aimed to reach the level of Western states while also seeking ways to protect its social values. Japan, which became a major military and political power during this period, surrendered as a result of two atomic bombs dropped on its country during the Second World War. Japan, which was occupied after the war and was tried to be separated from its political, military and social understandings that were seen as problematic by Western powers, quickly recovered in line with the cultural codes based on 'political obedience' and 'collective consciousness' and became an economic power in a short time. This thesis aims to show the factors on which Japan's cultural codes are formed in terms of history, religion, society and politics. The study claims that cultural codes are effective in the formation process of Japan's political culture and collective consciousness. On the other hand, this study argues that cultural codes still continue to have an effect in many areas in Japan. It is clear that Japan, which has an important position in the international arena, needs to be better understood from different perspectives.