Agree. Trying to see Zen in every cultural aspect is pushing it way too far. Especially since spirituality is a pretty shallow thing in Japan for the large majority of people.
There is no doubt that there is a large degree of influence from Taoist, Confucian, Buddhist, Shinto and even Hindu (people seem to forget this for some reason) philosophy in Japanese culture today.
I agree that Zen is not expressed in every cultural aspect, but by and large it is there.
Look, for example, at the collective reaction to the Fukushima disaster. If that Stoicism isn't an expression of Zen philosophy, I don't know what is.
> Look, for example, at the collective reaction to the Fukushima disaster. If that Stoicism isn't an expression of Zen philosophy, I don't know what is.
What are you talking about? Many people in Japan, even in the media, were revolted by the inaction of the government. Stoicism is maybe what you see from outside, but internally it's definitely not the case.
And look at the recent demonstrations in Japan against the change of constitution regarding Japanese military scope. You call that Stoicism ?
