Psychology in Japan: The Scientific Establishment and Harmonious Indigenization

Abstract

The study attempts to identify some signposts of the scientific establishment and the features of the harmonious indigenization of psychology in Japan. The former has been defined as the rigorous use of experimentation in psychology since its importation and adoption in its new environment, while the later has been defined as the appropriate selection of the scientifically established psychology and its assimilation, digestion and plantation harmoniously in the local soil. The study shows that there are five signposts behind the scientific establishment of psychology in Japan these are: (a) scientific observation and visual perception; (b) hardness in psychology; (c) Western techniques and Japanese spirit; (d) collectivity in Japanese society ; (e) cultural sensitivity in psychology. Additionally, the study shows that there are five features of the harmonious indigenization of psychology, these are: (a) Japanese language and conceptual development; (b) creative analogue; (c) motivation and harmonious achievement; (d) non-analytical psychology; (e) psychological organizational establishment. The study also compares and contrasts Japanese psychology with that of the Arab world. Finally, the study highlights five marvelous lessons from the experience of the most skillful nation in the world at the end of the 20th century, for Arab psychologists to learn from.