ABSTRACT
In a previous paper (Atsumi 1980) the author presented a framework for analyzing the personal relationships of Japanese. The framework was constructed on the basis of how a sample of male Japanese company employees perceived their own personal relationships. Four types of relationships were identified: tsukiai (obligatory non-kin relationship); friendship; shinsekizukiai; and the intimate kin relationship. Two criteria were used to generate these four types of relationships. One was whether their relationships were based on kin ties; the other was whether a feeling of obligation (giri) or social necessity was present in the relationships. Friendship was defined here as a non-kin relationship that has developed from having similar interests, a mutual attraction and a certain like-mindedness. It is a spontaneous relationship as opposed to obligatory relationship (tsukiai). An individual's personal relationships consist of these four types in one combination or another. The nature of personal relationships varies not only
betweenindividualsbutalsowithinasingleindividualaccording toone'slifestage,varioussituationalcircumstances,valuesand attitudestowardslifeandtowardsacareer.Althoughfriendship andtsukiaimaylookalikeinsomeoftheoutwardbehaviour, thesetwotypesofrelationshipswereclearlydifferentiatedinthe mindofmalecompanyemployees(Atsumi1975and1980).
