ABSTRACT
The study of the Japanese national character and culture was of more than a passing interest for the Japan hands. Aside from gaining an understanding what made the Japanese “tick,” the Japan hands could benefit in yet another way from the study of Japanese national traits as well as Japanese culture. The few positive traits the Chinese associated with the Japanese revolved around the Japanese acceptance of Chinese culture; however, the ability to adapt was in the eyes of the Chinese a sign that the Japanese were lacking the energy to create independently. Associated with such destructive behavior were related character traits the Japanese were believed to exhibit. The Chinese were aware that the relative ease with which Japanese gave up their lives was tied up with a sense of duty and self-sacrifice, one of the core virtues of bushido. A good number of Chinese Japan hands participated in the discourse on Japanese culture.
