07/14/2008: "On conflict resolution.."

When you run into conflict in America, be it in class, in the workplace, or some other disagreement in a personal conversation, we don't really have a method for dealing with it that applies across the board or that is pretty much universally accepted amongst all participants. Japan, however, is different.

They have Rock, Scissors, Paper (Janken, from here on out, as it's referred to in Japan). Yes, dear people, this is honestly how a vast majority of conflict is settled here in the land of the rising sun. And believe me, they take janken seriously here (just like ping pong and badminton... do NOT challenge someone to ping pong unless you can 'bring your A game', or are okay with dying). Two students get the card at the same time? JANKEN! I didn't believe it at first when I saw it happen.. but if you declare that two people must janken for some reason (be it honor, a point in a game, to be 'right' or 'wrong', whose suggestion you'll take, or anything really) they will do it. And, even more amazing than watching two people drop an argument to throw hand shapes at eachother, the people will generally accept the results of near-random hand-shape-choosing as the word of God and will drop the issue entirely, accepting the results of the almighty janken.

I have to say.. it really is convenient. We really should institute such a policy in America. Don't you think life would be easier to have a holy method of conflict resolution? Seriously.

Anyway, I should go work. See you later!


Jason

On Tuesday, July 15th, kat said:

that's hilarious
i like that-so much simpler really