Japanese Americans

And Buddhism
Considerations for
Health-care Delivery

Defining Characteristics

The family is structured in a hierarchical way,

with the father as the head of the family and
then the eldest son. Male children are held at
a higher value to that of female children.
Respect is paid to ancestors and elderly. PastPresent Orientation. Family is the central
focus; interdependence. Avoids direct eye
contact as a sign of respect, only used when in
intimate situations and during serious
conversations. No personal space issues.
Japanese Language and American English are
used in communicating. Nod often during
conversation, but does not always mean they
are agreeing.
Shame and guilt used to train children. Less
open displays of emotion. Parents structure
child's life for academic success.

Dress
Typically the dress for Japanese
Americans is that of any other
American. Those of the older
generation and during special holidays
and ceremonies Japanese Traditional
Clothing is worn; such as a Kimono,
Yukata, Hakama and Gi/Haori, and
Zori sandals with Tabi socks.

Diet
Rice is an important stable of
most meals. When they are sick
hot food is recommended. Tend
to avoid stimulants/caffeine.
Plenty of vegetables, seafood,
and fruit in the diet. Bread and
meat minimally important.
They also do eat American
Food.

Prayer and Holy Days

Buddhist do not believe in a God or a deity, therefore, prayer is not required to reach an enlightened state
(Nirvana). Many Buddhists recite mantras, which are said to have a profound spiritual affect on the person.
The mantras can be aided with written mantras on a prayer flag, a prayer wheel, or spinning wheel.
Buddhists also have ritualistic prayers (which are purely affirmations and desires) that are recited before
meals (Itadakimasu) and after meals (Gochisosama Deshita). The largest Japanese/Buddhist holiday
by far is the Japanese New Year. Other important holy days are: Nirvana Day, Obon (celebrating the life and
death of ancestors), Bodhi Day, and many more depending upon the denomination or region.

Religion and Sacred Writings

The Buddha or "Enlightened One," as he is called, never professed to be a

God and his teachings are focused on spiritual enlightenment and the
"Cessation" of suffering. The relationship between Buddha and his
followers is that of a teacher and a student. The path to
enlightenment is based upon moral development and practice through
deep mediation. Buddha believed that the actions in this life affect
life in the next existence.
There are a vast number of sacred texts and are divided further by the
sect of Buddhism. The Japanese American Buddhism sect is called
Zen Buddhism. The Zen Buddhists reject the use of these writings.
They see these writings as a hindrance to Nirvana.

Healing and Meditation

A few things must be considered when understanding the Buddhist

perspective of healing: Karma must be considered and also the holistic
approach of healing the entire being. Pinit Ratanakul (a Buddhist Monk)
stated that,"Health is the expression of harmony--within oneself, in one's
social relationships, and in relation to the natural environment. To be
concerned about a person's health means to be concerned with the
whole person." Illness is not usually discussed openly. The patient takes
a passive role and is usually stoic in the face of pain. End of life planning
and advanced directives are often not well received in more traditional
families. No restrictions on the used of blood or blood products. Birth
control and sterility testing are acceptable.
Meditation is used ceremonially and as a way to de-stress or reconnect with
the energies of the environment. Takes many forms such as: Tea
Ceremonies and flower arrangement

Birth and Death

Birth is an affair of the extended family. The the 3rd day
after the birth, the parents purify the room to welcome
the baby into the new space. A Tanjoki, or birth scroll, is
prepared and used to record major events in the child's
life. Many Buddhists never give a baby a name before it is
born. They give a fake name to make the evil spirits sick
and get them away from the baby. The baby is usually
given an official name one week after birth at a temple.
Death includes a broader social circle outside of the family
ties. All rituals at death are geared at promoting human
rebirth. The person's state of mind at death is believed to
influence their rebirth; therefore medications that alter
the mind may not be well received at the time of death.
Traditionally there is a 3-5 day period when the body is
not disturbed following death.

Traditions and Ceremonies

During the 5th month of pregnacy, a pregnant woman will
receive a special sash from her parents or temple, called
Anzan Hara Obi, to pray for a safe and easy childbirth; she
will wear this until she goes to deliver. On the 31st day after
birth for males, 32nd for females, the family will take the
child to the temple for their first Buddhist service, called
Hatsumairi. During the New Year, many Japanese Americans
make their first visit, of the New Year, to the temple known
as Hatsumoude.
Funeral traditions often vary depending on the family's beliefs.
Most cremate their loved ones after a wake in the home and
then a large gathering at a funeral home or temple where a
Buddhist Priest/Monk will recite prayers to ease the
deceased's transition into the next life.