Almost ten years ago, we took knowledge on crime from a psychological
perspective and compared it to our findings from Japan. There
were many similarities in psychosocial factors for youth offending and
violence. The major difference, however, was a higher level of violence
among young Japanese males compared to that among young American
males. Albeit with limitations (what research doesn’t have its limitations),
this finding contrasted with the dominant research literature and
stereotypes on Japan: namely that the country had low crime compared
to Western industrialised countries, because its citizens were group-oriented
and harmonious due to its collectivistculture, its social institutions
were benevolent and organised, and its public spaces were spotless
and efficient. Counter-narratives that questioned this particular account
existed, and so we continued our investigation.
Our research interest in Japan stemmed from narratives in the US
on Asian-Americans. This population has lower offending rates than
other American racial groups (Yoo et al. 2010). In addition, educational
attainment and socio-economic status are comparatively high in this
population. Because of these assets, Asian-Americans have been dubbed
as ‘model minorities’.