Young Japanese Social Networking

Big changes in young Japan.

Some Japanese traditions, such as jobs for life are falling away as the country adjusts to the Internet society. Until now, the rigidly structured society of Japan has never before encouraged the kind of personal, opinionated and sometimes messy way of communicating that Americans have become so accustomed to.

In America, sites like MySpace.com seem to have replaced "hanging out" for young people. Similarly, urban Japanese have recently embraced the Internet to share feelings and experiences with others. The Internet certainly seems to be shaking up the way some Japanese communicate and think - a change that once seemed impossible. A culture of hip and energetic entrepreneurs is certainly making a mark on society. Through Japanese networking sites like Mixi.com, people can share their emotions and experiences in a constantly formal, hierarchical society. It’s been quite interesting to see such contrast and development!