Harmony and Discord: Japan vs Philippines (Part 1)
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of visiting Japan on a school trip, where I immersed myself in the culture through the lens of its elite class—the families who own and operate some of the largest institutions in the country. Much like the chaebols in Korea, Japan has powerful families at the top that control its largest conglomerates. While a similar dynamic exists in the U.S., it is often less publicly acknowledged or accepted. Whether this is due to secrecy or ignorance is for you to decide. Now, before I embark on one of my legendary tangents, this journey opened my eyes to the stark contrasts between Japan and the Philippines—two nations that, despite their geographical proximity, present vastly different societal landscapes shaped by their unique histories, cultures, and economic conditions. ...