Tony Brown learns about Japanese cultural distinctives during sabbatical

a tour guide and Tony Brown in Hiroshima
At the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima, Tony Brown stands with a tour guide whose father died as the result of the affects of the atomic bomb. “He told me to be sure to tell the story of Hiroshima as I travel around the world,” Brown said. The only building left standing after the atomic bomb can be seen in the background.

Hesston College faculty member Tony Brown learned a great deal about Japan, including some of its cultural distinctives, during his recent fall semester sabbatical in that country. Brown, a sociology faculty member and internationally-acclaimed baritone, left the U.S. in early June and returned in early December.

“I had three foci while in Japan,” Brown explained, “to understand the Japanese worldview, to relate to Mennonite fellowships in Sapporo, and to sing and speak for peace.”

As a visiting researcher at Hokusei University in Sapporo, Brown was connected to the social welfare department, and had access to the university library and other resources. “I experienced something of the academic world in Japan, had some good conversations with faculty and students, and got to know a few faculty members.” Insights into the Japanese culture came as he read, talked with people, and experienced the culture for himself.

Although he didn’t teach any classes, Brown gave guest lectures to some of the students. As he spoke about social welfare in the U.S., about life and culture in the United States and the cultural differences between Japan and the U.S., and about the social welfare of the African-American in the U.S., he learned one of the cultural differences in Japan. “I discovered that Japanese students are not so inclined to talk in class. There’s a strong sense that they’re there to learn from the teacher who is thought of as the expert.”

Brown felt, however, that he was somewhat successful in engaging the students in conversation by posing questions and inviting them to respond if they felt comfortable doing so. “Japanese culture is such a collective culture that to speak out is going against a cultural norm,” he explained. “Once they realized it was okay to speak in this context, they were able to share some of their thoughts.”

According to Brown, we in the U.S. see value in the discussion or the debate. “Discussion or debate in Japan is seen as creating disharmony. So I came away with a new appreciation for the western focus on critical thinking. I now more deeply respect the worth of value of getting ideas out in the open, even if they’re different, and discussing them. I do, however, see the value of creating a group psychology-we in the West live such individual lives.”

Meanwhile, Brown interacted with some of the Japanese Mennonites in Sapporo, which has five small fellowships. He visited two of the fellowships, and attended one of them regularly. “Each fellowship has 10-12 people, with no minister, so they rotate and share responsibilities, like leading worship and giving a sermon.” He said opportunity is always given for discussion of the sermon.

Brown’s involvement with the Mennonites in Hokkaido, which is like the county for Sapporo, included lecturing about his peace activities, leading a workshop on music, and singing and speaking during Sunday morning worship. He also visited and sang at the Obihiro church where Mary Beyler, a 1970 Hesston grad, is involved. Serving with Mennonite Mission Network, Beyler preaches, leads music, and teaches in both her local Mennonite congregation and other churches in the Hokkaido Mennonite Church Conference.

Brown said Japanese Mennonites have a deep and profound faith. “I was impressed with their sincerity, thoughtfulness, and commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus. They are interested in learning about and discussing various theological ideas, including Anabaptist thought. Across the divides of language and culture, I did feel a oneness with them.”

As for singing, the baritone said he performed 17 times between August 13 and December 1, in churches, concert halls, universities, and at smaller venues. A highlight for Brown was being invited to sing at the international summit of indigenous people in Sapporo. There, he met many indigenous people from around the world, including several Native Americans (from Iowa, Montana, Arizona, and New Mexico).

Brown was also invited by four Buddhist temples to sing and speak for peace. “It was a wonderful exchange and I was honored to share my music and faith in that setting.”

Tony Brown with an Ainu Indian man from northern Japan.
Tony Brown poses for a photo with an Ainu Indian man from northern Japan during the international summit of indigenous people held in Sapporo this past fall.

Through his music, Brown connected with people in Hokkaido who were advocates for peace. “Through my relationships with them, I learned what was important to them.

“They believe one must start with inner peace,” he explained. “As peace is found from within, it affects our relationships with others and with the earth.”

Brown found himself taken in by the Japanese lifestyle of peace that connects with their collective psychology. “There a person is not so focused on as a separate individual,” he said. “No one person stands out over the others. Instead, people are connected to each other and seek to find group harmony. Something about the Japanese culture lends itself to introspection on how to treat others respectfully and how to treat the environment. There is a sense of being connected to everything.”

Not surprisingly, concertizing in Japan inspired Brown. “I saw the power of music to transform people,” he said. “I felt so valued there and valued the experience to concertize and learn to know the Japanese people and their culture.

“I’m grateful for my experiences in Japan and thank Hesston College for releasing me,” Brown concluded. “While many cultural differences exist, I found many points of intersection. Music was one good way to connect.”