The Japanese have precise ways to do everything where the doing is governed by form which is of higher precedence over what American's tend to lean toward, substance. Doing things according to form or shikata is culturally required and to deviate even a bit is culturally taboo, not done, no way, never happen because to do this is illegal as well, and government authority has absolute control over all activity.
Japanese society over a long historical base are literally programmed how to act, act like everyone else and to participate in groups to benefit the whole group, the whole society and its superiors. This system for the individual Japanese is sustained through a rigid apprenticeship system. This system is for all of the arts and crafts along with professions that require a special skill set and the knowledge that goes with the skills.
Shido means "guidance" but a more accurate meaning is "to instruct" or "instructions" as in what to do and how to do it. One may ignore the instructions, but culturally and in practical terms, there often is little or no choice.
The shido factor not only continues to exist in the area of government and business in Japan, it also permeates the academic and professional worlds. Students from early on are "brainwashed (my word)" into this system and must answer to their Sensei (professors, masters and other professionals).
Students follow shido of their professors or art and craft masters. It is shido that provides much of the essence and character of Japanese behavior in general. The student who ignores shido of a professor or master may be locked out of the most desirable positions relating to the group as a whole.
The shido system survives because most Japanese still feel compelled by generations of cultural conditioning to maintain the vertical relationships of society by obeying and supporting superiors.
Americans who were, are or have been exposed to a traditional dojo hierarchy with open eyes and open mind will see, hear and feel this shido system in play while training and practicing. It behooves any American to know and understand shido. It behooves us to play within those instructions, guidance or when instructed by Sensei "over-there."
Bibliography
DeMente, Boye Lafayette. "Japan's Cultural Code Words: 233 Key Terms That Explain the Attitudes and Behavior of the Japanese." Tuttle. Vermont, Tokyo and Singapore. 2004.
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