This week's ‘Learning Culture Through Film’ Feature is “Maiko Haaaan!!!" a Japanese comedy about a loser who moves from Tokyo to Kyoto to chase geisha, prompting his jilted girlfriend to follow and try to become a geisha.
As is my custom, I won’t review the film - you can find reviews here. Rather, I want to highlight what you might be able to learn about Japanese culture, by watching "Maiko Haaaan!!!".
To do this, I'll discuss three scenes from the movie, using a facilitator's debriefing strategy called 'What, So What, Now What'.
'What' - asks what happened?
'So what' - asks what that means and why it matters?
'Now what' - asks what you can do differently in work or life, based on this knowledge?
SPOILER ALERT – If you don't want to read plot spoilers, stop now!
1. We see our ‘hero’ get transferred to the Kyoto branch of his company.
What - The main character is working in Tokyo, when he gets transferred to Kyoto.
So What - Getting transferred from HQ to a regional office is a clear message that you are a poor performer. In a society that doesn't like to fire people, moving them to a branch office is the next best thing.
Now What - Be aware of the social status of branch offices. Moving an employee away from HQ to drive a new office, for example, may not be met with enthusiasm. What you intend as an honor might be taken as a message that you're trying to get rid of the employee.
2. We see our ‘hero’ and other photographers chasing geisha through the streets for a photo.
What - We see a ridiculous grown men running through the streets of Kyoto, acting like obnoxious little kids or paparazzi, as they take photos of geisha.
So What - This really happens. I know that because, umm, I've been that guy. Photographers stalk the streets looking for a shot of this 'lost' icon of Japan's past. Seriously, it's a big dea. Most Japanese have never seen a geisha. It's like seeing Angelina Jolie...
Now What - Realize that seeing a geisha in Japan is like seeing an American Indian. Yeah, they were everywhere at one time, but not so common now. And when you do see them... they probably won't look (or act) like you expect.
3. We see the boss introduce his employee into the geisha world.
What - Our 'hero' can't get into a geisha house until his boss brings him there.
So What - When an employee enters the workforce, it's common for the boss to become his new 'father'. The boss might introduce him to a female employees as a potential wife. The boss might also take him to restaurants or nightspots and introduce him.
Now What - Don't be surprised if you see Japanese managers taking a paternal view of their employees. Don't be surprised if you Japanese employees come to you with questions of a somewhat personal nature. I had Japanese employees ask me for financial advice, relationship advice, travel advice, and more. There were a few times I was stunned at some of what they asked. Bottom line - it's part of the responsibility of a manager.
Someone said all comedy is based on truth, so look for the truth in the comedies you watch and see what you can learn from them.
Have you learned about culture from a film? Tell us what you've learned.
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