Representation of the “Self–Other” Opposition in Cultural Codes of Japan

The article examines the issue of “the Self and the Other” opposition in Japanese culture through its reflection in linguistic and social norms, as well as religious beliefs. In the Japanese language, the dichotomy of “the Self and the Other” is analyzed through the concepts of “uchi” (inside space) and “soto” (outside space), along with the use of various grammatical units and dialectal forms. The study explores historical and geographical factors that have influenced the characteristics of this representation in the social and religious codes of the country, as well as the attitude towards borrowings and foreigners within Japanese society. The authors conclude that these circumstances have led to the formation of two primary features: an inward orientation in defining the groups “us” and “them”, and a diminished role of ethnic outsiders. Additionally, there is a pronounced emphasis on location in the delineation of groups, which represents a specificity in how this issue is manifested in Japanese culture and its codes.