friendship

In Japan, “ともだち　づきあい” ( or companionship) is too complicated. As White said, we have “group friends” and “shinyu.” Many Japanese people get relief surrounded by many friends. As the proverb says, “you can cross a dangerous suspension bridge if you have many friends,” or “you can run a red light with your friends… if everyone does it, don’t be worried…” It’s kind of strange concept. Why Japanese people get relieved in group?
Japanese people think following majority is virtue. So, they are always in group. But, as White said, the number of people who have trouble in establishing friendships is increasing. Though fear of relationship is not common in Japan, otaku people are very common. They are regarded as people who can communicate only with virtual people though the Internet. So, they are getting more and more difficult to establish friendships even if they want to make friends.
Japanese way of thinking is focused on grouping. These pressure “if you can not join the major group, you will be regarded as those who can not establish NOMAL friendships like otaku people…” is the most biggest reason why “hikikomori (reclusive and unsociable) people” and crimes like “enjyo kosai(sugar daddy business)” are increasing in Japan. There is similar phenomenon in Korea, but I heard not in America. So, I think the different friendships between in Japan and in America must be relevant.