East meets west: some ethical considerations

Japan, one of the most developed and industrialized countries in the world, may appear totally Westernized, but Japan has a culture of traditional customs and beliefs. This paper sheds light on the confusion of value orientations among Japanese nurses whose professional socialization is heavily influenced by Western culture and whose personal life depends on traditional culture. Examples of Japanese culture-bound values clarify the differences between Western and Japanese cultures. The importance of engaging in value clarification and analyzing the ethical principles behind decision-making is noted.