TRANSFORMATION OF VALUE ORIENTATIONS OF MODERN JAPANESE YOUTH

Chertushkina E. V., Abramova N. V.

The paper studies the transformation of value orientations of modern generations of Japanese youth Y 1975–1990 and Z 1990–2005, which became a consequence of economic and social transformations of the late XX – early XXI centuries; youth problems are analyzed. Changed social realities force young people to reconsider the value system instilled in them by older generations, to look for new, individual ways to realize their potential. In the process of fighting for a new living space, a person is born who thinks broadly and unconventionally, is active, and builds his own destiny regardless of the assessments of others. Representatives of various youth subcultures are characterized; the phenomenon of Japanese youth culture is considered. The conclusion is made about the emergence of individualists, perfectly mastering technical skills, skillfully communicating with others. Young people are not bound by social stereotypes about the priority of work in life; they value hobbies, recreation and spending time with relatives and friends. Society has to take into account the change of value orientations of young people in order to solve its main problems – low birth rate and population ageing.

Keywords:generation Y, Z, generation of fiction, Japanese youth culture.