Information AboutYabo |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT YABO | |
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The word yabo was often used by city dwellers ( Chonin ) (especially, of Edo). It often refers to Samurai and farmers ( Nomin ) from outside of Edo, if not to another chonin. The city dwellers of Edo sometimes called themselves Edokko (as in New Yorker or Parisian). They were proud of being born and grown up in Edo, and had a tendency to despise outsiders. It should be noted, however, that the origins of many of chonin could be traced back to the places outside of Edo. The meaning of the term has expanded and generalized through the modernization of Japan. Today, the word yabo is used more frequently than Iki . This might be due to the fact that yabo is more easily found than iki. YABO AND JAPANESE It is interesting that the stereotypical views towards modern Japanese (especially Tokyoites ) in various countries are typically yabo. For example, sacrificing themselves to the work, not being financially generous (reluctant to donate money), not knowing how to enjoy life, being cruel for those who seek help, being too efficient etc. - these properties are all considered yabo. These are stereotypes and not necessarily true. Still, although Iki-Yabo notions were developed in Edo (former Tokyo), many Japanese today would admit themselves to be yabo. |
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