Guterson's Snow Falling on Cedars does not accurately portray Japanese culture through family traditions, although it does in its descriptions of clothing and feministic views. Guterson adds a bit of a twist to family traditions leaving them to arranged marriages and parental decision. The clothing he described was similar to those said to be worn in Japan. Feministic views were accurately portrayed in this book and so were chores that were done around the home. .
There are many family traditions followed in Japan. Before the war, the family system was feudal. (Thomas 188) After marriage, the oldest son continued to live in the same house as his parents, a custom destroyed by urbanization and one-room homes. (Thomas 188) After the war, the Japanese family was no longer a male-dominated autocracy. (Thomas 188) Women had gained rights over their property and are able to transact business without their husband's consent. (Thomas 188) There are three systems of marital match-making in Japan. (Thomas 189) Miai, the traditional method, involves a formal introduction, usually by a go-between. (Thomas 189) Shokai is less formal, based on a meeting arranged by mutual friends, and Renai is like the usual Western practice, a meeting in almost any social situation. (Thomas 189) No system carries any compulsory to marry, and it is usual in Japan for the couple to date for some months and to seek the consent of their parents. (Thomas 189) .
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Guterson portrayed marriage somewhat differently in situations throughout his book. Fujiko, Hatsue's mother, had been wed to a man she"d never seen before. This does not follow any of the systems of match-making in Japan. Hatsue had first gotten involved with a hakujin (non-Japanese). Her relationship with Ishmael began with no one's help or support. This displeased her mother and Fujiko had made Hatsue put an end to the relationship. "Write your own letter, Tell him the truth about things.