Final answer:
The quote implies that in Japanese culture, the family is the fundamental unit, clans are extended families with hierarchical structures and shared values, and the nation is the broadest familial group, creating a strong sense of unity and identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote by Roberts suggests that in Japanese society, the concepts of family, clan, and nation are seen as extensions of one another, each larger in scope but retaining the core principle of familial unity. The family forms the base unit, with traditional religion and values strengthening its bonds. The clan represents an enlarged version of the family, emphasizing seniority, filial piety, and a clear hierarchical structure.
This system evolved to such an extent that entire clans could act with economic savvy and assert their power, marking their importance in the society. The nation is then seen as the broadest form of familial extension, encompassing all clans and further uniting the people under common deities, traditions, and an origin story, culminating in a strong sense of cultural belonging and national identity.