Cultural behaviour in Japan Part 1

Cultures are something that exists within countries, races, families, and people. When one cultural value is a common thing and deemed as the right thing to do for those who hold them, it sometimes does not necessarily mean the same to others and in this topic, Japan.

In the majority of Asian countries, acting polite whereas it's a very pleasant thing to do and taught by every family, some things to be noted are that it does not work in every country, and especially when we talk about Japan. Japan is one of the most famous countries which is known for their politeness and exceptionally pleasant behaviour.

Their "term" of politeness is on a much different level than other countries. For example, they are very delicate on human behaviour and sensitive about human feelings. Just a tiny bit of "rude" behaviour could affect one's standing in their point of view.

if you are rude to them, they mostly will think "did they offend you?" whereas it is just a cultural misunderstanding. while they will keep it to themself and you will never know you hurt their feelings just by doing your common right things.

Things to be noted:

1. Never interrupt someone when they are still talking. It's considered very rude. Even though it's common for wanting to express oneself in a discussion, make sure you have a little pause to ensure your counterpart finished their talk. This level of rudeness is very unacceptable in Japan.

2. Whereas in some Asian countries handing something using the right hand is the most polite thing ever being taught by parents, it is very rude in Japan. make sure the things that you are about to give are held with both hands.

3. In countries where spring, fall, or winter exist, the climate changes might be harsh. Even so, try your best not to put your hands in your pants or jacket's pocket as it is considered as you are looking down on them, even though you're just avoiding coldness.

4. Silence is golden, Japanese people especially hold utmost of their own privacy and love quiet-peaceful environments, especially in public transport. Please avoid speaking with loud voices or answering phone calls, leaking sound from earphones due to high volume, or causing a ruckus with your companion. But please take note that in a restaurant you can raise your voice to call for waiter/waitress with "excuse me" or "Sumimasen (すみません)" as putting up your hands might be unnoticed and it is considered as common behavior.

Another common example of courtesy in Japan is to have less noise after 10 PM. Well, during the day you might be tolerated with only a sour facial expression, glares, or little warning. But do take note that during night hours above 10 pm they have the right to call the officer on duty if you are making a ruckus whereas the sound you create is exceeding 20db.

5. Japanese anime and manga are so famous as it is commonly known as a thing. but please do note that simply mimicking a phrase commonly used in it and also the behaviour could result in an ugly manner. As some people view anime and manga's ways of talking and behaving, it does not simply represent the majority of the country itself. They have a "nuance" which is a very complex thing yet very delicate and sensitive. Please do research properly on the proper way of communicating by learning or consulting a local or an expert about the meaning of those word's nuances before execution. trust me it could end ugly.

6. While we see a lot of priority seats meant for elder, disabled and pregnant women in public transport, prioritizing them is 100% the right answer. Until you found Osaka or Kansai's elder. Sometimes while it is undisputed as the right thing to do, giving them your seat is the most right thing you can do, until they refuse and sometimes get their pride hurt as labelled as being "miserable" or "old". This is not a really common case and when that happens, you should not blame yourself even though you can't blame them either. But it is still the right thing to do, so please keep that in mind.

Once again, each country has their own Culture. Whilst such behaviour is the most common one can think of not necessarily means the same in other shoes. Having the thought of following and respecting another country's behaviour can help you not only to avoid trouble but also to help others. Give us your thought and hope that these points could help you. Thank you.