Just as there are many diverse cultures in the world, it is not possible to make a general statement about Japanese culture.To avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, there are some things you should know about Japanese people and culture before coming to Japan.
Japan is an island nation, and the majority of its population has the same ethnicity, and the culture and individuality of the country as a whole are similar. However, cultural differences naturally exist depending on region, history, and other influences.
For example, within Japan, there are notable differences between Kanto (around Tokyo) and Kansai (Kinki region, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara), where culture, dialect, seasoning of food, and even the point of laughter are vastly different.
Japanese unique culture
- Japanese people generally act in groups.
- prefers uniformity (being the same as everyone else)
- In general, Japanese people think about the other person and speak in roundabout ways (wanting to avoid conflict of opinion).
- Japanese people generally dislikes standing out
- Japanese people generally agree with someone
- Japanese people generally don’t show much emotion
- Many people have a relatively calm personality, so it takes time to make friends.
- The distance between people during conversation is relatively large. Exceptions include public transportation (on trains, on shared buses)
- Line up and wait your turn (interrupting people is bad manners)
- Respect etiquette and rules
- Some people have a unique image of foreigners (have a fixed concept)
- Generally embarrassed to speak English
- Greetings are usually a simple nod or bow. (Return the handshake if the other person asks)
- In general, colleagues do not touch each other when talking to each other.
- Often uses social greetings to show respect for others (not as a sarcasm)
- Eat hot noodles (ramen, soba, udon, etc.) while making noise.
- Generally speaking, being on time is considered to be a matter of courtesy.
- We often give souvenirs, but there is no need to return gift everything.