Japan has a rich, deep cultural background with different beliefs and traditions that may come as both shocking and intriguing for foreigners. Understanding the differences can help you better appreciate and enjoy the activities without committing faux pas unknowingly during your experience living and traveling in Japan.
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Difference in Culture
Various differences exist between Japan and most western countries, some quite apparent while others are not so obvious to the unfamiliar or uninformed individual. We all know that Japan is one of the most popular and preferred destinations for many world travelers and tourists, thanks to its culture, history, and modern technological wonders exported all over the world. Nevertheless, there are more deep and quaint norms of Japanese culture, whether big or small, that may be harder to understand without thorough study or personally experiencing them right in Japan.
Writer's Pick
Culture Shock in Different Settings
Although it’s impossible to discuss all examples of culture shock, here are a few common examples in particular settings that will be helpful to know.
Japanese Workplace Setting
As a classic example, the Japanese workplace environment can be quite formal and intimidating for most foreigners, although it can also be full of fun, especially after office hours. This is because office rank is often observed strictly; hence, it is considered rude and unacceptable to cross the lines during as well as after office hours.
To illustrate this fact: The Japanese have this popular custom called Nomikai, which is basically a drinking party held after office hours by co-workers, often with superiors joining along with the fun. Attendance may or may not be required and drinking is not, but, the event is a way for workers to develop better rapport and interpersonal attachments that enhance work efficiency and overall company dynamics.
What is even more shocking to the novice at these parties is that it comes in several stages, two or more, one after the other and in other places. It is quite common for some workers to get so drunk that they end up sleeping at the train station or being carried home by friends.
Language and Communication
Certainly, language plays a great part in making Japanese culture incomprehensible to many foreign ears and sensibilities as Japanese is one of the hardest languages in the world to learn. But, in many respects, that is true for other foreign languages in relation to non-speakers.
The really shocking experience for some while in Japan, however, may come from the fact that many Japanese, especially those living in the countryside, do not speak English. In large cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka, some Japanese can speak at least basic to conversational English although most will hesitate to do so; however, road signs, billboards, menus, and others are often written in Japanese; so, it helps to know enough Japanese before visiting Japan. But if you ask for help, chances are, the person will try to help you regardless of language ability. Also they may tell you they can't speak English but are more so shy about using it even if they know a little.
One way the Japanese language differs from others is how it uses many apologetic phrases and words, along with the ubiquitous bow of the head to give respect to people. Moreover, the Japanese try not to be frontal or direct when it comes to saying “no", as they prefer to reply with the milder "I will think about it". This is in keeping with their social paradigm of face-saving, for oneself and for the other person.
Another example of this is the concept of honne and tatemae - your true feelings versus what you actually show to others. Thus, foreigners are often surprised to find that the other person actually felt the exact opposite of what they said. Thus it’s important to know social cues and mannerisms to figure out some of these situations, although some are very hard to read, even for native Japanese. This is just how much outward harmony is prioritized over individual feelings.
Japanese Formality
One social mannerism westerners must be aware of, whether in formal office situations, religious ceremonies or even casual company, is to use both hands when receiving or handing over something, such as documents, a cup of tea, a gift, or when holding an empty glass to be filled by someone offering a pour from a bottle. Using one hand to do so, as a result, is frowned upon. Why? Well, that is just the way Japanese show reverence and full attention to each other, and thus you should do the same when in Japan.
Your clothing also makes a statement, and not in the way you might expect. For example, people are expected to wear clothes with subdued or darker colors in formal events, even joyous ones like weddings and graduations, following the essence of the simple principle that one must not stand out too much and seamlessly blend with the crowd.
There exists a color and wardrobe pattern that is a silent rule that most in Japan abides. Wearing black has come to be accepted around the world as a fashionable style, not only for westerners but for many other nationalities.In Japan, black can be an everyday color but it can also be associated with death, sorrow and negativity, a color that is worn in funerals.
Black is also an absolute must when job-hunting for your interview suit and shoes and even your bag. It’s a little surprising as an interview is supposed to make you stand out from the rest - yet your attire shouldn’t be the one speaking for you.
This ingrained distinction of what many nations might consider a minor issue is, in reality, a source of national harmony and strength.
Culture shock in daily living
Punctuality and Patience as Japanese Principles
Japanese society is built essentially on values and principles that emphasize discipline, efficiency and productivity, the same qualities that govern the economic and technological structures of the country, as a whole. One actually experiences this on a daily basis, especially through the application of such virtues of punctuality, falling in line in public places and courtesy. Hence, train and bus schedules are followed to the letter with very rare exceptions. And one can be certain to catch a ride at the right time and place and expect to arrive at the destination as scheduled and apologies from the transportation staff if you are even a minute late.
People also patiently wait to be served at shops, terminals, and restaurants. A sign of a booming business is the long line in front of the shop, called gyouretsu. While many foreigners might be inclined to skip out on long lines, Japanese people will wait patiently for hours because they consider the waiting worth it.
Use of technology in daily living
It is said that in Japan one can actually live off vending machines because, like other inventions of technology, one can procure almost any consumer item or service needed at one’s convenience and at reasonable prices.
With the growing use of robotics and AI-controlled machines to perform menial jobs or tedious human tasks, Japan has rapidly taken the road to realizing what once only existed in science-fiction books or movies. Nothing shocks more people more than to be in a public toilet room which has so many buttons. Each button has a specific purpose, one for automatic cleaning after one does a #2 without using tissue paper, another for blowing yourself dry, and so on.
Taxis have automatic doors that open up for the customer, and both taxis and cars are provided navigational equipment to provide convenience and help people find their destination through the busy streets of Japanese cities. The latter is especially necessary because Japanese streets often don’t have names and thus knowing the block and building numbers is necessary yet almost impossible to discern from outside right away.
Naked in Onsens
The Japanese can be quite more liberal in some particular ways, as exemplified by their natural confidence in displaying their nude bodies inside a spa or onsen. Some traveling foreigners may find themselves totally shocked at this childlike innocence literally typified even by children who can comfortably share a public bath with older nude people. In short, one must not scream or run away if ever one is brought in such a culturally-shocking situation. Simply avoid it or politely refuse if you cannot handle it.
Summary
As we can see, the seemingly two-sided character of Japanese society and its people portrays a distinctly exotic, enigmatic and, at times, quite shocking picture of a nation that will forever remain a symbol of cultural pride, traditional integrity and unabashed modernity in a world that is still mainly drifting in cosmopolitan uncertainty and universal mediocrity. In Japan, culture shock is common. Japan's truly unique, fascinating culture creates both the new age and traditional contrast in their way of life. So when visiting, try to familiarize some, adjust and adapt to enjoy the challenges - this makes your travel fun and memorable too!
