Japanese Culture & People

Like other cultures around the world, Japanese culture is difficult to summarize briefly. For those coming to Japan, it is recommended to learn about Japanese people and culture before your arrival to help avoid potential misunderstanding or problems.

Even the Japanese often describe their country as an "island nation" with a largely homogeneous population, where culture and identity are seen as similar throughout the country. For example, education and other systems run by local or prefectural governments are usually consistent across Japan.

However, there are still regional differences in culture influenced by history, geography, and local traditions. For instance, Japan is sometimes divided into Kanto (Tokyo and surrounding areas) and Kansai (Kinki area, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara) cultures. Dialects, food, and even humor can differ greatly between these regions.

Below is a simple list of this often noticed by visitors and residents in Japan:

• Japanese tend to be group oriented.
• Japanese tend to avoid sticking out: the common saying is "The nail that sticks out gets hit."
• Japanese tend to ask other's opinions before they act.
• Japanese may not express their emotions openly or strongly.
• Japanese may require relatively more time to become close friends.
• Indirectness is common to avoid offending people in conversation. (To avoid conflicts.)
• Social invitations may be made out of politeness. (May not be meant.)
• Greetings are mostly light bowing, but Japanese will return a handshake.
• Japanese may be nervous when using English. (They may be afraid of making mistake, and therefore some may seem quite shy.)
• Hugging or other physical contact during conversation is not common between colleagues.
• Some Japanese may have specific images of how foreigners behave, etc. (Stereotypes)
• It is common to buy gifts for colleagues/friends when traveling, but you need not reciprocate.
• Japanese people wait in line orderly. (Cutting in line is rude.)
• Japanese often slurp hot food/tea. Lifting up plates/bowls when eating is normal.
• Punctuality is considered politeness.
• People see much value on manners and rules.