A Japan Experience: Social Customs

Japanese society is governed by many subtle norms that are based on respect, authority, hierarchy, and self-discipline, with an emphasis on manners and and strong interpersonal relations. The role that Japan's history has played on the culture's social dynamics is evident in almost all daily interactions. The people of Japan are incredibly polite and take tremendous pride in their work and personal expression. Conversely, this largely homogeneous society expects a high degree of conformity, and the associated social pressures are, for some, occasionally overwhelming.

Greetings, Good-byes, and Gratitude
Traditional Japanese greetings are among the cultural characteristics that most Americans typcially associate with Japanese mannerisms. Much like in the United States, the salutation depends on the time of day during which it is stated. In the morning, one would say, "Ohayo gozaimasu " (good morning), in the afternoon, "Konnichiwa," and in the evening, "Konbanwa." Japanese almost always greet each other by bowing, and when meeting for the first time, use the expression, "Hajimemashite " (which is said when meeting someone for the first time) and occasionally "dozo yorishiku onegaishimasu " (a very formal, polite greeting, roughly translated as: please do me the favor of accepting me). Often, the bow is followed by the Western custom of hand-shaking. Nevertheless, it is interesting to note the angle of the bow and the length of time for which the bow is held. The lower and longer the bow, the greater the amount of respect that is being conveyed. Typically, those of higher status and of greater age tend to be on the receiving end of such expressions of deference. Men tend to bow with their hands at the side, and women typically place their hands in front of them. This is a subtle, yet significant difference of which to be aware. Less formal greetings are still in conjunction with a bow, but it is more of a head tilt downward rather than a full movement from the waist.

Bowing is also used to communicate gratitude. One morning on the crowded subway through Tokyo, I offered my seat to an elderly lady. Several times, she motioned her head downward to show appreciation. It is entirely possible, however, that she may have also been slightly embarrassed by my deed since women in Japan tend to demonstrate greater deference to men than vice versa. Still, when it was time for me to get off the train, she stood up, and in the middle of the aisle, deeply bowed at a 90° angle and held the bow until I completed exited the train.

click image to play QuickTime Movie

a QuickTime movie of the custom of bowing

The act of bowing also takes place to signal a farewell, and quite possibly, to share mutual respect and gratefulness for the time spent with each other. At our visits to different cultural sites, the schools, and other establishments, we were always greeted with a bow when we entered, which we reciprocated. Upon leaving, the parties would exchange a series of bows, accompanied with the expression "Domo arigato gozaimasu " (thank you very much).

Expressions of humility and apologies are also accomplished by way of the bow. Something as simple as bumping into someone on a crowded subway is usually followed with a slight bow and the statement, "Sumimasen " (sorry). Although I did not personally witness any such interactions, a more profound apology for a greater wrongdoing results in a deeper, longer bow.

It became immediately obvious during my time in Japan that this seemingly simple social custom has many meanings, some of which require a deeper cultural understanding of Japan and it people. Recognizing not only the action, but also its cultural significance, was necessary for any type of social interaction that took place during our visit to the country. The mere attempt to show respect and gratitude was often met with the kindess for which Japanese culture is renowned. [TOP]

Business Cards
A common practice in Japan, which extends beyond the business world, is the exchanging of meishi, or business cards. Like other customs in Japan, there is a particular set of norms that dictate this exchange. Meishi are often exchanged at the beginning of a meeting, often in conjunction with an introduction (and while standing up), rather than as an afterthought, as is so often the case in the United States. It seems that in American culture, a certain level of trust must be attained, or a business deal must be sought, in order to hand out a business card that divulges personal information. In Japan, the very act of exchanging meishi often forms a foundation of trust from the onset, and the establishment of a mutually respectful relationship affects the dynamics of the meeting.

A business card should be presented with both hands, with the writing oriented to the receiver's point of view. This takes place with a simultaneous bow. The receiver should carefully look over the details of the card and perhaps even remark or ask questions about some of the information, so as to show interest. The meishi should be handled carefully, and should not be placed in one's wallet or written on, as it is customary to do in American culture. The business card is perceived as an extension of the individual's occupation and identity, and treating the card disrespectfully would be considered extremely offensive. Inserting the meishi into a shirt pocket or keeping them out on a table at a meeting is considered appropriate.

click image to play QuickTime Movie

a QuickTime movie of the exchange of meishi

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Eating and Drinking
Because of Japan's historical relationship with Shinto, there is a strong sense of connection with nature and what it provides. As a result, the Japanese express thanks prior to the consumption of any meal ("Itadakimasu "), and unlike in American culture, generally repeat the expression of gratitude at the conclusion of the meal ("Gochiso sama deshita "). Certain cultural norms apply to eating situations, as with any culture, and it is prudent to be mindful of them.

Japanese meals, with its staples of rice (gohan) and fish (sakana ), are usually consumed using chopsticks, which for many of us, required much practice before leaving on our journey. Several customs govern the use of chopsticks, which if not followed, can result in an embarrassing predicament for the foreigner. For example, the chopsticks should never be stuck into one's food or used to point at somebody or something. Food should not be passed from chopstick to chopstick, and the ends of the chopstick (opposite those that go into the mouth) should be used to take a portion out of a community dish. This is similar to Americans using a larger utensil to dispense food from a larger bowl. Takashi-san, my host family father, stated that it was acceptable to use either while eating meals at his house, since it was "among friends" (see Homestay). Other rules dictate proper behavior during meals as well. Although quietly slurping is somewhat acceptable (with soba noodles, for example), blowing one's nose in public, especially at the dinner table, is not.

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a typical Japanese meal, including fish, rice, and nori	a bowl of rice

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Consuming alcoholic beverages (typically sake and biiru) is fairly common in Japan, and it is customary to serve each other rather than filling one's own glass. At the Welcome Reception in our host city (see Daily Logs: Week 2), I noticed that whenever my glass was even half empty, somebody would fill it up for me. I realized that I was obligated to return the favor. When someone offers more alcohol, whether sake or beer, one is required to comsume the remainder of the beverage and hold out the glass to be filled. While this may seem to be nothing more than peer pressure, it actually served as a way of creating social relations and enhancing rapport between acquaintances and new friends. At most gatherings, whether formal or informal, drinking does not commence until everyone raises their filled glasses and says, "kampai," an expression similar to "cheers."

In restaurants, one is usually required to take off shoes at the entrance, and wear slippers. In more traditional-style restaurants, the slippers are supposed to be taken off before stepping on to the tatami mat, which composes the floor of the dining area. The shoes are usually placed in a small locker near the entrance and a numbered key, corresponding to the locker, is given to each customer.

In many restaurants and home, one is required to sit on the floor in front of a low table. During formal occasions, such as the tea ceremony, one is required to sit in the seiza position, the customary kneeling position. In less formal situations, individuals can sit cross-legged or with their legs out to the side. I often did the latter, which was more comfortable than the seiza and allowed me not to hit my knees on the table. I would later find out that putting one's legs out to the side is generally considered a posture taken by females when sitting. In a few of the restaurants that we ate, an empty space beneath the low table allowed us to put our feet our in the American sitting position, which for me, was the most comfortable.

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the seiza sitting position

The waiter or waitress is usually prompt, and after sitting down, a glass of water ("mizu ") or green tea ("ocha ") will be placed on the table along with a moist, warm towel (oshibori) to clean one's hands. The chopsticks normally come in a package and must be broken apart prior to use. Upon completing the meal, the waiter or waitress will bring the bill on a small tray. Although it may be somewhat awkward to Americans, the server will normally wait while the money is placed on the tray. A tip is not obligatory, and would, in fact, be somewhat insulting. As with just about all types of money transferring between two individuals, the bill is placed on a tray and handed to the customer. The customer is then required to put the money on the tray and hand it back. (This type of transaction takes place even at a convenience store, and it is yet another example of extending mutual courtesies in Japanese culture). [TOP]

Visiting a Home
In Japanese culture, much care is taken to maintain cleanliness, which can be considered a form of politeness and respect toward others. To this end, Japanese culture distinguishes between "dirty" spaces (outside, a wash room, a bathroom) and "clean" spaces (inside a home, school, restaurant, etc.). Much like at a restaurant or a school, one should remove shoes when entering a house. As with all buildings in which the removal of shoes is required, a small area at the entrance, known as a genkan, is reserved for removing one's shoes and stepping into slippers on the floor above the genkan. Stepping onto the floor with shoes still on, or back onto the genkan with socks, slippers, or bare feet is considered inappropriate. Shoes are usually left at the entrance, and slippers are worn elsewhere. When stepping onto a tatami floor, though, slippers should be removed, and only bare feet or socks are allowed. Bathrooms and washrooms have separate pairs of slippers that remain in the room (and are often labeled as such). Not only does this require a certain degree of mindfulness, but also some skill and balance.

click images to play QuickTime Movie

a QuickTime movie of the removal of shoes

Americans, perhaps due to a the fast pace of our society, tend to prefer showers over baths, and view them as somewhat of a luxury. Many Japanese, however, frequently find time to relax in a hot bath. To use the bath, one must clean and rinse outside of the bath tub, and upon completion of this task, step into the tub. The water of Japanese baths are much hotter than Americans are used to, and the tubs tend to be much deeper than the standard American tub. All members of a family and their guests use the same water.

In public restrooms in Japan, Western-style and Japanese-style toilets are available. Japanese-style toilets are level with the ground, and the user must squat above the toilet in order to use it. More modern toilets tend to be more technologically advanced, and have several buttons for functions such as flushing, warming the seat, and running the water like a bidet. A visitor should be familiar with the buttons prior to leaving for Japan. Additionally, many public restrooms do not have toilet paper and paper towels, so it is best to be prepared before using such facilities.

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a genkan	a Japan-style toilet

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Religion
Japanese culture has been heavily influenced by its native religion, Shinto, as well as a 7th century import, Buddhism. To some extent, they have been intertwined to such a point that many Japanese utilize beliefs and practices from both religions in their daily lives. Nevertheless, the underlying philosophies of both systems are manifested through Japanese art, architecture, personal relations, and myriad aspects of Japanese society. [TOP]

Miscellaneous
Conforming to social norms is evident in almost all aspects of Japanese life. Listed below are several other cultural expectations to be aware of while in Japan.

Crossing the Street
Being mindful of many of the social norms is necessary while visiting Japan. If customs and more formal laws are in place, it should be understood that they are present for the good of all members of society, and allow for the society to be efficient and productive. Simply put, in Japan, everyone is expected to follow the rules. In large cities of the United States, people will cross the street quite often wherever and whevever they'd like. In Japan, this is simply unacceptable, and even if no cars are approaching, a pedestrian is obliged to wait until the signal indicates it is time to cross.

Saving Face
Because of the significance placed on conformity and group cohesion, embarrassing, criticizing, or singling out an individual often causes an awkward situation often referred to in our culture as "losing face." This can occur either by individual actions by which someone brings negative attention to themselves (such as loud and boisterous behavior, outlandish clothes, and the like), or by causing a member of a group to be embarrassed by comments or actions. When "losing face" occurs, very often, other members of a group will attempt to "save face" for the person so as not to cause further humiliation or negative attention (a famous Japanese proverb, "the nail that sticks out must be hammered down," perhaps adequately explains this). A comparable situation might occur in American culture when we occasionally will laugh quietly at a bad or impolite joke so that the person is not met with an awkward silence. This subtle form of sanctioning in both cultures is an attempt to encourage conformity to the norms of the group so that the circumstances remain favorable for positive social interactions. In Japanese society, it is yet another indication of the politeness extended to members of a group, as well as the self-respect by which an individual is expected to maintain. [TOP]

Closing Eyes
During meetings, some Japanese will close their eyes while the presenter is speaking. While this is considered rude in our society since it indicates boredom or disinterest, in Japan, it is a form of concentration and is not considered inappropriate.

Yes and No
Since Japanese tend to be extremely polite, one hardly hears a negative response ("Iie "), but very often, "Hai, " or "yes." Hai does not always suggest agreement; it is sometimes used to indicate that something has been heard.

Smiling
As in American culture, different ways of smiling imply various emotions. Weak smiles in Japan can be interpreted as dislike or disagreement.

Personal Space
Physical contact, to the extent that it is accepted in American culture, is somewhat uncommon in Japan. What Americans might regard as friendly physical contact, such as hugging upon greeting or touching another's arm while talking, Japanese perceive as an invasion of one's personal space. It is ironic, then, that on crowded subways and elevators in Japan, being closer than normal is routine. Proxemics, or the use of personal space, is interesting to observe in various cultures. [TOP]

Punctuality and Organization
Japan is a highly organized and orderly society. This certainly derives from the cultural emphasis placed on the group rather than on the individual. Although I was aware of this, it became very apparent in San Francisco when the Communications Coordinators were asked to sit with the Deputy Consul-General of the Japanese Consulate in San Francisco, and his wife at dinner (see Daily Logs: Week 1). As we went to our rooms to dress more formally for the occassion, one of the FMF staffers reminded us several times to be on time. Tardiness inconveniences others, and puts the late individual in a situation in which he or she is "losing face." To be late is considered an act of impoliteness since it is perceived that an individual's time is more important than that of the group. It indicates a lack of concern for the welfare of the group a general degree of incompetence. Our daily schedule while in Japan, as arranged by the FMF staff, was extremely organized, efficient, and nearly flawless. During our time in Japan, one could tell that much thought and long-term planning went into the construction of our schedule.

Names and Titles
To further underscore the importance of the group over the individual, family names are said before given names. Coupled with the title -san (used for both males and females), using another's name followed by this suffix usually provides the proper degree of respect. While staying with my host family (see Homestay), I was able to call my host family father by his given name, Takashi. When I first met him, however, I used his family name and the proper form of address, Harada-san. After some time together, I was able to call him Takashi-san, still polite, but much more personal. Our Group Coordinator, Kyoko Kato (see Daily Logs: Week 1), always called us by our family name followed by the -san suffix.

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