Cultural Norms

Japanese society and cultural norms.

Cultural Norms

  • When passing by co-workers in the hallway, it is common to acknowledge them by saying otsukaresama desu (お疲れ様です)or if after work otsukaresamadeshita (お疲れ様でした); it basically expresses your appreciation of your co-workers’ hard work.
  • When meeting someone, you typically greet them with a bow, not with a handshake. Also bowing lower typically means you are trying to show more respect to the other person.
  • Seating arrangements in a meeting show ranking in the company; usually the highest ranking sit furthest away from the door
  • People are more group oriented
  • It is common for people to work long hours
  • Eye contact is not as common, instead people focus on the forehead or throat
  • Receive an item from someone with two hands
  • A concept in human interaction which has meanings of being considerate, having compassion, and feeling empathy; it is a quality that everyone should strive for in order for a society to be sustainable.
  • Some examples: finishing your plate when eating out, anticipate others’ needs

Helpful Videos

Watch this short video by “Easy Japanese 1 - Typical Japanese” on what some locals in the city of Sendai in Japan think is great about their country and some of their dislikes.

This is a clip from Danny Choo’s “Culture Japan”. In this episode, Danny gives highlight to some of the famous festivals in Japan. He talks about the festivals with his guests, Mikatan and Akiyama at the Good Smile Company Cafe.You can stop watching this video at 20:00 min mark (for those of you who are interested in anime and figures can watch until the end if you’d like).

Easy Japanese: Why do Japanese Wear Masks?