What culture shock have you experienced while visiting in Japan?

1. Politeness and Formality

Bowing as a Greeting: Bowing is an essential part of Japanese etiquette, used to express respect, gratitude, and apology. Visitors might find it surprising how often people bow, from casual greetings to formal settings. Learning the subtle nuances between slight nods and deeper bows can be challenging.

Politeness in Language: The Japanese language has multiple levels of politeness, with different words and forms depending on who you’re speaking to. For foreigners, navigating these social hierarchies, especially in business settings, can be tricky.

2. Respect for Silence

Quiet Public Spaces: Japanese society highly values quietness and respecting others’ space, especially in public areas like trains, buses, and even cafes. Talking loudly in public, particularly on public transportation, is frowned upon, and people are expected to put their phones on silent mode. For those from more vocal or expressive cultures, adjusting to this level of quiet can feel restrictive.

Minimal Public Expressions: Displays of emotion, like hugging, laughing loudly, or showing frustration, are generally subdued in Japan. This can come across as reserved, though it's typically done to maintain harmony.

3. Attention to Cleanliness

Removing Shoes Indoors: Entering homes, schools, and certain traditional establishments like temples requires removing shoes and sometimes switching to indoor slippers. Even some restaurants require this, which might surprise people from countries where shoes are worn indoors.

Waste Management: Japan has a strict recycling and garbage disposal system. Trash cans are often scarce in public spaces, and garbage sorting is detailed, requiring separation of recyclables, burnable, non-burnable, and hazardous waste. This structure can be confusing for newcomers accustomed to simpler waste disposal systems.

4. The Omotenashi Spirit (Hospitality)

Service and Attention to Detail: Japanese customer service is famous for its attention to detail, hospitality, and respect for the customer. Store clerks greet customers with a polite bow and impeccable service. You may notice an emphasis on making sure every detail is perfect, from how food is presented to how items are packaged. This level of dedication to customer service can be overwhelming but also deeply impressive.

No Tipping Culture: Tipping is not practiced in Japan, and trying to leave a tip can be seen as rude. This can be surprising, especially for those from tipping cultures, but it reflects the belief that good service should be a standard, not something extra.

5. Punctuality and Time Management

Strict Adherence to Time: Punctuality is highly valued in Japan, with trains and buses running precisely on schedule. Arriving even a few minutes late can be considered rude or disrespectful. This can be a surprise for people from more relaxed cultures, and it can be difficult to adjust to the exact timing expected for meetings, social gatherings, or appointments.

Apologies for Minor Delays: Even minor delays are met with formal apologies. In cases where trains are delayed by a minute or two, the staff makes announcements and often distributes notes for those affected to explain to their workplaces or schools.

6. Food and Dining Etiquette

Eating in Public: Eating while walking is generally frowned upon, though it is acceptable at designated food stalls or festivals. People usually wait to sit down or find a designated eating area.

Table Manners and Customs: There are specific customs, like saying "Itadakimasu" (a phrase expressing gratitude before a meal) and "Gochisosama deshita" (a phrase thanking for the meal after eating). Slurping noodles, considered polite as it shows appreciation, can be surprising for visitors not used to making noise while eating.

7. Respect for Nature and Minimalism

Appreciation for Natural Beauty: Japan has a deep-rooted appreciation for nature, evident in seasonal festivals, flower viewing (hanami), and even the design of homes to integrate outdoor elements. This connection to nature can be inspiring but surprising to those who aren’t used to nature being such a significant part of daily life.

Minimalist Aesthetic: Japanese design often reflects a minimalist aesthetic, with an emphasis on simplicity and function. Homes, apartments, and even restaurants tend to be small, with limited furniture and decor. This simplicity might feel surprising at first but also contributes to a sense of calm and order.

8. Group Harmony and Social Order

Emphasis on Conformity: Japanese culture emphasizes group harmony (wa), which means people often avoid confrontation or standing out. This can be surprising for those from cultures that value individual expression and debate.

Waiting in Lines: People queue patiently, whether waiting for a train, entering a store, or boarding a bus. The level of orderliness, with everyone respecting others’ space and waiting their turn, can be impressive for newcomers.

9. High-Tech and Low-Tech Mix

Advanced Technology in Unexpected Places: Japan is known for its high-tech innovations, and you’ll find cutting-edge vending machines, electronic toilets with various functions, and robots in some restaurants. However, certain systems, like ATMs with limited hours and paperwork-heavy procedures, might feel outdated to people from other technologically advanced countries.

10. Public Bath Culture (Onsen)

Communal Bathing: Bathing in communal hot springs, or onsen, is a cultural experience unique to Japan. Being naked around others, even in a single-gender setting, can be uncomfortable or surprising for people who aren’t used to it. However, this practice is valued as a way to relax and connect with nature and is deeply ingrained in Japanese tradition.

Summary

The culture shocks in Japan highlight the blend of tradition and modernity, a focus on respect and harmony, and a strong sense of community and order. For many, these differences become part of the charm and fascination of living in or visiting Japan, offering valuable perspectives on life and society. Adjusting to these aspects may take time, but embracing them often leads to a richer cultural experience and a deeper appreciation for Japan's unique way of life.