Japan, the combination of tradition and modern cultures and its diversity
As an international protocol and etiquette specialist, I provide guidance on Japanese culture and etiquette to people from other nations. Since returning from the UK, I have encountered a variety of cultural issues between foreigners and Japanese people. This is usually caused by misunderstanding, but it often destroys relationships between people and businesses. To solve such problems, learning the culture of the country you are in beforehand will help you to communicate smoothly with local people with much less hassle.
Japanese culture, customs and etiquette can be very confusing to people from overseas, but remember that it is a diverse culture and simple for most people in the world.
In this article, I will introduce you to the main points of Japanese culture and customs that you should know and the etiquette that you should follow.
The Land of the Rising Sun, Japan
Japan, known as the “Land of the Rising Sun”, is an island nation in East Asia. It consists of four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. Japan has a population of over 126 million and its capital and largest city is Tokyo. The official language is Japanese and the currency is the Japanese Yen.
Japan has a rich history, culture and heritage and is renowned for its art, architecture, food and customs. Some of the most recognisable aspects of Japanese culture are the traditional art forms such as calligraphy, ink painting, woodblock printing and pottery. Japan is also known for its traditional performing arts such as Kabuki, Noh and Bunraku theatre.
Architecture in Japan is also heavily influenced by tradition, with many wooden buildings and temples featuring intricate carvings and painted decorations. Japanese gardens, with their carefully arranged rocks, water features and plants, are also a well-known aspect of Japanese culture.
Japanese cuisine is renowned for its emphasis on fresh ingredients and simplicity. Sushi, ramen and tempura are some of the most popular Japanese dishes. The tea ceremony, known as “sado” or “cha-no-yu”, is also an important aspect of Japanese culture, symbolising harmony, respect and purity.
Japanese society is relatively homogeneous, with 98% of the population of Japanese descent. However, there are also small communities of Korean, Chinese and Brazilian descent. The culture is strongly influenced by Confucianism, which emphasises the importance of family, community and respect for authority. The culture is also strongly influenced by Shintoism, Japan’s indigenous religion, which emphasises respect for nature and ancestor worship.
The country is also known for its technology and industry, including automobiles and electronics. Japan is a homogeneous society with a strong sense of tradition and community, and a unique culture that has influenced the world.
Unique Japanese culture
Japanese culture is a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. It is renowned for its art, architecture, food and customs.
One of the most recognisable aspects of Japanese culture is its traditional art forms. These include calligraphy, ink painting, woodblock printing and pottery. Japan is also known for its traditional performing arts such as Kabuki, Noh and Bunraku theatre.
Architecture in Japan is also heavily influenced by tradition, with many wooden buildings and temples featuring intricate carvings and painted decorations. Japanese gardens, with their carefully arranged rocks, water features and plants, are also a well-known aspect of Japanese culture.
Japanese cuisine is renowned for its emphasis on fresh ingredients and simplicity. Sushi, ramen and tempura are some of the most popular Japanese dishes. The tea ceremony, known as “sado” or “cha-no-yu”, is also an important aspect of Japanese culture, symbolising harmony, respect and purity.
Japanese customs include bowing as a sign of respect, taking off shoes before entering a home or temple, and the practice of ikebana (flower arranging). The culture also values honour and loyalty, and the concept of “wa” or harmony is an important aspect of Japanese society.
Japan’s pop culture has also had a significant global impact, with its anime, manga and video games enjoyed by people around the world and known for their unique storytelling and characters.
Japanese people and society
The Japanese people are the ethnic group indigenous to Japan. They have a distinct culture and identity, shaped by a long history and geography. The population of Japan is approximately 126 million and the majority of the population is of Japanese descent.
The Japanese are known for their strong work ethic and punctuality. They place a high value on respect for elders, authority and tradition. They also have a strong sense of community and are known for their politeness and reserve.
Japanese society is relatively homogeneous, with 98% of the population of Japanese descent. There are also small communities of Korean, Chinese and Brazilian descent.
Japanese culture is strongly influenced by Confucianism, which emphasises the importance of family, community and respect for authority. The culture is also strongly influenced by Shintoism, Japan’s indigenous religion, which emphasises respect for nature and ancestor worship.
The Japanese have a strong sense of national identity and are proud of their unique culture and history. They are also known for their adaptability and resilience, demonstrated by their ability to rebuild and modernise after the Second World War.
Overall, Japan is a homogeneous society with a strong sense of tradition and community, and a unique culture that has influenced the world.
Japanese customs
Japanese customs are a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. Here are some customs that visitors should be aware of when travelling to Japan:
- Respect: Japan is a society based on respect for elders, authority and tradition. Visitors should show respect to their hosts and elders, and be aware of the importance of titles and honourifics in Japanese society.
- Bowing: Bowing is a sign of respect in Japan. Visitors should bow when greeting someone and be aware that the deeper the bow, the more respect is being shown.
- Gifts: Giving and receiving gifts is an important part of Japanese culture. Visitors should be aware that gifts are usually given and received with both hands and should be wrapped in a traditional manner.
- Shoes: Visitors should be aware that it is customary to remove shoes before entering a home or temple in Japan. This is to keep the home clean and also to show respect.
- Eating habits: Japanese cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients and simplicity. Visitors should be aware that chopsticks are the traditional eating utensils in Japan and should be used properly. It is also considered rude to eat while walking or to make loud noises while eating.
- Temples, shrines and other sacred places: Visitors should be aware that dress code is important when visiting temples, shrines and other sacred places. Visitors should dress modestly, avoiding revealing clothing or short trousers, and be aware that it is customary to bow and clap before entering a temple or shrine.
- Public behaviour: Visitors should be aware that public behaviour is important in Japan. Visitors should avoid talking loudly or becoming angry in public, as this is considered rude. It is also not customary to make physical contact, especially with strangers, as this is considered intrusive.
By observing these customs, visitors can help ensure that their visit to Japan is a pleasant and respectful one.
Dos and Don’ts in Japan
Japan is a country with a rich culture and a unique set of customs and etiquette. Here are some do’s and don’ts that visitors should be aware of when travelling to Japan:
Do’s:
- Bow when greeting someone, as bowing is a sign of respect in Japan.
- Take off your shoes before entering a house or temple, as it is customary to leave outdoor shoes at the entrance.
- Use chopsticks properly as they are the traditional eating utensils in Japan.
- Use the correct form of address when addressing someone, as titles and honourifics are important in Japanese society.
- Respect the Japanese concept of “wa” or harmony and avoid actions that may disturb the peace or cause embarrassment.
- Dress appropriately when visiting temples, shrines and other sacred places.
- Avoid talking loudly in public, as this is considered rude in Japan.
- Give and receive things with both hands as this is considered more polite.
Don’ts:
- Do not tip in Japan as it is not part of the culture and can be considered rude.
- Do not raise your voice or get angry in public as this is considered rude in Japan.
- Do not litter or leave rubbish behind as this is considered disrespectful in Japan.
- Do not blow your nose in public as this is considered rude in Japan.
- Do not point at people or things with your chopsticks as this is considered rude.
- Do not walk and eat at the same time, as this is considered rude in Japan.
- Do not point your feet at someone as this is considered disrespectful in Japan.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can help to ensure that your visit to Japan is a pleasant and respectful one.
