Glossary
Bowing (お辞儀 - ojigi)
A traditional Japanese greeting and gesture of respect, where the depth of the bow signifies the level of deference.
Example:
After receiving a gift, a polite ojigi expresses gratitude and respect.
Consensus-building
A decision-making process common in Japan where discussions aim to achieve general agreement rather than direct confrontation or majority vote.
Example:
The class spent time on consensus-building to decide on the theme for the school festival, ensuring everyone felt heard.
Group over individual
A societal value in Japan where the needs and well-being of the collective group are often prioritized above the desires or opinions of a single person.
Example:
Students often clean their classrooms together, demonstrating the principle of group over individual responsibility.
Harmony (和 - wa)
The concept of maintaining group cohesion and avoiding conflict, often prioritizing collective well-being over individual desires.
Example:
In a Japanese team meeting, everyone strives for wa by seeking consensus rather than direct disagreement.
Honorific Language (敬語 - keigo)
Polite forms of speech used in Japanese to show respect to elders, superiors, or in formal situations, involving specific verb conjugations and prefixes.
Example:
Using keigo like 'いらっしゃいます' instead of 'います' when speaking to a customer demonstrates politeness.
No tipping
The custom in Japan where tipping for services is not expected and can sometimes be considered rude or confusing.
Example:
After a delicious meal at a restaurant, remember that no tipping is the norm in Japan.
Quiet in public
A social expectation in Japan to avoid loud or disruptive behavior in public spaces like trains, buses, and shops.
Example:
On the Shinkansen, maintaining quiet in public is important to respect other passengers.
Removing shoes
A common custom in Japan where shoes are taken off before entering homes, temples, and some public establishments to maintain cleanliness and respect.
Example:
Before entering a traditional Japanese inn, remember the custom of removing shoes at the genkan.
Respect (尊敬 - sonkei)
A fundamental principle in Japanese interactions, emphasizing deference and consideration towards others, especially elders and superiors.
Example:
When meeting your sensei, showing sonkei by bowing deeply is a common practice.