Culture and society in Japan

The Japanese cherish their cultural heritage. They practice the tea ceremony, wear kimonos and study traditional crafts and arts. Even in modern society, qualities such as diligence, politeness and modesty are valued. Respect for history and tradition is an important part of Japanese culture.

Inside the house

• Take off your shoes when you enter the house and wear the slippers your hosts offer you.
• Don't pile up your things in the hallway, but organize them neatly
• Speak quietly and not in a high-pitched tone of voice.

On the street

• Do not eat or drink while walking
• Do not throw away litter, especially chewing gum
• Do not smoke at bus stops or in inappropriate places.

In the trains

• Do not make loud phone calls
• Make room for elderly people and pregnant women
• Pay attention to your personal belongings

In shrines and temples

• Dress modestly, cover your shoulders and knees
• Be quiet, speak softly
• Follow the rules of conduct of a particular temple

In restaurants

• Do not use your cell phone at the table
• Do not rest your elbows on the table while eating
• Eat quietly without slurping

Table manners

• Do not start eating until the host says "itadakimas"
• Eat what is put on your plate
• Do not put any food back on your plate

Eat small pieces of food

• Do not wave the sticks around or point them at others
• Do not leave the sticks sticking out of the rice or stuck in the food
• After eating, place the sticks parallel to the bowl or on top of the bowl

Sitting technique

• Do not stretch your legs out forwards, but sit compactly
• Women sit on their knees with their knees shifted to the side
• Men sit cross-legged or on their knees

Greeting

• Bend slightly in greeting
• Shaking hands is common among young people
• Address people by their first name ending in -san

Names

• Call people by their surname until you are allowed to address them by their first name
• Write your name in the order first name-first name for foreigners

Business cards

• Give and receive business cards with both hands
• Treat them with respect and do not hide them immediately

Waste disposal

• Separate the waste according to the rules of the region
• Collect the waste only at certain times

Distribute gifts

• Give and receive gifts with both hands.
• Do not open the gift when you hand it over

Smoking

• Smoke only in designated areas
• Do not dispose of cigarette butts in a bin

Japan has unique socio-cultural characteristics that profoundly influence behavior and relationships in society. Let's take a closer look at the individual aspects:

Hierarchy and respect for elders: Japanese society has a traditional hierarchy in which respect for elders and superiors is an important aspect. This can be seen both in family relationships, where the father is in charge, and in the workplace, where special attention is paid to superiors.

Collectivism: The Japanese value collective interests more than individual interests. Adherence to common norms and maintaining harmony within the collective are of paramount importance. This is reflected both in social life and in the world of work.</p

Work ethic: In Japan, hard work and loyalty to the company are considered important values. Employees are prepared to stay at the office for a long time and even sacrifice their private lives for professional success.

Emotional reserve: The Japanese avoid showing strong feelings in public. Honesty, indirectness and the ability to read between the lines are valued in communication in order to create a pleasant social atmosphere.

Saving face: Saving face and avoiding unpleasant situations is very important. The Japanese try to avoid direct rejection so as not to humiliate their conversation partner.

Harmony with nature: The traditional world view in Japan emphasizes the harmony between man and nature. The love of gardens, flowers and the tea ceremony is an expression of this harmony.

Aesthetics and attention to detail: The Japanese attach great importance to aesthetics, which is expressed in minimalism, simplicity and attention to detail. Hidden beauty and harmony with the environment play an important role in everyday life.

These characteristics characterize the unique image of Japanese culture and ensure stability and balance in the various areas of social life.