Japanese hospitality おもてなし

Strengths and weakenss of Japanese

Column | Culture & Subculture | Trend in Japan

Good manners　行儀がいい, warm hospitalityおもてなし, kind to foreign toursist　親切 are some of the common praise from tourists about the Japanese. Generally speaking, I believe that this is true and one of the important reasons for making the experience of the Japan trip very memorable and pleasant.

Have you wondered why this is so?

Japan has four seasons which means that nature plays a huge role in all aspects of the Japanese life. It is not an exaggeration to say that everything depended on nature. For example, looking back at history, growing rice was the most important activity for an ordinary Japanese. In order to do so, you needed to work closely, coordinate, and live in harmony with your neighbors. It was more important to work as a group than stand out as an indivisual. You are expected to put yourself in another`s shoes and understand the situation and feelings. This is the root of hospitality, which is different from Western form of so-called service.

Ichigoichie 一期一会, a term originally derived from the tea ceremony master, Senno Rikyu. (This encounter should be treated as very special, as it is once in a lifetime, never to be repeated. So, put your heart into serving the tea and cherish the special moment.) Kokorowo kubaru 心を配る literally means to deliver the heart or hospitality. Very unique Japanese expression.

The strengths of the Japanese people stem from the history and culture of Japan, which were formed as a direct result of nature, geographics and relationship with the other cultures.

What are the weakness?

As a direct result of the above, there are surely weaknesses, stemming from the strenghts. Indivisuals do not stand out in the crowd, often not unique, bad at debates or discussions where one is expected to eloquently speak one`s mind, risk averse and so on. Group think takes priority over indivisual thinking. I believe that this is one of the key reasons of organizational crime being hidden for decades. The recent quality scandal at Takata (airbag maker) and Kobe Steel (providing steel and other parts to hundreds of manufacturers) are typical examples. Each indivisual employees are not expected or trained to think by themselves, leading to organizational crime and a lack of guilt or morale, as they are just following the given internal rules.

Tibits:

1)At the age of 9, my family and I moved to the States, due to my father`s job rotation to NY. When the elementary teacher asked the students to raise their hands if they can play the piano, I was amazed at the number of hands! Almost everyone was a pianist, although most of them could not play properly. This was a huge cultural shock for me. In Japan, you are expected to downplay your talent or knowledge, so it is very rare for even kids to boast their talents.

2)Foreign female professor was invited to join the company board of a very traditional Japanese industry. It was the company`s attempt to be leader, as corporate Japan is trying to be more transparent, hiring outside directors and females. She was the only female and the only foreigner on the board then. Every time, the old Japanese board members expected her to speak up and voice her opinion. It was funny when she described the odd situation when they all turned to her with hopeful expressions to break the icy silence, instead of speaking up themselves. Even at the highest level of decision making management board, they are not accustomed or expected to make individual decisions, risk take, and speedily move the organization. That is still seen as being unacceptable.

Any questions or comments?