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Experiencing Japanese Punctuality

Some time ago, I talked with my colleague Ayano about the different forms Japanese thoughtfulness can take. She then remembered her manager at a previous company, who would do everything to show up precisely on time when having meetings at a client’s place. “If you’re late, it’s rude. If you’re too early, it can be…

Greetings Used Before and After Meals: “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisosama”

Before eating meals, Japanese people join their hands in front of their chests and say, “itadakimasu.” After finishing, they perform the same gesture and say, “gochisosama.” These greetings are part of a day-to-day manner. Japanese people hold their hands this way to show respect and to put their thoughts and feelings into form. They use the…

Why Do the Japanese Fold Toilet Paper?

Japanese washrooms have been attracting attention worldwide for some time. Common topics include the famous high-tech toilets with heated seats, and the cleanliness and abundance of public washrooms in the country. However, this time I’d like to talk about toilet paper. It’s not that Japanese toilet paper is exceptional compared to other countries’, even if…

Tips for Navigating the Rules of Japan

The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines social norms as “the informal rules that govern behavior in groups and societies.” As a country with a famously high-context culture, Japan is known for having an endless amount of unspoken rules that conjure up conflicting feelings of fascination and frustration among foreign visitors and residents. In this inaugural…

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