Japanese Culture and Traditions– category –

Sakura, cherry blossom is one of the Japanese national flowers. Japanese people are a kind of addicted to sakura. It's not only flowers in full bloom but also flower petals falling and disclored on the buddles that touch our heartstrings. We discover beauty even in ruined things.

In terms of ambiguity, I believe Japanese people are second to none in the world. Majority vote is rarely adopted in a company meeting for example. Even company representatives don't like to be seen as imposing their opinions. A consensus, decision, etc. are made ambiguously in most cases.

Many Japanese people may forget the original meaning of a summer festival, but I don't think that's a serious problem. What is more important is many people gather and enjoy a summer festival. It's a good opportunity to develop relationships.

An office environment well reflects a social structure. A typical Japanese office environment is hierarchical and cooperative (less privacy), which is completely different from the environment provided by remote work. Let's see how it has been changed in Japan in the post-Corona era.

【The Great Tohoku Eearthquake was like the end of the world】 At the moment, I was in the building of the Ministry of Finance in the middle of Tokyo and thought I was going to die, staring out a window. Street lamp posts widely swang li...

【Japanese chopsticks are unique】 One of the difficulties I have to face when going abroad is table manners. Among other things, it's difficult for me to eat without chopsticks. How can you eat a lettuce salad only with a fork? I'm alwa...

【Karoshi, death from overwork】 It's very difficult to summarize this problem briefly because it is so deep-rooted. Are you ready to gaze into abyss? The Japan government has started frequently using the word "Work style reform" since 2...

【The scent of the Sun】 I was so surprised when learning that it is prohibited to hang the laundry outside in some places overseas. We, Japanese people really like to hang the laundry under the sun light. Japanese climate of high humidi...

【It's about time to stop expecting a lot for the journey of self-discovery】 In Japan for these 10 years or more, "the journey of self-discovery" has been very popular especially among young people. A typical pattern is: suddenly quitti...

It is sometimes thought to be impolite in Japan to open up a gift in front of the gift giver, to say nothing of tearing off wrapping paper. Mind you, it’s not a religious taboo, and won’t be impolite if you ask for permission beforehand. I guess there are two reasons for the rule unique to Japan.