Why Japan Is Like This: Indirect Communication and “Reading the Air”

Why Japan Is Like This: Indirect Communication and “Reading the Air”

Japanese communication often feels indirect to visitors. Clear answers may not come immediately, and silence can feel confusing. This article explains the cultural idea of “reading the air” and why indirect communication is often considered kind rather than unclear in Japan. Why Don’t Japanese People Say Exactly What They Mean? Many visitors to Japan notice … Read more

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Why Japan Is Like This: The Obsession with Seasons and Cherry Blossoms

Why Japan Is Like This: The Obsession with Seasons and Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms appear for only a short time each year, yet they receive enormous attention in Japan. This article explains why seasons matter so deeply in Japanese culture—and how this sensitivity shapes emotions, traditions, and daily life. Why Do Japanese People Care So Much About the Seasons? If you spend time in Japan, you may … Read more

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Why Japan Is Like This: Silent Trains and Quiet Public Spaces

Why Japan Is Like This: Silent Trains and Quiet Public Spaces

Many first-time visitors notice how quiet public spaces in Japan feel. Trains, buses, and waiting rooms are calm in ways that can feel surprising—or even uncomfortable. This article explores why silence is valued in shared spaces and how it helps people coexist comfortably in crowded cities. Why Are Trains So Quiet in Japan? Many visitors … Read more

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Why Japan Is Like This: Bowing Instead of Handshakes

Why Japan Is Like This: Bowing Instead of Handshakes

In many countries, a handshake is a natural way to greet someone. In Japan, however, people bow—even in situations where no words are exchanged. This article explains why bowing is more than a greeting, and how it reflects Japanese ideas about respect, distance, and emotional balance. Why You Notice Bowing Everywhere in Japan When you … Read more

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Why Japanese People Say “Sorry” So Often: The Meaning of Sumimasen

Why Japanese People Say “Sorry” So Often: The Meaning of Sumimasen

Many visitors to Japan are surprised by how often people say sumimasen. It may sound like constant apologizing, but this article explains why sumimasen is not always an apology—and what it really communicates in Japanese daily life. Understanding this word can help visitors avoid misunderstandings and feel more comfortable interacting with people in Japan. A … Read more

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