Life in Japan

Why Is Japanese Customer Service So Polite? The Cultural Roots of Omotenashi

by
Japanese customer service staff bowing politely to a customer

Introduction: Why This Question Keeps Coming Up If you have ever visited Japan—or even watched travel videos online—you may have noticed something immediately: Japanese customer service feels exceptionally polite. You might have seen: Visitors from Europe, North America, and the Middle East often say: This raises a common question: Why is Japanese customer service so … Read more

If you found this interesting, feel free to share.

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

by
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

If you found this interesting, feel free to share.