Japan is known for its deep-rooted culture of respect, which is a key part of everyday life. This respect is seen in the way people speak, behave, and interact with each other. In Japan, understanding one’s place in society is important, just like it was in the past. People often have different roles and statuses based on their family, job, age, or experience.
In Japan, showing respect is very important. For example, workers respect their bosses, students respect their teachers, and families respect their elders. Even sports teams show respect to their coaches. The emperor and the imperial family are also highly respected.
One common way to show respect is by bowing. Instead of shaking hands, people bow to greet each other. The depth of the bow can change depending on who you are greeting. In department stores, elevator attendants bow to hundreds of customers every day.
When meeting someone new, Japanese people often exchange meishi, or name cards. This is done instead of shaking hands. The person offering the card holds it with both hands and bows. Even when talking on the phone, bowing is a common gesture.
Japanese people are known for being friendly and welcoming to tourists. This hospitality is called omotenashi, which shows their respect and humility. When visiting Japan, you might notice people waiting patiently in lines, never pushing or shoving.
The Japanese language has special ways to express politeness and respect, known as keigo. There are three types of keigo: kenjogo (humble language), sonkeigo (honorific language), and teineigo (polite language). Using these correctly is important in Japan. For example, the polite way to say “to eat” is itadakimasu.
When speaking to someone, it’s common to add “san” after their name, similar to Mr. or Ms. For greater respect, “sama” can be used, especially for teachers, professors, or doctors, who are often called “sensei.”
Japanese has both polite and casual forms of language. With family and friends, casual language is fine, but with elders or in formal situations, polite language is necessary. To make nouns polite, you can add “o” or “go” before them.
When asking questions, using polite language is important. Adding “gozaimasu” can make expressions more polite, and polite verbs usually end with “masu.” Understanding and using polite language is key to fitting into Japanese society, where respect and humility are core values everyone should practice.
Imagine you are in Japan and practice greeting each other with bows instead of handshakes. Pair up with a classmate and role-play different scenarios, such as meeting a teacher, a friend, or a store clerk. Pay attention to the depth of your bow based on the situation.
Design your own name card, or meishi, using paper and art supplies. Exchange your cards with classmates, practicing the respectful way of offering and receiving them. Remember to hold the card with both hands and bow slightly.
In groups, brainstorm ways you can show hospitality and respect, or omotenashi, in your school or community. Create a poster or presentation to share your ideas, and discuss how these actions can make others feel welcomed and respected.
Learn some basic phrases in keigo, the polite language in Japanese. Practice using these phrases in sentences, and try to use them in a conversation with a partner. Discuss how using polite language can change the tone of a conversation.
Research how respect is shown in another culture and compare it to Japan. Create a short presentation or write a paragraph about the similarities and differences. Share your findings with the class and discuss the importance of understanding cultural practices.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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[Music] The culture of respect is one of the most important values in Japanese society. It is reflected in the Japanese language, manners, and customs. Status and hierarchy are significant in modern Japanese society, just as they were in feudal Japan. Most relationships in Japanese society are not equal; one person’s position is higher than the other’s, determined by their place within a family or organization, as well as by job, age, and experience.
Japanese company workers respect their managers, students respect their teachers, families respect their elders, sporting teams respect their coaches, and Japanese people respect the emperor and the imperial family. One way for Japanese people to show respect is by bowing. They also bow instead of shaking hands. Elevator attendants in department stores bow to hundreds of customers every day. The depth of a bow varies according to whom you are greeting.
Japanese people give meishi, or name cards, to introduce people to one another. They present meishi when meeting new people, clients, or customers. Instead of shaking hands, when offering a meishi, one holds the card in both hands and bows. Japanese people bow even when talking on the phone.
Japanese people are very friendly and welcoming to both foreign and local tourists. This custom is called omotenashi, reflecting the Japanese respect for others and their humility in interactions. When visiting Japan, you will notice that people wait patiently in queues, showing respect for others by never pushing or shoving.
The Japanese language has an extensive grammatical system for expressing politeness, respect, and humility, known as keigo. There are three types of keigo: kenjogo, which is humble language used about oneself; sonkeigo, which is honorific or polite language; and teineigo, which is polite language. Using these forms correctly is essential for functioning in Japan. For example, the respectful term for “to eat” is itadakimasu.
When addressing people, it is customary to use “san” after their names. Sometimes males may use “kun” after their names. There are no direct Japanese equivalents for Mr., Mrs., or Ms., but using “san” serves a similar purpose. To show great respect, “sama” can be used instead of “san” when addressing teachers, university professors, politicians, doctors, or martial arts instructors, who are referred to as “sensei.”
In Japanese, there is often a polite form as well as a casual form, depending on your audience. For example, when speaking to family and friends, casual Japanese can be used, while polite or respectful Japanese must be used when talking to those who are older. To make some nouns polite, you can add “o” or “go” in front of the noun.
When asking a question, it is important to use polite language. Adding “gozaimasu” makes expressions polite, and polite verbs typically end with “masu.” Mastery of politeness is crucial for understanding how Japanese society functions, and the core values of respect for others and humility are ideals we should all aspire to practice every day.
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This version maintains the essence of the original transcript while ensuring clarity and respectfulness.
Respect – Respect is the consideration and appreciation for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others. – In social studies, we learn that showing respect for different cultures helps promote understanding and peace.
Culture – Culture refers to the social behavior, norms, and traditions that characterize a group of people or society. – Studying the culture of Japan helps us understand their unique customs and traditions.
Japan – Japan is an island country in East Asia known for its rich history, technology, and cultural heritage. – In our language class, we explored how Japan has influenced global technology and fashion.
Language – Language is a system of communication used by a particular community or country. – Learning a new language can open up opportunities to connect with people from different parts of the world.
Politeness – Politeness is the act of showing good manners and consideration for others. – In Japanese culture, politeness is highly valued and is reflected in their everyday interactions.
Meishi – Meishi is the Japanese term for a business card, which is exchanged with great formality. – When visiting Japan, it is important to present your meishi with both hands as a sign of respect.
Omotenashi – Omotenashi is the Japanese concept of selfless hospitality and putting others’ needs first. – The spirit of omotenashi is evident in how Japanese hosts go out of their way to make guests feel welcome.
Keigo – Keigo is a form of the Japanese language that shows respect and politeness, often used in formal settings. – Understanding keigo is essential for anyone who wants to work in a Japanese business environment.
Bowing – Bowing is a traditional form of greeting in Japan, used to show respect and gratitude. – In Japan, bowing is more than just a greeting; it is a way to express humility and respect.
Humility – Humility is the quality of having a modest view of one’s importance and being respectful towards others. – In many cultures, including Japan, humility is considered a virtue and is reflected in their social interactions.
