7 Japanese traditions we will never completely understand

1/10/2021

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Culture Story: 7 Japanese traditions we will never completely understand

When we take a closer look at the Japanese, it's easy to conclude that they're quite unique in their approach to life. Let's have a look at some of the most unique and complicated Japanese traditions.

#1 There are several levels of politeness

When speaking to another person in Japan, a person needs to be aware of the 4 levels of politeness in their speech: respectful, colloquial, humble, and polite. The Japanese know how to respect other people's boundaries: almost every conversation begins with the word "sumimasen" ("excuse me") , which is used to apologize for taking someone's time in advance.

#2 It's a norm to adopt adult men

Since the 13th century, wealthy Japanese families adopt adult men as a way to expand their family trees. This is especially common for couples who have only daughters and want their family business to be run by a male.

#3 In Japan, you can see amazing animals any time you want

Japan stands out when it comes to countries with amazing animals. A trip to the country's urban areas will make you fall hopelessly in love with varying species of pet cats, dogs and birds who live in cafes and shops. And if you're dying to see uncommon animals like red pandas and flying squirrels, you can easily find them in Japan's zoos and conservational areas.

#4 Employees are commonly hired for life

Speak about lifetime job security and the Japanese are right up the leaderboard. Large-scale companies offer job contracts that would last the entire life of an employee until retirement. This is done to motivate employees to work as they understand that their well-being depends on the success of the company they work for.

#5 The law proscribes physical punishment of children

Since the Japanese government approved the law which forbids any corporal punishment of children, parents can no longer do that. This law also applies to social workers.

#6 Japan has more centenarians than any other country of the world

Believe it or not, there are more people older than 100 (over 30,000) in Japan than you would find in any other country. And it didn't happen by chance! The Japanese government's decision to take geriatrics more seriously combined with a continuous improvement in its healthcare for the past 60 years has led to this remarkable achievement.

#7 Unparalleled hospitality

Japanese are well known for their kind gestures, not only to their citizens but also to foreigners. Once a Redditor shared his unforgettable experience at a market in Tokyo. He wouldn't understand why a Japanese insisted on buying his elderly dad an omelet. Comments to his post revealed that it's a normal practice in Japan.

What do you think of these Japanese traditions? Which of them do you like the most? Tell us in the comments!

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28 Comments

Raymond Cardona

We could learn a lot from Japan, especially in the care of our elderly, definitely those in long term care homes Bonnie

calvinbiggers associates

elder reverence, rather than elder abuse. Nice!

Patricia Cairns

My niece by marriage is Japanese and when I went with her on a visit to Tokyo I was impressed by the level of politeness in the hotels, restaurants and stores. Everything is so clean - no litter in the streets, even in the alleys and the taxi drivers wear business suits with white gloves. I’m looking forward to going back for another visit.

Jennifer

Americans have gotten so far from being polite, it amazes me. They're rude in waiting lines, driving their cars, especially, always in such a hurry. People would be surprised, the different side of life, they'd see, if they just slowed down and looked around themselves.

Clarence Quismundo

When it comes to ethics (professional or personal), no one comes close to the Japanese. I've worked with Japanese firms before so I am aware of this.

Glynis Charmaine Marais

It is so nice to see that there is still respect in the world.

Doris Dallaire

Sounds like a wonderful place, caring to elders and to children, respectful. Which lots of North Americans are not!

Vikram Mangaldas Ahiwale

Japanese children's are a lot more disciplined and understand things than any other children's, God works in a mysterious way.

John Hunt

It sounds fantastic all other countries could learn from them but we will not because the children are not brought up like this sad but true

james thaxton jr

Wish we had the same traditions here in the US.

Patricia Cairns

wyodinosaur, you don’t need to know the language. I used a translation app and had no problems whatsoever.

Doris Dallaire

We could use more politeness and respect in North America, that’s for sure. But all you see on TV is rudeness and crude language and aggression so it becomes the norm. It’s a real shame.

wyodinosaur

I love the Japanese. I want to visit Japan someday. Sadly, I do not know the language.

lmoores

We could learn a thing or two from them.

Chris Garrett-Petts

Our the idea of no corporal child punishment and employment for life as well as care for the elderly

Joy waters

The Japanese have always revered the elderly, unlike our culture. These last few years, In America, there seems to be such a lack of respect towards one another, in general, & it's only getting worse.

konrad

Not only inn Japan. The famous Italian entertainer Toto Antonio De Curtis, of very poor origins, was adpted by a ruined nobleman, becoming heir to ther title... because his adoptive fatherm was banrupt and agreed to adopt him for a regal sum.

Shirley Grace

I love the Japanese they the most Curtis polite people Iv ever meet I had Japanese student s for a few years. And one. Always. Comes and visits me. Hear in England. She has stayed in touch for over 30. Years. She is a English. Teacher in Japan. She's lovely. It's so nice to see her. When she comes. I hope I have many more years. Of her visit s

Jacqueline Tattam

Vikram Mangaldas Ahiwale, nothing to do with God. It’s cultural upbringing.

Jaime Quintao Silva

A civilization like the Japanese one takes centuries and a few milleniums to achieve such a level of solid values like respect, humility, tolerance, politeness and civility.

Joshua P. Hatcher

Was in Japan in the early 50’s as a young man and was totally impressed with their customs..completely different than my experiences when invaded by the military during WWll.

Conrado De Leon

Not only in Japan. The famous Italian movie actor known as Toto, was adopted by an elderly nobleman, inheriting his name and fortune... although Toto's personal wealth was quite more robust than that of the adoptive father. Find out more about it, It's very very interesting.

Edna Mohrmann

The Japanese have a beautiful tradition, based on respect, integrity and honesty! What a good example for the rest of the world please!

Lluis

During the tsunami whole coastal towns were destroyed. But even then there was no loitering of stores or homes! On the contrary, people helped others gather whatever belongings they could find.......Just like in New Orleans during Katrina!!!! Yeah Right