American and Japanese Culture Similarities and Differences

Communication speak directly, face-to-face with others. base their message on spoken or written words. are sensitive to others’ beliefs when speaking Americans :

Communication hint at the issue they want to discuss. use a go-between or middleman for important matters. trust mutual feelings and non-verbal cues more than the words themselves. Japanese :

see conflict as inevitable. view conflict as a way to  encourage communication  generate new ideas  increase understanding  bring about positive and creative change Conflict Americans :

see conflict as dangerous to relationships. view conflict as something that should be avoided at all costs. value harmony and “saving face.” Conflict Japanese :

develop self-esteem from their accomplishments. value self-reliance. Self-worth Americans :

believe self-esteem comes mostly from belonging to a group. highly value what others think. value accomplishments and interdependence. Self-worth Japanese :

believe humor is the best way to connect with people. think humor can be shared with almost anyone at almost any time. use sarcasm and teasing as humor. Humor Americans :

believe humor should be avoided in serious situations. see joking with a stranger as inappropriate because it might be offensive. discourage sarcasm and teasing that might be seen as a personal attack. Humor Japanese :

tend to be open with their feelings. share their emotions. Emotions Americans :

control and focus their emotions. tend to suppress (hold back) their feelings and emotions unless in a close relationship. Emotions Japanese :

view others (regardless of age, gender, etc.) as potential friends. act friendly when meeting a person. Relationships Americans :

view friendship as a gradual process. begin friendships by joining groups or by being introduced to someone. Relationships Japanese :

usually greet others with a firm handshake. often hug hello or goodbye. show respect by maintaining eye contact. Manners Americans :

use bowing to show respect or to greet others. often remove footwear when entering a home or temple. show respect by adding the suffix “san” to a word or name. Manners Japanese :

Your Turn! OR ??

Read the following scenario. A group of friends has agreed to eat dinner at a particular restaurant. On the way to the restaurant, two of the friends notice a place that they have eaten at before and tell the others how terrific the food was there. What might be a typical response of a Japanese driver? What might be a typical response of an American driver?

Because harmony and people’s feelings are so important in Japanese culture, it is likely that the driver would change plans and go to this second restaurant, thinking that the friends were hinting that they’d really rather eat there. Because facts and directness are so important in American culture, the driver would likely continue to the first restaurant as planned and might suggest that the group try the second restaurant another time. Remember, the friends did not say they wanted to eat there, just that the food was good.