Japan has always had a reputation for its incredibly polite society and foreigners are always taken aback by this. However, this extreme politeness comes with its ups and downs, leading to the question of whether Japan is an “introverted society.”
The Pros
The single greatest benefit of a society built on politeness is the amazing customer service you get to experience. Whether you’re a visitor or a citizen, the treatment you get from store cashiers, bus drivers, and even the general public will bring warmth to your heart. As a customer, you get referred to as “o kyaku-sama,” which comprises an honorific that is typically used to address someone in a high position such as a king or queen.
An obvious example is a bowing culture that is so prevalent in Japanese society. Yes, it’s more than what we see in karate flicks and samurai movies, seeping into every aspect of life in Japan. Business employees will often bow to each other when exiting a meeting. The ramen shop owner will bow his head to you as you finish your bowl of noodles and exit the premises. Bowing is everywhere, and it’s great!
The debate of whether Japan is an introverted society can be linked to their unwillingness to initiate conversational small-talk if not necessary. For an extrovert, this could mean hell, but for an introvert, an absolute paradise. People on Japanese public transport generally keep to themselves, and by law, you won’t even see people talking on the phone in such places. Peace, efficiency, and memorable customer experiences are what Japanese society is all about.
The Cons
As hinted (well, stated bluntly actually), Japan could potentially be hell for extroverted individuals. This does not mean there are no extroverts in Japan, but rather, the laws and customs of the land are more favorable to those with introverted behaviors. From highly accommodating cashiers to quiet train rides and an abundance of convenient vending machines and non-contact restaurant ordering systems, you can get by quite well without communicating with people.
For some people, this could be a huge incentive to live in Japan, but for others, the increased social deprivation is a deal-breaker. In particular, those who constantly seek deeper, meaningful connections may suffer from the overly polite nature of the Japanese. This is because there is a fine line between politeness and genuine kindness.
Many store workers and customer service representatives may seem polite at first glance, but if you were to present them with an issue that requires deeper empathy and emotional understanding, you may not always get the response of supreme politeness you hoped for. That isn’t to say the Japanese are all “putting on a front” so to speak, and many are genuinely kind people. However, it’s not uncommon for foreigners to mistake this politeness for genuine kindness and fall into the trap of spilling too much of their emotions hoping it will be reciprocated.
The Verdict?
With all that being said, it may be unfair to label an entire society as introverted, as it could not possibly be the case. However, a major reason people often refer to Japan in this manner is simply because of customs, traditions, and even laws that allow introverts to thrive. Ultimately, it can be easy to mistake a Japanese extrovert for an introvert because of certain rules and inner morals they are inclined to abide by in public settings. A fairer assessment of a Japanese person’s personality traits would be to get to know them and speak to them in a private setting where there are no rules or public eyes creating added pressure.
So, is Japan an introverted society? Honestly, my answer is no. Society is made up of people, and if the people are a mix of introverts, extroverts, and everything in between, then they cannot take on such a label. Indeed, it’s not that Japan is an introverted society, but rather that it’s a place where introverts can thrive more easily. Extroverts can also enjoy an equal opportunity to thrive in Japan, as many Japanese extroverts have already, but for an extroverted foreigner, you may have a few behavior adjustments to make!
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