The Unexpectedly Unknown Side of Japanese People

The Unexpectedly Unknown Side of Japanese People

The truth that Japanese people surprisingly do not notice

When I talk with foreign customers, I am often asked this question: ‘What do Japanese people value?’

Is it wealth? Success? Money?

Having run a shop in Kyoto for over 20 years and interacting with many Japanese customers, I have my own answer.

That is ‘harmony’.

Japanese people place more value on harmony than is commonly thought. They cherish the relationships with others, or ‘harmony,’ more than themselves.

Of course, this is something that exists as an extension of communication, and it is important to people in every country.

However, I think that Japanese people have a more special value when it comes to ‘harmony’.

Overseas, there are situations where expressing your opinion clearly is valued. On the other hand, in Japan, things are a little different. In meetings, meals, and friendships, many people are more concerned with ‘whether the atmosphere is managed well’ rather than ‘whether they are right.’ Of course, this is not true for everyone. However, in Japanese society, there has long been the idea of ‘valuing harmony.’ Not arguing. Not clashing. Ensuring that everyone can spend time comfortably. This is what is valued. Japanese people appreciate politeness.

There is something I feel from running a shop in Kyoto. Customers appreciate politeness. Of course, flashy things are liked, especially when you look at photos on Instagram and the like in modern times. However, that flashiness is something to enjoy just once. It is not something that will be appreciated repeatedly. What lasts over time has that politeness hidden within it.

More than luxurious interiors, I value a cleanly cleaned store. More than loud service, I value attentive service. More than the latest equipment, I value attention to detail. I find value in these things. This is because carefulness reflects a person’s character and sincerity.

One of the things that Japanese people naturally value is ‘feeling the seasons.’

There is another thing that Japanese people hold dear. That is the seasons.

In spring, they go to see the representative flower of spring, the cherry blossoms.

In summer, there are summer events, such as festivals.

In autumn, they enjoy the colors of autumn through the foliage.

In winter, they gather around warm dishes that make the body happy.

Living in Kyoto, I strongly feel this sense. It seems that Japanese people view nature not as something to be conquered, but

Therefore, the dishes, the tableware, and the decorations all change according to the season. This is a culture of trust that has been built up over a long history.

I believe that the history accumulated over a long period of time is universally trusted around the world. It is this trust that is likely a major factor in why people from other countries find the culture of Kyoto so appealing. In Kyoto, this way of thinking remains strongly, and when visiting Kyoto, perhaps you can naturally sense that trust in the atmosphere flowing through the city and in its passage of time.

Having been born and raised in Kyoto and running a shop for 20 years, what I believe is that what Japanese people truly value is not money itself, nor success itself.

It is harmony. It is attentiveness. It is the seasons. It is trust.

These are things that are unseen. And for people from overseas who feel a great attraction to Japan and visit, they are likely drawn to these underlying values of Japanese culture. I believe these are what shape the beauty of Japanese culture.