4th August
Reflection on the First Few Days in Japan
During my first few days in Japan, I had the opportunity to interact with businesses, localy and tourist information centers. Through them I gained insights into how globalization and mobility have changed both local and international cultural perspectives.
These first few days have already been very interesting whereas now I would likte to make the connection to the various cultural theories, I’ve learnt about in class.
Globalization and Ever-Increasing Mobility
Japan, especially in cities like Osaka, is a good example of how globalization is changing societies. The rise in international tourists, in Osaka’s case from neighboring countries such as Korea and China, shows the ever-increasing mobility that comes with globalization. This rise of travelers has resulted in a mixture of cultures, where multilingualism and foreign preferences have become normal to the tourist experience. Observing how local businesses and centers adapt to this mobility shows the importance of cultural sensitivity to ensure that tourists feel welcomed.
Iceberg Model of Culture
In my interactions, I noticed that Japanese culture operates on both visible and invisible levels, same like the Iceberg Model of Culture suggests. While surface-level behaviors, such as politeness and bowing, are immediately noticeable, the deeper cultural values like harmony, respect for hierarchy, and indirect communication require more time to unterstand or even notice. As a half Japanese, I can say that I have had a small advantage when it comes to being immersed into the culture but I can say that being from the same nationality does not mean instantly understanding the culture. Because I’ve noticed that, I also ran into some problems as for example I mostly use my Japanese to communicate with my father. What I have now realised is that he has never really thaught me “proper” Japanese, as there are many rules and customs how you have to speak to people of different status in Japan, I sometimes came across as rude or impatient even though this was not at all what I’ve had intended.
These deeper elements impact how business and tourism interactions are conducted, shaping everything from customer service to interpersonal relationships.
Cultural Dimensions and High- vs. Low-Context Cultures
I’ve learnt that Japan is considered a high-context culture, where communication relies on implicit messages and non-verbal cues. In my interactions, I often noticed that much was left unsaid, with meaning told through body language and context. This contrasts with the low-context culture where I grew up in, where communication is more direct and explicit.
Six Cultural Dimensions
– Power Distance: I would say that Japan has a high power distance. This means that hierarchical structures are respected, and authority figures hold significant influence. This was evident in the formal interactions I observed between staff of a restaurant for example, where respect for seniority and rank was clear.
– Individualism vs. Collectivism: Japan leans more toward collectivism, emphasizing group harmony and cooperation. I think to have noticed that this was reflected in how businesses prioritize the collective experience of tourists rather than catering to individual needs in a personal, Western-style manner. Same goes for the rules and regulations where Japanese citizens often follow all the rules carefully for example the unspoken rule of not speaking on public transportation.
– Masculinity vs. Femininity: I know that Japan has traditionally been seen as a masculine society, valuing achievement and success. However what I’ve noticed, in the context of tourism, there seems to be a balance, with a focus on hospitality and care—traits more aligned with feminine cultures. And I also think the societal change in recent years has left an impact especially in the cities and tourist destinations.
– Uncertainty Avoidance: Japan has a very high uncertainty avoidance, which means there is a preference for clear rules and guidelines. This can for example be seen in the structured nature of tourism information services. For example, processes are clear and information is provided systematically to avoid confusion. Same also goes for the life in general, for example if there is waiting lines the route where to line up is always clearly indicated on the floor. But of course it also impacts less trivial things and I would say that it even influences the things like the spending behaviour of Japanese people, as savings are highly valued.
– Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation: Speaking of savings, Japanese culture tends to be long-term oriented, focusing on perseverance and the future. This is not only mirrored in the life of the people I’ve interacted with but also how tourism strategies are designed, with a focus on sustainable growth and preserving cultural heritage while welcoming global influences.
– Indulgence vs. Restraint: When it comes to this dimension, I would say Japan is more on the restraint. In general self-control and moderation are valued. Being humble is also something which Japanese people have pride in. To make the connection to the tourism industry I can say that the emphasis on orderliness and structured tourism experiences reflects this cultural tendency.
Other Cultural Dimensions
– Universalism vs. Particularism: As I’ve mentioned before, rules and guidelines tend to apply universally, as observed in the consistent treatment of tourists. There’s a clear structure in place that emphasizes fairness and equality.
– Neutral vs. Emotional: As for the Interactions they are generally neutral, where emotions are controlled in professional settings. This was clear in my interviews, where staff maintained a calm and composed demeanor, even when I sometimes tried to ask some more difficult questions for example the closing of the Gion district.
– Achievement vs. Ascription: I think I can say that Japan is a good example which leans more toward ascription, where people are respected based on their age, position, or background. I noticed this because as you may have noticed I am not able to release the names of the representatives and I also cannot use the Interviews as “Official” statements of the company. As there is always a specific person responisble for “press” statements which setting up a meeting with them would’ve been impossible due to my limited time.
– Sequential vs. Synchronous Time: I would say from what I’ve experienced so far that Japan tends to follow a sequential approach to time, where events are handled one at a time and with a clear schedule. This was apparent in how appointments and meetings were organized. But as I’ve learnt in the theory Japan is actually a listed as a example for synchronous time where I look forward to learning more about when I might be able to work, in Okinawa.
Acculturation Matrix
Through my observations, I would assume that Japan’s tourism sector is undergoing a process of cultural integration, much in line with John Berry’s Acculturation Matrix. Especially in Osaka it seems as the city’s approach to tourism suggests a model of “integration”, where both local traditions and global influences are blended to create a new experience. The presence of multilingual staff and adjustments in services to me reflect a desire to accommodate foreign tourists and they try to do this without losing the essence of Japanese culture.
When it comes to cultural sensitivity, I can say that this is critical in Japan’s tourism industry. My interactions showed me that businesses place great importance on understanding cultural differences and adjusting their communication and services accordingly. The emphasis on respecting cultural norms, such as maintaining harmony and politeness, highlights Japan’s commitment to offering a culturally sensitive experience to tourists from around the world. What I have also noticed is that there is also a deep wish that the tourists try to fit and adjust to the japanese culture as the japanese are very pride into their cultural background. Even though this was not often specifically mentioned I felt as if this was often the main wish of the people I’ve interacted with.
These first few days have been very interesting and I am happy that I have been able to connect the cultural theories to the real-world. It is nice to see these theories manifest in real-world interactions, it shows to me that what I am studying can be used to create a better place. The ever-increasing mobility brought by globalization is shaping Japan’s approach to tourism, and understanding the deep layers of culture—both seen and unseen—have deepened my appreciation of my studies.