Understanding Japanese personalities traits can be hard for those foreigners who decide to live in Japan, but it all comes down to the Japanese concept of ‘self’ (the ‘true self’ – honne 本音- vs the ‘public face’ – tatemae建前) and how it relates to the social concept of wa (和).
The concept of 和 (wa) in Japanese culture is closely tied to the ideas of honne and tatemae. Wa refers to the harmony and balance within a group or society, emphasizing the importance of collective well-being. It influences social interactions and encourages individuals to prioritize the needs of the group over their own. This cultural value plays a significant role in shaping Japanese personality traits and behavior.
In Japanese social etiquette, honne and tatemae stand out as central concepts that coordinate the delicate balance between personal sincerity and public facade [1][2][3][4]. These Japanese terms represent the contrast between expressing one's true self (honne) while navigating the expectations of cultural norms and authenticity in social conduct (tatemae) [2][3][4].
This comprehension of honne and tatemae's roles not only facilitates a deeper understanding of Japanese culture but also offers insights into maintaining harmony and sincerity within various social contexts [1][2][4]. Through examining the evolution of these concepts and their implications on personal interactions and wider societal norms, one can appreciate the sophistication embedded in everyday communication in Japan [3].
Honne, in Japanese culture, represents a person's true feelings, thoughts, and desires, often kept within one's inner circle or expressed privately to avoid social friction [3][5]. This concept, which became prominent in the post-war era, highlights the distinction between an individual's genuine sentiments and the public persona they are compelled to display due to societal expectations [3].
This deeper insight into honne not only enriches one's understanding of Japanese interpersonal dynamics but also aids in appreciating the complex interplay of sincerity and conformity within the culture.
In Japanese society, tatemae refers to the facade or behaviors one adopts in public, often driven by societal expectations and norms [3]. This concept is deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Japan, emphasizing politeness and the avoidance of direct confrontation to maintain harmony [1][8]. Tatemae plays a critical role in everyday interactions, where individuals often prioritize group cohesion and social harmony over personal feelings [10].
Navigating the delicate interplay between honne and tatemae is crucial for anyone looking to integrate successfully into Japanese society. This balancing act, while intricate, can be mastered with cultural awareness and practical engagement in social dynamics.
In scenarios where clarity is absent, opting for direct questions might sometimes be necessary to clarify the true stance of a Japanese colleague or business partner [8].
Sometimes a Japanese person might reply “yes” to a question when they want to reply “no.” This is often done to save face.
Why don’t Japanese people say what they mean? It comes from the individual need to avoid perceived social discomfort, embarrassment, and shame. Like a form of social anxiety. These feelings can even cause Japanese people to lie straight to your face to avoid feelings of social awkwardness or discomfort.
This can be very confusing for people who don’t understand Japanese social norms. It can also cause people from other countries to misunderstand social settings and come to the wrong conclusions, like “Japanese people are dishonest”. But I assure you that this is not the case.
The Japanese have a saying “空気を読む (kuuki o yomu - read the air)”, which in English we would say “read between the lines” or “read the room”. Japanese people expect others to be able to judge when their words or actions are making others feel socially awkward. It takes time to understand what Japanese people can really mean. Japanese people can sometimes get frustrated if you are unable to read between the lines, especially at work.
As an Australian, I like to say what I mean. I was brought up on the idea that being ‘straight-up’ and ‘honest’ were valued qualities in a person. In Australia, the more straight-up you were, the more you could be trusted. I have always tried to be a ‘straight-up’ and direct with what I say. This is why it took me a long time to get used to the way Japanese people speak.
The broader implications of honne and tatemae extend beyond the confines of Japanese culture, offering a lens through which the balancing of personal authenticity and societal expectations can be examined worldwide. While the journey to master this delicate balance poses its challenges, it also presents opportunities for growth, understanding, and enhanced communication. As such, the insights gained from honne and tatemae resonate with the universal quest for authenticity and connection, underscoring the significance of cultural awareness and adaptability in our increasingly globalized world.
What do honne and tatemae mean in the context of Japanese culture?
In Japanese culture, tatemae refers to the facade of politeness and hospitality that conceals a person's true feelings or intentions, known as honne. These are a person's genuine emotions and thoughts that are often kept private. Tatemae and honne are part of the cultural concept of presenting different faces in public and private, similar to the ideas of ura and omote (front and rear) and uchi and soto (in-group and out-group).
How significant are the ideas of honne and tatemae in Japan?
Honne and tatemae are central to understanding social interactions in Japan. These concepts dictate how individuals conduct themselves within society, representing the difference between one's true self and the persona they present to others.
What are the customs of social etiquette in Japan?
Social etiquette in Japan differs from many Western countries, where physical gestures like handshakes or hugs are common. In Japan, bowing is the preferred method for greetings, expressions of gratitude, and apologies. While foreigners are not expected to bow perfectly, it is appreciated when they attempt to follow this custom.
What is the best approach to understanding honne and tatemae?
To effectively navigate the distinction between honne and tatemae, one should focus on forming deep personal connections. By investing time and effort in getting to know colleagues and friends, you can experience a gradual shift where people feel more comfortable revealing their honne instead of maintaining their tatemae.
[1] - https://www.japan-experience.com/plan-your-trip/to-know/understanding-japan/honne-and-tatemae
[2] - https://japan-dev.com/blog/honne-and-tatemae
[3] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honne_and_tatemae
[4] - https://www.quora.com/Could-someone-explain-to-me-what-is-the-concept-of-tatemae-and-honne-in-Japanese-culture
[5] - https://jobsinjapan.com/living-in-japan-guide/dealing-with-honne-and-tatemae-in-japan/
[6] - https://nicolebarile.medium.com/working-with-japan-navigating-the-honne-tatemae-dilemma-1f3464d807fc
[7] - https://blog.gaijinpot.com/honne-tatemae/
[8] - https://japan-dev.com/blog/honne-and-tatemae?lang=jp
[9] - https://ikigaitribe.com/vlog/harmony-in-relationships-through-honne-and-tatemae/
[10] - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/working-japan-navigating-honne-tatemae-dilemma-nicole-barile
[11] - https://www.quora.com/What-are-Japanese-honne-and-tatemae
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With over 30 years of experience in Japanese culture and lifestyle, I am a permanent resident of Japan. As a web developer, I built Romancing Japan from scratch. Although originally from Australia, I have dedicated a significant part of my professional career to teaching at Japanese universities. My extensive travels across Japan have given me intimate knowledge of life in this country, and I am excited to share these insights with you.