Some mistakes had disastrous consequences
The United States and Japan have a few similarities, but the truth is that they are two very different countries. Most of these differences can be found in the cultural realm, and extend beyond language and traditions. People from each country, in general, behave differently from each other, and there are religious, political, and social aspects that differ considerably between America and Japan.
In this gallery, we look at both the US and Japan and list the major cultural differences between the two. Click on and get to know them.
You’ll find people from all faiths in the US. The majority, however, are Christian. Debate over a number of faith-related issues is accepted and indeed present (e.g. same-sex marriage, teaching creationism in schools, etc.).
In Japan, however, such discussions do not really exist. Most people in the country follow Shinto or Buddhist beliefs (or both). Christianity is present in the country, but in a much smaller percentage, comparatively.
This will depend on the region of Japan, but, in general, Japanese people are more formal. They tend to stand further apart when talking to each other and use honorifics a lot more than Americans. Physical touch is also less common in Japan.
What constitutes good customer service is different in both countries. While in America most customers appreciate a warm and friendly approach, in Japan it’s about being unobtrusive and keeping things formal.
There is a fairly high level of national pride in both countries, but voter turnout in Japan is lower than in the US.
Politicians' approval ratings are also significantly lower than in America, with politicians quitting or losing their jobs fairly easily when things go wrong. Still, like Americans, the Japanese love their country; they're just are not huge fans of the people who represent it!
Diversity is what makes America the great country it is. After all, the US is a melting pot of different cultures. This also means that there are different cultural traditions, instead of a more homogeneous vision.
In Japan, however, the vast majority of people are from the same ethnicity and share the same national identity. This lack of diversity means that most of society behaves in the same manner and has the same cultural traditions.
Bowing is a form of greeting in Japan, but can also be used to express gratitude or apologizing. Sometimes it’s more pronounced; other times, people do so more subtly, especially in casual settings.
Americans (and most people in the West) usually shake hands to greet each other. The type of handshake can vary, but you will not find American businessmen bowing to each other in meetings. Of course, the Japanese are well aware of this, and most often extend their hand when meeting foreigners.
Of course, there are exceptions, but most people in Japan live with their parents until they tie the knot.
In the US, there is a bit of a stigma attached to adults living with their parents. In Japan, there is no such thing. In fact, sometimes newlyweds even live with one partner's parents until they are economically stable enough to live on their own.
Tipping in Japan can be considered offensive. It’s not uncommon for foreigners to leave tips only for waiters to return the money.
In the US, tipping not only is widely accepted, but it’s pretty much expected. Unlike in Japan, American waiters and waitresses will happily accept your tip.
Japan is a much smaller country than the US, and, as such, space is quite precious. This means expensive land and smaller living areas when compared to American houses and apartments.
While the Japanese have come up with ingenious ways to maximize space, most Americans enjoy a lot more of it in their homes.
Japanese people tend to be more subtle in their communication. They are usually polite and avoid prolonged eye contact. Sharing personal information with other people is also less common.
Americans, on the other hand, are a lot more direct. Their bluntness can, in fact, come across as rudeness to a Japanese person. Body language also differs, with Americans usually having no problem with eye contact, touching, and making hand gestures while speaking.
Japan is very traditional when it comes to gender roles. This, of course, has an impact on women’s careers—you won’t find as many women in top positions in the corporate world or politics. While many women work, marrying and becoming a housewife is still the norm.
America is not as conservative as Japan in regards to gender roles. Indeed, the influence of feminism has been present for decades and, unlike in Japan, men are not necessarily the breadwinners.
Hierarchy is highly respected in Japan. The role of a junior employee or student is very clear—they have to serve/learn from, and respect, the more senior people in their field.
In the US, this isn’t a set rule. Personal competencies play a bigger role, and hierarchies are somewhat more fluid. One can say, in America, one’s accomplishments matter the most, regardless of the person’s position in the group or society at large.
Japan has a more collectivist culture when it comes to work, and tries to contribute to a group as a whole. It’s not uncommon for Japanese people to work for the same company until they retire, dedicating their entire lives to making things happen for others.
In America, individual success is more encouraged and rewarded. People tend to look for jobs that suit their interests as individuals, rather than wanting to remain loyal to a company. Promotions are often based on merit, whereas in Japan loyalty and longevity are highly rewarded.
It’s pretty normal to eat in public in the US. Everywhere you’ll find people strolling around with a cup of coffee or snack in their hand as they go about their lives. In Japan, though, people prefer to do it in restaurants or other designated areas.
Sure, some Japanese people eat on the go, and indeed there are plenty of vending machines selling all sorts of foods, but eating in public is not as widely accepted as in the US.
Americans do not have a specific etiquette they abide by when using public transportation. You’ll often find people eating, drinking, listening to music, reading, etc. Japanese passengers, on the other hand, tend to be more reserved on trains and buses.
While Japanese people use their phones, they avoid talking on them during their commute. There is an overcrowding issue though, but women can avoid unwanted physical contact (i.e. sexual harassment) by riding in women-only passenger cars.
Cash exchanges are made differently in the two countries. In America, people exchange cash freely, handing it to cashiers and vice versa. To leave the cash on the shop counter would be considered somewhat rude.
In Japan, the opposite is true—cash is not handled directly. Cash is usually placed on a tray.
Sources: (Owlcation) (Japan Guide)
What Americans should know before going to Japan
How different are the two countries, really?
TRAVEL Countries
The United States and Japan have a few similarities, but the truth is that they are two very different countries. Most of these differences can be found in the cultural realm, and extend beyond language and traditions. People from each country, in general, behave differently from each other, and there are religious, political, and social aspects that differ considerably between America and Japan.
In this gallery, we look at both the US and Japan and list the major cultural differences between the two. Click on and get to know them.