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Japan's self-professed 'omotenashi' (spirit of selfless hospitality) is often misinterpreted to force pre-determined services on foreign visitors with a different set of values to behave the way Japan

60 Comments

David Atkinson,a 25-year resident of Japan who heads a team of heritage restoration professionals helping to conserve the Japan's cultural properties. (Japan Times)

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60 Comments
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Thank you mr. Atkinson.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

This is what I've heard, that the hospitality is great until you need to order something different than the picture on the menu. Then you might have as good as luck at McDonald's in the US.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

When I go to Phuket, Thailand, and I see the vendors selling knock-off but good quality watches, ironic t-shirts and embalmed spiders, while the cafes play videos featuring Jon Steward, Steven Colbert, Premier Soccer, etc., I realize how little the Japanese are willing to cater to outsiders.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

Contrast the number of westerners going to Thailand with the number doing so over here in Japan and you will understand that the motive to adopt western fads is money.The spend that the average westerner on holiday does compared to the average Thai is many times greater.This is why tourists are greeted in English from the North to the South of Thailand and it also explains the merchandising selection.

1 ( +10 / -9 )

"Contrast the number of westerners going to Thailand with the number doing so over here in Japan"

Thailand has always been like that, way back to the 60s and the 70s when the Western tourist numbers were really low.

"The spend that the average westerner on holiday does compared to the average Thai is many times greater."

Rural Japan, where the resort-type locations are, ain't doing to so well in terms of income and jobs, is it. The latest govt stimulus package was to prop up the floundering rural economies, which are really suffering. Of course, they could take an initiative and try to cater to potential customers, or they can just take govt handouts. Which do you think is the better option?

8 ( +12 / -4 )

The 'spirit of selfless hospitality' is not a custom unique to Japan, but its impact on the Japanese hosts and hostesses who greet foreigners can easily be misinterpreted by the guest(s). It is best, in my view, as a frequent visitor to Japan, to learn as much about such behavior - and the language - to properly and politely say, 'itsumo sumimasen, osewa ni narimas, but it is not necessary, I am here to learn, not to be spoiled.'

4 ( +6 / -2 )

I see the vendors selling knock-off but good quality watches, ironic t-shirts and embalmed spiders, while the cafes play videos featuring Jon Steward, Steven Colbert, Premier Soccer, etc.,

That sounds more like a put-off than an attraction. Like going to Spain for the fish'n'chips and beer. No thanks.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

The many examples of Omotenashi in daily life are to be welcomed, but as suggested, often the process is decidedly formulaic. From my limited experiences. I have found genuine omotenashi to be more prevalent in regional areas.

Also the describing of Omotenashi as "selfless" hospitality is unecessary, as I believe the concept of genuine hospitality already contains such elements as selfless, heartfelt etc.

Personally I prefer the open, friendly, smiling, cheery hospitality to the reserved, immaculate cater-for-all-your-needs, dutiful approach.

5 ( +6 / -2 )

Could someone restate the above quote in a more understandable way?

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Selfless hospitality - until you try to enter a pool/sento/capsule hotel with tattoos. Then it's not selfless at all, it's "go away". Japan is going to embarrass itself with that attitude come Olympics.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

No matter how long I live here, I don't think I will ever understand 'omotenashi' as it is translated to 'selfless hospitality.' Don't get me wrong, I like the service in general, and I play by the 'rules' as this is not my culture, but I do miss the more 'personalised' touches to customer service I can request back home without feeling as if I have made the staff panic.

9 ( +10 / -2 )

Harmony-lover's reaction to Omotenashi:

"Ambassador, you spoil us with these Ferrero Rocher."

Truth-seeker's reaction:

"Actually, I'm on a diet, and my wife is diabetic. What else have we paid for?"

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Omotenashi = our way or the highway. You get what we decide you want. After over 20 years here I have learned how to avoid omotenashi most if the time and get what I need or want or they don't get my money or recommendations.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Selfless hospitality - until you try to enter a pool/sento/capsule hotel with tattoos. Then it's not selfless at all, it's "go away". Japan is going to embarrass itself with that attitude come Olympics.

Oh, I completely disagree with your conclusion. For 3-4 weeks during the Olympics I bet you will be able to go anywhere you like with your tattoos and you will be warmly welcomed as if it were nothing at all.... immediately afterwards however, it'll be back to business as usual.

8 ( +10 / -3 )

"That sounds more like a put-off than an attraction."

I used to be a regular visitor to Phuket. One time I brought a friend, long-time resident of Japan and first timer to Thailand. His amazed reaction to the vendors: "In Thailand, they sell you things you actually want! In Japan, they sell you things they want you to buy."

4 ( +6 / -2 )

In Thailand, they sell you things you actually want!

If what I wanted was Jon Steward, Steven Colbert or Premier Soccer why would I make a point of going to Thailand for it? Thailand does have a lot to offer, but that isn't it. For me, anyway.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Sillygirl, I agree. I have learned how to evade and redirect it so it usually causes no problems. I get what I want or you don't get my money.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

"why would I make a point of going to Thailand for it?"

Because there's lots to do in Thailand, including said activity? Watching a Premier League match with a coconut smoothie is what you do after wrapping up an overnight trek in the Golden Triangle, where you spent the night in a hilltribe village. Well, that's what I did.

I've been to some of Japan's most popular, trendiest ski resorts, and at 5:45 p.m. on a Friday, when most skiers elsewhere in the world are looking forward to well-deserved apres-ski or enjoying a brandy by the fire, in Japan the staff are frantically running around shutting down the base lodge with the loudspeakers blaring repeatedly that everyone must get out. Now that's "hospitality" for you.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

The rest of the article about David Atkinson is interesting. (you can find it on the Japan Times website)

He's talking about "boastful Japan" and how, recently, "not a day goes by, it seems, without some Japanese TV program making out that foreigners in the remotest parts of the world are wild fans of Japan and its culture."

Personally speaking, I have noticed this trend on Japanese TV in recent years.

Almost every day there is a program made by Japanese, for Japanese, heaping praise on Japan for being so wonderful in some way or other.

(or at least one part of a program)

It does seem boastful, shrill, smug and, well... just plain strange.

I wonder what is behind it...

Are program makers trying to fall in step with the government's push for patriotism, or even nationalism.

Or is there some childish need among increasing numbers of Japanese people to be constantly patted on the back for being so wonderful...?

Whatever it is, I feel sorry for Japanese people when I see such smug programs being broadcast...

11 ( +15 / -4 )

^Yeah I noticed this immediately when I arrived in 2005.

It is simply what happens in extremely nationalistic areas, where the people allow themselves to be brainwashed by the common concensus, don't question anything, and believe what they are told. Very similar to a place like Argentina.

If you are around a group of Japanese people, listen out for how often they make observations, or comments about 'nihonjin wa...'. It is an unusually high amount, and is mainly always followed by banality or outright nationalistic nonsense that is not unique to Japan at all.

A lack of cultural sophistication, essentially.

3 ( +11 / -8 )

My nephew worked for Nagoya Castle Hotel while he studied at Nanzan University. What "omotenashi" boils down to is what service the hotel will provide for your level of room. You get the base level 5500 yen a night room you get base level service: the free face mask, razor, or slippers. You get the mid-sized room then you get the voucher for the onsen trip to Gifu. You get the most expensive room then you get limo service, valet service, and so forth.

For the tourist packages with the groups they do get some good stuff. It is actually the tourism company that provides and pays for that, the hotel merely serves as the base. With a group of 20 or more people it is pretty rude and unrealistic to think your individual tastes will be catered to. You want that level of service then get the 500,000 yen per night penthouse suit. Then you can have your individual staff to treat like serfs.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

He's talking about "boastful Japan" and how, recently, "not a day goes by, it seems, without some Japanese TV program making out that foreigners in the remotest parts of the world are wild fans of Japan and its culture."

most jp fans would run away the day they'd tried to make a living in this country. let's face it: japanese people get treated abroad with much more respect and actual help than foreigners receive in japan. here people easily shy away, because your problems could be embarrassing to them or whatever... Being a fan of cosplay and manga - yeah why not.

Are program makers trying to fall in step with the government's push for patriotism, or even nationalism.

the general tone in this country is xenophobic and racist. but that is nothing unusual by global standards. still in a country with this level of development it strikes me as somehow odd how low the intellectual level of the "discourse" in the media is. I guess the problem is that there is a lack on real discourse between Asian countries and therefore the common self image might lack the sophistication of global peers with similar economic strength but a more sophisticated, open and matured cultural discourse.

Just my 2ct and i invite anybody to disagree

5 ( +8 / -3 )

'omotenashi' is definitely Japanese culture, but not in the way Japanese like to think it is. NOTHING is 'selfless' when it is predetermined and requires recognition as being 'selfless'. The need for it to be known as 'selfless hospitality' defeats the purpose. I can't tell you how many times I've heard this buzz-word mentioned, BY Japanese, as a means of seeking praise for themselves. Again, TRULY selflessness does not need a word to be defined, and it certainly doesn't need people to go around patting themselves on the back for being 'selfless'.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Who said Omotenashi is selfless hospitality? Maybe somebody translated it from a dictionary. Omotenashi has no meaning of selfless, and most Japanese don't know the English word "selfless". If they are using the word "selfless" they're using it without knowing the meaning. Maybe they think it is Omotenashi to use the English word.

You can criticize Japan's hospitality all you want, but it is painful to watch if it is because of wrong translation.

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

tinawatanabe: So how should it be translated, tina, if it's being mistranslated here? And not many people are criticizing hospitality here (and if they are, they shouldn't be, on the whole). They are criticizing the idea of it being 'selfless' (and I know Japanese people who think that it is, and ask me what I think of it, etc.). There are indeed elements to criticize, but that's not limited to Japanese culture by any means, of course.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

I think a better translation of "omotenashi" is anticipating the needs of your customer before being asked and then being prepared to deliver it, if required.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Who said Omotenashi is selfless hospitality? Maybe somebody translated it from a dictionary.

That's so funny... Christel Takigawa said it!!!

She explained in French:

C’est un sens profond de l’hospitalité, généreux et désintéressé…

@tinawatanabe... try and translate that into English and see what you get.

If you can't translate it, have a look at this homepage as a reference:

http://eigo-kobako.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2013-09-12

4 ( +5 / -1 )

You can criticize Japan's hospitality all you want

Tina, it's the delusion of Omotenashi as a globally unique phenomenon worthy of national pride and universal acclaim, that is being questioned.

Perhaps Nihonjinron should be awarded World Heritage status, and its (often already pickled) proponents preserved for posterity?

9 ( +10 / -1 )

A lot of people complain about Japan's hospitality yet remain in the country.

Maybe some of you base the whole Japanese mentality by what you see in Central Tokyo but I can definitely say that I felt more welcome in Japan than any other Asian country close to Japan.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

After reading Tina's comment, I looked up omotenashi in the dictionary (http://www.excite.co.jp/dictionary/japanese/?search=%E3%82%82%E3%81%A6%E3%81%AA%E3%81%99&match=beginswith&itemid=DJR_motenasu_-010), and I don't see anything in there that would imply selflessness. It basically just means being hospitable. So I have to agree with Tina on this one - the 'selfless hospitality' seems to be a mistranslation.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

"I felt more welcome in Japan than any other Asian country close to Japan."

LOL, as if that is a sign of quality.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

if you google the term "spirit of selfless hospitality" actually a lot of entries pop up unrelated to this article. for example this Fukuoka website: http://urc.or.jp/fukuoka-growth-10-global-mice-strategies-with-the-spirit-of-selfless-hospitality-omotenashi?lang=en

further you can search google books for "selfless hospitality japan" that will also bring up some interesting results:

https://books.google.de/books?id=0F-ueRLIYwEC&pg=PA46&dq=%22selfless+hospitality%22+japan&hl=de&sa=X&ei=xKGiVNfyC87i8AXGy4L4BQ&ved=0CCMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22selfless%20hospitality%22%20japan&f=false

https://books.google.de/books?id=HyeflJfa8ogC&pg=PA57&dq=%22selfless+hospitality%22+japan&hl=de&sa=X&ei=xKGiVNfyC87i8AXGy4L4BQ&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22selfless%20hospitality%22%20japan&f=false

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

if you google the term "spirit of selfless hospitality" actually a lot of entries pop up unrelated to this article.

The question is where this translation came from.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

The question is where this translation came from.

It came from Christel Takigawa herself when she explained "omotenashi" in her speech!

C’est un sens profond de l’hospitalité, généreux et désintéressé…

It is a profound sense of hospitality, generous and selfless...

Watch the video for yourself... that's what she said...

2 ( +3 / -1 )

It came from Christel Takigawa herself when she explained "omotenashi" in her speech!

That's not English. Unless you are suggesting the English came from the French which came from... some chick. Not exactly an official translation is it.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

This insular mutual appreciation society thing they have going on here is pure undiluted cringe, it really is. The amount of platitudes that fly around is insane, and spooks me in the same way that meeting a really really religious person who seems completely unable to comprehend even slightly different realities, or lifestyles. It is even more insane given the fact that the country has the best internet connection ever, so they can instantly access complete and thorough information in text and ultra high definition video form, 24/7, which prove in a millisecond how un-unique they truly are.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

prove in a millisecond how un-unique they truly are

They are unique. Same as most countries. I'm not sure why people have such a problem with this. It's a pretty common attitude among most people from most countries that aren't sh*t holes.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

There are unique aspects, indeed. Just not the ones that they would dearly with to be the only nation in possession of.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Not exactly an official translation is it.

What does "an official translation" even mean?!

Is it one sanctioned by the government so we all have to accept it?

Or is it one sanctioned by... who?!!

Language and translation doesn't work like that.

That's what Christel said in her "official" speech for Japan's Olympic bid... translate it as you will... I have translated it above and I think my translation is good.

Everyone can see that it is close to the English that was reported in the press (selfless hospitality).

You go ahead and give your translation!

I'm interested to see how it might be different...

4 ( +5 / -1 )

It is simply what happens in extremely nationalistic areas, where the people allow themselves to be brainwashed by the common concensus, don't question anything, and believe what they are told.

This insular mutual appreciation society thing they have going on here is pure undiluted cringe, it really is.

Like another island nation I can think of.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

^Oh yeah? Which one is that, and what do they falsely and hilariously consider themselves to be unique in?

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

What does "an official translation" even mean?!

Is it one sanctioned by the government so we all have to accept it?

Fair enough. I'll rephrase. It's not a translation of what can be found in the Japanese dictionary as the meaning of the word. And I'd say that the Japanese dictionary provides as official a meaning as any. So it's not a translation of the official meaning of the word.

You go ahead and give your translation!

I already did in a post above. It essentially just means hospitality. There is nothing in the Japanese dictionary that I could see that would be translated as 'selfless'.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

the christel speech was held on 08 Sep 2013. The document from Fukuoka using the same term was published 06 Sep 2013 (see my previous comment for link).

So, it seems or it could be that "selfless hospitality" is kind of an official translation issued by some Japanese gov agency.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Haha, that makes it even more cringe. They are writing the review of their own service themselves, by flowering up the meaning of the word.

Plus all this Omotenashi jibberish don't mean jack if you ain't got no money, or you are not Japanese.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

It's not a translation of what can be found in the Japanese dictionary

Let's think about the basics of how a dictionary works...

You have to remember that a dictionary only has limited space for a definition, as decided by the editors of the dictionary.

You also have to remember that the editors of a dictionary may have a policy about how succinctly or how expansively they will define any given word.

These are the basics of understanding how a dictionary works.

Actually, if you do an internet search of, for example, "the real meaning of omotenashi" in Japanese, you will find some incredibly detailed explanations.

It seems that some Japanese people were not so happy with Christel's explanation and even more unhappy with her clasping-together-of-the-hands gesture...

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Let's think about the basics of how a dictionary works...

Sure. A dictionary is a reference to give the standardized meaning of words, so that there is a common base from which everyone can speak, ensuring that meanings are effectively communicated as all parties using the same meaning of words.

You have to remember that a dictionary only has limited space for a definition, as decided by the editors of the dictionary.

Maybe in the past, but we live in an online world these days, where space isn't really an issue anymore.

You also have to remember that the editors of a dictionary may have a policy about how succinctly or how expansively they will define any given word.

So find another more expanded definition that includes this 'selfless' part.

Actually, if you do an internet search of, for example, "the real meaning of omotenashi" in Japanese, you will find some incredibly detailed explanations.

So provide some links. I provided the base reference (dictionary page), I'm happy to see something else that elaborates on this, as long as its not just someone's opinion, and is an official meaning of the word.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

As I said, do an internet search of, for example, "the real meaning of omotenashi" in Japanese...

Let us know how you get on.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

As I said, do an internet search of, for example, "the real meaning of omotenashi" in Japanese...

Why would I do that? You're the one making the claim, not I. If you feel that what you claim exists, the onus is on you to show that it does.

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

Oh, I completely disagree with your conclusion. For 3-4 weeks during the Olympics I bet you will be able to go anywhere you like with your tattoos and you will be warmly welcomed as if it were nothing at all.... immediately afterwards however, it'll be back to business as usual.

I suspect it more likely that immediately afterwards the place will be "Temporarily Closed" while they disinfect the entire facility.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

There is nothing in the Japanese dictionary that I could see that would be translated as 'selfless'.

There's no need to quibble over dictionary designations here. You have to take into consideration the fact that Christel is speaking in a particular context--an attempt to win an Olympic bid. The deck is stacked: a cute woman with a sweet voice in uniform delivering a persuasive message in flawless French.

In this setting there is much riding on the notion of Japan's 'unique' hospitality. To attach the word 'selfless' to 'hospitality' is a rhetorical strategy--an emotional appeal--little more. Many of the listeners will be unable to evaluate the 'truth' of the statement but the term itself is 'sticky' and hangs on ever after. Selfless hospitality--so-o-o Japanese...

More accurate is the sense of 'giri' in all hospitality and social interaction in Japan. Obligation of the host to the guest, the business owner to the customer and the members of a community to each other. Without that pre-established 'obligation' there is no need to 'be of service' sometimes not even of medical help to someone in an obvious crisis. That paradox might be more uniquely Japanese than anything else.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

^Good post.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Strangerland: "I already did in a post above. It essentially just means hospitality."

If it only means 'hospitality', how is Japan globally unique?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

If it only means 'hospitality', how is Japan globally unique?

I'm not sure what you are referring to.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

When I go to Phuket, Thailand, and I see the vendors selling knock-off but good quality watches, ironic t-shirts and embalmed spiders, while the cafes play videos featuring Jon Steward, Steven Colbert, Premier Soccer, etc., I realize how little the Japanese are willing to cater to o

Actually, I respect that. When I travel I don't want to experience the same stuff I can see at home. Too many wannabe western places in the world as it is. I always get a laugh out of people who travel 1/2 way round the world and then want to sit and watch their own sports programs or tv shows.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

i got it...it is special cause of no tipping over here...and just take the scene at a family restaurant where the staff are so very polite and formal-while being so busy and underpaid- and treating the clients-who are essentially the working poor themselves- as royalty..and those hungry people are snubbing the staff the whole way...all the while enjoying their imported brazilian chicken or whatever...the 'selfless' refers to the staff who are moving as if ghostlike to avoid impeding the customers experience...of imported chinese veggies and such...obviously the food ,etc at top class hotspring resort hotels is in an exclusive league of its own creation, but still exists in part for the stubborn old men who immediately sit down at the balcony and light a smoke...ok, yes. they are forkin' out the 500, 700, or more Bucks to please the wife and daughters...and it DOES work!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@philly11

More accurate is the sense of 'giri' in all hospitality and social interaction in Japan. Obligation of the host to the guest, the business owner to the customer and the members of a community to each other. Without that pre-established 'obligation' there is no need to 'be of service' sometimes not even of medical help to someone in an obvious crisis. That paradox might be more uniquely Japanese than anything else.

Brilliant!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Thank you, sighclops. Being appreciated as brilliant' is always nice. Might be 'off topic' and eventually axed, but I wanted to acknowledge your response.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

'omotenashi'

Never 'eard of it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I am once again amazed at the negative and antagonistic nature of many posts on these topics. In Japan as anywhere, there are customs and qualities of the culture that are unique. in Japan honor and appreciate those and enjoy them. It is a lovely country with a wonderful culture, true it is unique and has it's own traditions and some challenging standards. But, I for one, admire, like, enjoy and honor ALL of it ALL of the time. Try it, you may find something new. Happy New Year.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

How's this for a more accurate translation:

Omotenashi - hospitality in accordance to the rules.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

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