Don’t speak LOUD｜Warning and Advisory
In Japan, harmony and stability are valued, so loud conversations that may disturb others are discouraged. Do not play loud music or dance in hotel rooms or apartments. Let’s talk in the minimum necessary voice to be transmitted to each other.
・This information is current as of August 2023.
・Please contact each public transportation(Fujikyu Railway｜JR East Kofu) or Yamanashi Tourism Association(Link) for details.
・The information in this article is written voluntarily by a local resident who has lived in Yamanashi for 16 years over. Please forgive us if there are any mistakes in the English expression.
Loud voice is bad manners
It is bad manners to disturb other people’s comfortable time on trains and tourist spots. When speaking, speak at the minimum volume necessary, and refrain from speaking in a loud, noisy manner.
In some countries, it seems that it is normal for people to speak loudly, but it is different in Japan. Observe Japanese manners in Japan.
※There are some Japanese people who make a lot of noise, but such Japanese people are outlaws. As in any country, there are examples of people who have not been properly educated or foreigners pretending to be Japanese who deliberately shout to bring down Japan’s reputation. Stay away from noisy people as they put you in danger.
Why Japanese people are quiet
The Japanese are descended from samurai and ninja. Many people have the habit of not making any noise and the habit of moving quietly, and have the ability to move unnoticed by others. Even when talking, it is possible to communicate with each other using only the minimum amount of words necessary, and there are many Japanese who can understand each other without exchanging words.
In order to avoid conflict as much as possible, Japanese people have acquired the ability to sense one’s emotions and thinkings. Some Japanese people can understand what a person wants just by making eye contact or being close to them.
The reason why Japanese people seem so docile is because they use their ninja skills to explore their surroundings, not because they laugh at everything and forgive them.
Japanese communicates with their eyes
Japanese people often use their eyes to signal. For Japanese people, there is a perception that words are a powerful force that controls others. It is one of Japanese manners to communicate without using strong words that may unnecessarily dominate the other party.
Also, Japanese needs long expressions to speak politely. This expression takes time and effort, so Japanese people sometimes simplify this expression and signal with their eyes.
Verbal communication is important in foreign countries, but eye cues are also very important in Japan. Even if Japanese people seem to be quiet, it’s just that they are talking with their special senses and eyes.
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