Nonverbal Communication in Japan

By: Nikolaus Hoyt

Two of the biggest economies in the world, Japan and the U.S., have remarkably different forms of communication. Some differences are obvious like language and currency, and some are not as obvious like nonverbal communication. Japan and the U.S. are two very different cultures when it comes to nonverbal communication. Some of these differences are kinesics, dress and eye contact (Nishiyama, 2000).

Probably the biggest nonverbal difference between Japan and U.S. is kinesics (Axtell, 1993). Kinesics is gestures, body movements and posture. When U.S. businessmen meet it is customary to shake hands (Axtell, 1993). Japanese are a culture based less on touch and bowing is customary in Japan (Axtell, 1993). There is an entire etiquette for bowing in Japan (Axtell, 1993). Bowing in Japan during an introduction shows status (Axtell, 1993). Business inferiors must bow lower than superiors no matter how low they have to bow (Axtell, 1993). Also businessmen should never bow or give speeches with their hands in their pockets (Axtell, 1993).

Another form of kinesics differences between Japan and U.S. is walking and sitting. In Japan people are expected to sit up straight with both feet on the floor, legs may be crossed at the knee or ankle only (CultureGrams, 2004). Walking differences are another kinesics difference between the U.S. and Japan (Nishiyama, 2000). The Japanese walk in short quick strides and drooping shoulders this low posture is called teishisei (Nishiyama, 2000). For an American going to Japan, this would appear to be a sign of weakness and low confidence, but in fact is a sign of humility and respect (Nishiyama, 2000). In contrast, Americans view walking tall with longer strides and a more upright posture as having confidence and strength (Nishiyama, 2000).

Dress is another place where cultural differences can be seen in forms of nonverbal communication between the U.S. and Japan. For an American traveling to Japan it is important to know the vast differences in accepted dress, especially for a business environment (Axtell, 1993). While the U.S. has very relaxed dress codes in most aspects of life, the Japanese have a much more controlled dress code (Axtell, 1993). In Japan, for men, the standard business dress would be a dark suit and tie (Axtell, 1993). For women, in Japan, the accepted dress would be a business suit or a tailored dress (Axtell, 1993). First impressions in Japan are commonly made about your status by the brands and prices of the clothes you wear, expensive accessories often show status in Japan (Nishiyama, 2000). The biggest accepted dress difference is at dinner and formal meetings where the accepted dress is always a kimono (Axtell, 1993). However, American visitors to Japan shouldn’t worry because most of the country inns where the dinner meetings are typically held and the hotels provide complimentary kimonos (Axtell, 1993).

In the U.S. having someone to your home is not an uncommon practice and often occurs for small meetings. In Japan, however, where there is a large population is a very small area housing is much smaller (Axtell, 1993). It is very rare that Japanese people entertain in their own homes and it is customary to go out (Culturegrams, 2004). If you are invited to a Japanese family home there is also dress codes you should follow here. Never wear shoes into a home or a restaurant without the owner telling you to do so (Axtell, 1993). There will be a small hallway between the door and living area of most Japanese homes called a genkan, before you enter the genkan you should remove your hat, gloves, coat and shoes (Culturegrams, 2004).

Eye contact is another major misunderstanding between our culture and the Japanese (Nishiyama, 2000). In America, establishing eye contact during a conversation shows interest, honesty and sincerity (Nishiyama, 2000). Avoidance of eye contact in the U.S. would show that you weren’t interested, were dishonest or were trying to be sly (Nishiyama, 2000). In Japan the opposite is true, eye contact shows that you are being aggressive, rude, insistent to be equal or belligerent (Nishiyama, 2000). In Japan it would be perfectly normal for someone you were talking to them to keep shifting their eyes away from you during your conversation (Nishiyama, 2000).

Japan and America are two vastly different cultures in almost every respect of life. It would seem that these cultural differences in communication would make international business between the two nearly impossible. However, international business occurs thousands of times daily between the two, some Japanese companies are even listed on American stock exchanges. Kinesics, dress, and eye contact are just a few of the differences in nonverbal communications between our cultures and since these differences will never just go away all we can do is strive to better understand them to make communications between our nations go more smoothly.

References

Axtell, R. (1993). Do’s and taboos around the world. New York.

Culturegrams (2004). Lindon, Utah: Axiom Press

Nishiyama, K. (2000). Doing business with japan: successful strategies for intercultural
communication. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.

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