Tag: Japanese hospitality

  • Visiting a Japanese Home: Modern Etiquette, Phrases, and Acts of Respect You Should Know

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    Visiting a Japanese home is more than just a social visit — it’s a gentle exchange of trust and kindness. From saying ojamashimasu at the door to offering a small gift and accepting tea politely, every action carries quiet meaning. In this post, I share what I’ve learned — the modern manners, useful Japanese phrases,…

    Historic Japanese tea house with wooden exterior and hanging greenery, representing traditional hospitality culture.
  • Why Tipping Doesn’t Belong in Japan: Culture, Values, and What It Means for the Future

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    In many countries, tipping is polite—even necessary. But in Japan, leaving extra money on the table isn’t just unusual—it can cause confusion. The Japanese approach to service is rooted in pride, fairness, and omotenashi (hospitality without expectation). In this article, I’ll share why tipping isn’t part of Japanese culture, when it might be acceptable, and…

    no tipping sign
  • Experiencing Japanese Hospitality at Work – Tea Time and Omotenashi

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    Omotenashi, often translated as “Japanese hospitality,” is more than service—it’s a mindset of thoughtfulness, respect, and anticipating needs. My first true experience with omotenashi happened not at a restaurant or hotel, but at work, during a training session. That moment shaped the way I see Japanese culture, and even how I approach my own role…

    A smiling woman dressed in traditional Japanese attire, welcoming guests with a respectful gesture beside a beautifully arranged tea set, embodying the spirit of omotenashi.