My 3 years living among orderly, silent Japanese

As a Vietnamese living and working in Japan, each day for me is not only a journey of professional growth but also a process of maturing in my behavior and cultural understanding. I've now lived in Japan for over three years, and what truly brings me joy here is not just the country's remarkable development, but the politeness, sophistication, and humanity.

Japanese politeness isn't overly sophisticated or fancy. Instead, it is embedded in the smallest details of daily life. From greetings and apologies to expressing gratitude and showing respect in public spaces, these actions demonstrate genuine care for others in a way that feels completely natural.

From the first day I arrived in Japan, I was struck by how the Japanese bow to one another. It is not merely a formal gesture but an expression of respect. Regardless of your job, social status, or background, respect always takes precedence. The way they bow, use humble language, and even the subtle facial expressions when talking all make me feel respected, even though I'm just a foreigner in a new and unfamiliar environment.

A woman walks in Kyoto, Japan. Illustration photo by Unsplash

One of my most memorable experiences occurred when I dropped my wallet on the way to work. I prepared myself for the worst, expecting it to be lost for good. However, just a day later, I received a call from the local police station. A passerby had found the wallet and turned it in, everything intact, including my important papers and cash. I was so moved that I did not know how to express my gratitude other than thanking them profusely.

The Japanese do not see helping others as a big deal but as something natural. Politeness is reflected in daily life. In public places, there is rarely any noise, arguing, or pushing. People line up in order, whether at crowded train stations or in small supermarkets. On public transport, people generally keep quiet to avoid disturbing others. If they need to answer the phone, they will either step outside or speak softly enough not to disturb those around them.

The Japanese also handle conflicts with great tact. They rarely raise their voices or offer harsh criticism. Instead, they offer gentle advice to preserve the other person's dignity. This approach has made me feel safe and comfortable living here, knowing I'm not judged or pressured by others.

As a Vietnamese, I cannot help but compare Japan's culture with my own. Vietnam has a rich culture and many valuable traditions, but sometimes, in modern life, those values seem to be fading. I've witnessed public jostling, loud phone conversations on buses, and disrespectful words exchanged in everyday situations.

I don't intend to compare to criticize, but I hope that, by looking at a culture like Japan's, we can learn and adapt to become more refined.

Every time I return to Vietnam, I make an effort to maintain the habits I've picked up in Japan: lining up, saying thank you, apologizing at the right time, and not disturbing others in public. I believe that if we all take responsibility for our role in fostering a culture of respect, society will become more civilized and more pleasant to live in.