Omotenashi: A unique Japanese concept rooted in the country’s history and culture, where people sincerely value and respect each other.
Omotenashi means treating others with respect and hospitality without expecting anything in return. It’s the concept of ensuring that the other person is satisfied through respectful and considerate interaction. So, what actions specifically demonstrate “omotenashi”?
The first essential element is the heart of giving without expecting anything in return. Unlike in many countries where service often involves tipping, Japan has little to no such culture. Providing thoughtful, high-quality service without seeking compensation is the first step towards true “omotenashi.” Omotenashi also involves creating a sense of wonder and satisfaction for the recipient. This requires going beyond expectations and anticipating what the other person might need or appreciate. It involves taking the time to think about what would make the other person happy and providing that level of care. Considering “What can I do for them?” and offering this exceptional attention to detail and consideration is what defines the highest form of omotenashi.
I suppose the following things that surprise foreigners in Japan also relate to the spirit of ‘omotenashi.’
Lost Items Are Returned
Have you ever forgotten your smartphone somewhere or dropped your wallet? In Japan, most lost items find their way back to their owners. This high rate of return is largely due to the police boxes (koban). From kindergarten, we are taught to take anything we find to a police box. There are police officers at the koban. Even if a child takes a found 100 yen coin to the koban, the officers will handle it. In Japan, there is a simple rule to take found items to a police box, and the sense of security that the police will mediate. This ensures a swift, familiar, and reassuring process from finding an item to returning it to its owner.
Frequent Bowing
Japanese people bow in various situations such as when greeting, thanking, apologizing, making a request, or visiting a temple. The original meaning of “bowing” is said to indicate that one has no hostility towards the other person and shows vulnerability by lowering the head. Nowadays, rather than implying no hostility or vulnerability, bowing is an action that conveys respect, gratitude, or an apology by lowering one’s head.
An amusing habit of Japanese people is bowing while on the phone, even though the other person can’t see them. Similarly, when sending an email with a request, we unconsciously bow and press the send button while saying “please.”
Oshaku
What is “oshaku”? Oshaku refers to the act of pouring alcohol for someone else. It is common for the younger person to pour for the older person, or the host to pour for the guest, with the lower-ranking person typically pouring for the higher-ranking person. During a drinking session, this tradition is observed by taking the bottle of beer or other alcohol placed in front of the highest-ranking person and pouring it for them.
Removing Shoes at the Entrance
The custom of removing shoes at the entrance in Japan is an ancient tradition. This practice is rooted in Japan’s cultural values of cleanliness and purity. In ancient Japan, houses were considered sacred spaces, and this custom emerged to prevent outside dirt from entering the home. With the development of tatami culture, it also became important to remove shoes to protect the delicate flooring.
In Japan, it is common to say “enter the house” as “go up into the house,” whereas in Western countries, people say “enter the house.” This difference stems from the architectural distinction; Japanese houses have slightly elevated floors. To enter a house, one physically steps up to the floor level. Thus, one “goes up” into the house. The inside of the house is considered a special, elevated place, and only special people are invited up. Walking into such a sacred space with shoes on is deemed disrespectful. Upon returning home, it is customary to say “tadaima” (I’m home), align the shoes neatly, and then step up into the house.
In essence, “omotenashi” is not just a tradition but a living embodiment of Japanese culture, reflecting a profound respect for others and a commitment to making their experiences memorable. Whether through a simple gesture like bowing or the thoughtful act of ensuring a lost item is returned, the spirit of omotenashi permeates everyday life in Japan. It’s a reminder that hospitality goes beyond mere service; it’s about creating genuine connections and showing heartfelt care. By embracing these customs, we can all strive to bring a little bit of omotenashi into our own interactions, making the world a more considerate and welcoming place.