KEY TAKEAWAYS

• "White Couple" visiting Japan told to speak Japanese when in Japan

• Restaurant owner blasted visitors to Japan on social media

• Has Japan lost it's Good Manners reputation worldwide?

IN JAPAN, ARE CUSTOMERS STILL CONSIDERED [GOD]?

Daniel TJ International Reporter Tokyo, Japan May 9, 2024 Japanese Manners?

In Japan, people say "The customer is always right," and that they're treated like Royalty. The Japanese people take it to the extreme, saying the customer is like a God.

In the Japanese language, one would say: Okyakusama wa kamisama desu. The word CUSTOMER in the Japanese language is: Kyakusama - and this shows how much respect and honor they give, meaning they're Very Important People or VIP guest.

HOWEVER, HAVE BAD MANNERS HAVE BECOME A REALITY IN JAPAN?

In Tokyo's Sumida City, a Japanese restaurant owner greeted his regular Japanese customers with honor and respect.

However, on this day, his routine was disrupted when a foreign couple walked in and inquired about an English menu. Unlike many eateries in Tokyo, this one didn't offer any translations at all.

Upon the couple's request for an English menu, the owner simply replied, "No," in Japanese. Disappointed, the visitors left, feeling shocked and saddened, especially after traveling all the way to Japan to immerse themselves in its culture.

The incident sparked controversy when the owner took to social media, specifically X, previously known as: Twitter, to express his extreme frustration, referring to the overseas visitors to Japan as a "white couple" and insisting that they should speak Japanese while in Japan and in his establishment.

He even announced the restaurant's temporary closure due to "stress related matters over this incident" emphasizing that reopening wouldn't hinge on catering to "precious white customers." Yet, His posts on social media has not been taken down or deleted by the restaurant owner.

This incident raises questions about Japanese hospitality and whether it's becoming a thing of the past. However, there could be various underlying factors at play.

Firstly, it's crucial to condemn the disrespectful treatment of overseas visitors by the restaurant owner. No matter what the reason(s) for his bad manners, we do not agree with his overall behavior at all.

HAVING SAID THAT, LET'S MOVE ON...

There might be possible reasons behind his actions. For instance, the owner could be under immense stress due to the surge in foreign visitors to Japan and his restaurant.

He might prefer [not to] cater to non-Japanese clientele at all.

Alternatively, it's possible that neither the owner nor the staff are proficient in English, leading to communication barriers.

This highlights the importance of offering English lessons for both Japanese and non-Japanese individuals in Japan.

So, whether you're in Japan or elsewhere and seeking professional English lessons, you can enjoy English lessons right here on SavvyJapan-Today.com, either face-to-face or online.

Just Click & Go! for more information

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