Japanese Body Language in Communication
Each country has its body language. Body language is currently quite diverse, and specific body language that is suitable in one country might not be suitable in another.
In Japan, this is also true. The Japanese people highly value etiquette and propriety in their cultural norms, making body language an essential part of daily communication and work interactions. Even a tiny gesture can convey your attitude and intentions toward the other person.
So, how can you use body language to communicate efficiently and effectively with Japanese people? Let's explore with GoEMON some common body language in Japanese communication!
1. Bowing Culture:
Bowing in Japan is similar to shaking hands in other countries. This gesture is used to greet and show respect to the person you meet. In Japan, there are three appropriate types of bows for different situations: Eshaku, Keirei, and Saikeirei, with angles of 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees, respectively. The deeper the bow, the more formal and respectful it is towards the other person.
2. Pointing to Oneself:
Japanese people will point directly to themselves when talking about themselves. Simply pointing at another person or something is considered impolite. Instead, when they want to refer to someone else, they use their entire hand to indicate their person. When signaling someone to come closer, they will point to themselves and then move their hand downward.
3. Eye Contact in Communication:
It is not uncommon to communicate through eye contact, but in Japan, when you make eye contact with someone, they may look away. Why is that? The reason is that, for Japanese people, making direct eye contact can make them uncomfortable or give the impression of having bad intentions. According to Japanese tradition, only elders or individuals with higher status have the privilege to make direct eye contact with others.
Body language in Japan is really interesting, isn't it? With the information above, GoEMON hopes that you can better communicate with Japanese people using body language!
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