By Real Rural Japan

In this insightful video, Real Rural Japan explores how opinions are perceived in Japanese society and how expats or newcomers should adjust their communication habits when living in Japan. The video discusses key cultural differences in expressing personal views and offers advice on navigating social interactions effectively.

Japanese culture values harmony and group consensus over individual expression. This means that openly sharing strong personal opinions, especially in a workplace or group setting, might not always be well received. The video advises newcomers to approach discussions with subtlety and an awareness of social dynamics, in contrast to more direct communication styles prevalent in Western countries.

The host, an Australian expat in rural Japan, shares experiences on adapting to these cultural norms, particularly in business and daily life interactions. He also addresses the impact of these differences when starting a small business in Japan or forming relationships within the community.

Additionally, the video mentions plans to expand a rural Japan café into a cat café that will rescue stray cats, offering a unique business model that aligns with Japanese cultural appreciation for themed cafés. This segment provides insights into entrepreneurship in Japan and the challenges of operating a small business in the countryside.

By understanding these cultural nuances, visitors and expatriates can better integrate into Japanese society, avoid misunderstandings, and build meaningful relationships while living or working in Japan.