Nonverbal Communication in Japan

In a similar way to verbal language, non-verbal language is strongly linked to the culture of a society, and many times its roots can be deeper and stronger in the individuals of this community. In the same way, it plays a very important role in good communication between societies and a little prior knowledge will certainly give us an advantage in not making basic mistakes.

Physical Contact and Personal Space

Physical contact in Japan is minimal. In general, people tend to avoid all physical contact, unless it is necessary, such as in crowded places. Friends or acquaintances of the same gender may feel more comfortable being in close proximity than with strangers, but it is not a rule, there are people who, even with years of friendship, prefer to maintain a physical distance.

Displays of physical affection in public are rarely common. Although some affectionate and friendly contact, such as hugging, holding hands, or walking with arms folded, is common among same-sex friends, especially at school age.

Personal space is often divided between public and private space. For example, in crowded public places, such as trains or shopping malls, personal space is often minimal or non-existent, and people tend to accept it. On the other hand, physical contact in private space is usually minimal. In general, when it is possible to keep their distance, people prefer to keep it. As a “general rule” the distance between friends and family is usually one arm or less, while the opposite occurs with strangers.

Eye contact is another important aspect of nonverbal communication in Japan. Eye contact should normally be indirect, as looking directly into the eyes for a long time can be interpreted as intimidating. Indirect eye contact is usually more common when talking to people of legal age or higher status, to show respect. Normally people will keep their gaze to another part of the interlocutor’s face, such as the mouth.

Bow or Ojigi

Bowing, or ojigi, is a gesture widely used in Japan for various purposes, such as showing gratitude, repentance, or even as a greeting. The rules for performing the ojigi are very extensive and complex, but with observation and patience, they can be mastered. At first, it is advisable to observe and imitate the people close to us, without exaggerating the gesture, but showing interest in learning it.

Gesticulation

Gestures are another important factor when communicating in Japan. Certain gestures are highly codified in Japan and it is convenient to learn them, either to use them correctly or to learn how to interpret them. Gestures such as raising your hand to place it behind your head usually indicate discomfort due to disagreement or grief. Another gesture is to wave your hand slightly from side to side in front of your face or body to indicate disagreement in a lightened way.

Another very common gesture is to “invite or call someone to come closer.” It is performed with the palm of the hand open downwards, while moving the fingers at the same time so that they point towards your body. This gesture is not appropriate in situations where you must behave formally, where you must offer the person passage with both hands open and slightly inclining the body, such as when inviting someone to take a seat.

Pointing fingers is considered inappropriate and impolite in Japan. In the event that you want to point out something specific, it is more convenient to indicate it with an open hand gesture offering what you want to point out.

When counting with the hands, in Japan you usually start with an open hand, and gradually close your fingers for each number. For example, the number one is counted by closing the thumb, when counting two the index finger is closed, and so on.

In Japan, it is common to nod your head while having a conversation, and this indicates that you are listening carefully to the interlocutor. This is a courtesy gesture, which does not imply that you agree with the interlocutor.

Even the feet play an important role in non-verbal communication. In Japan it is considered incorrect to show the soles of the feet, especially if you have shoes outside. Inside a house, or sitting on a tatami, it is very difficult not to show the sole of the foot, so it is usually frowned upon. At the same time, you should not use your feet to move objects, abnormally point your feet at another person, or put your feet on the building.

Like the rules of verbal communication, the rules of non-verbal communication are relative, they depend on the circumstance and the individuals. Most Japanese are aware of the complexity of some of these, such as ojigi, so they don’t expect all foreigners to be able to follow them correctly, although a show of effort is always welcome. In the end, a good advice that has been with us for a long time would be, “in Rome, like the Romans”