Communication styles differ greatly between Japan and other countries, especially when it comes to whether you should speak up or remain silent.
In Other Countries: “If You Don’t Speak Up, You Lose”
Outside of Japan, people will not usually act on your behalf unless you clearly express your opinions or needs.
If you stay silent, it’s almost as if you don’t exist.
Speaking up is essential not only to protect yourself but also to make others recognize your value. In many places, nobody will simply “guess” what you want or how you feel.
In Japan: The Culture of “Reading the Air”
Japan, on the other hand, has a culture where people try to sense what others are feeling without being told directly.
Even if you don’t say anything, people may worry about you, ask questions, or offer help. This is part of the Japanese value of wa (harmony) and the social skill of “reading the air,” which means paying close attention to the atmosphere, expressions, and unspoken signals.
Neither Is Better or Worse
In many Western countries, not speaking up puts you at a disadvantage. In Japan, speaking too directly can sometimes make you stand out in an unwanted way.
The key is to adapt your communication style depending on the cultural context.
