From the article "Psycologie Heute"- 'Psycology Today" (2001), titled "Japan und seine Katastrophen"
Focus point of this article was "handling crises" and "why order cannot be easily disrupted in Japan".

What caught my eye, however, was a reference to hospitality. The article read that to this day "at-home hospitality" bears a higly ceremonious character and is reserved for (more or less distant) "aquaintances" basically. This means that even close friends may not visit at home or for example decide to go out to each than have a cook out at home.

I was wondering whether this was an accurate description, is this true indeed? (This is a custom that is very much different both in the States and Europe for instance...)
In addition to this what role does the extended family play in this case? Would they be also treated as "friends" or "aquaintances" more? (..according to what the specific article reads of course...)

Question

From the article "Psycologie Heute"- 'Psycology Today" (2001), titled "Japan und seine Katastrophen"
Focus point of this article was "handling crises" and "why order cannot be easily disrupted in Japan".

What caught my eye, however, was a reference to hospitality. The article read that to this day "at-home hospitality" bears a higly ceremonious character and is reserved for (more or less distant) "aquaintances" basically. This means that even close friends may not visit at home or for example decide to go out to each than have a cook out at home.

I was wondering whether this was an accurate description, is this true indeed? (This is a custom that is very much different both in the States and Europe for instance...)
In addition to this what role does the extended family play in this case? Would they be also treated as "friends" or "aquaintances" more? (..according to what the specific article reads of course...)

Answer

Well, if so, maybe the description is quite to the point. On the olympic selection, the word “hospitality” came up as the keyword of the presentation made by Japanese. It was like Japanese is the best when it comes to treating guests. In a sense it’s somewhat true. Even in a McDonalds, the workers are polite and servile to the customers. However, at the same time, the attitude is sort of aloof. Their in-house rules prohibit them to chat with customers, which draws a distinct line between the two sides; the side which gains money, and the side which pays money. All depends on the definition what hospitality is. Although I’m not so sure if I’ve written about what you wanted to know, I hope it helps in some ways.

By the way, as for “why the order cannot be easily disrupted in Japan even when in crisis.” At least FOR ME, when a serious trouble hits me, the easiest way is to obey the order someone gives me, which let me free from handling the situation by myself on my self responsibility.

Answer

Oh, o.k., we are on the same page, by "I can say that comparing to the Western, we are basically reluctant to have people over even if they are close friends" . As to your question, quite the opposite, I meant that "strangers" ("Unbekannte"-literally "people you don't know", therefore my choice for "aquaintance") are in fact eligible for "at-home-hospitality". 
Thanks for your answer, keyword "reluctant"gives me an answer and a lead (^^) at the same time...!

Answer

Please let me make sure that you meant “at-home hospitality is reserved not for close friends but for distant acquaintances”? If so, the description of the book is totally ridiculous and incorrect. I can say that comparing to the Western, we are basically reluctant to have people over even if they are close friends.

Answer

There is a small typo in "Psychology", ^^.

Answers · 8

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