ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Opinion

Japan must modernize omotenashi while respecting its philosophy

Technology enables balancing of tradition and agility

| Japan
The service staff in Japan are often overqualified.   © Reuters

Despite the geopolitical tensions across East Asia, few doubt that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will boost Japan's inbound tourism. The Japanese word omotenashi, commonly translated as "hospitality," was the keyword in Tokyo's final pitch in 2013 to be host city. It promised the world Japan's legendary reception, should it be selected.

But omotenashi extends far beyond polite store clerks, clean public spaces and trains which run on time. At its core, embedded in Japanese DNA, is respect for others. Indeed, in an insular and conservative country, being civil and respectful to others -- elevated to the level of mindreading -- is a mandatory skill we hone from an early age.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more