Japan is a country steeped in history, culture, and ingenuity. One of the great powerhouses of Asia, it is home not just to some of the world’s most advanced technology firms, but also to some of its largest car companies.
Japan is also known for its cuisine and the main religions in the country are Shinto and Buddhism.
However, alongside its beautiful geography and unique cultural landscape, Japan is also considered one of the world’s most polite countries.
According to some reports, it is so polite that staff in restaurants bow when a customer walks into the venue.
BBC Travel reported that the origins of Japan’s politeness come from martial arts and old tea ceremonies according to Professor Isao Kumakura.
According to Japan Endless Discovery, omotenashi is about looking after guests. They explained: “The term is a microcosm of the country itself, representing the Japanese mindset of hospitality centring around care rather than expectation.
“It is a sense of incredible hospitality that carries across home stays, formal ceremonies, retail, and dining… it is an implicit understanding that there are no menial tasks if the result ensures a great experience for a guest.”
Omotenashi isn’t just restricted to restaurants or tea ceremonies, but to other areas where a service is involved such as shops on a high street.
Omotenashi is one of the reasons why hospitality in Japan is so different to other places in the world according to experts.
However, Omotenashi isn’t a one-way street. Speaking to the Michelin Guide Cookie Chung said it was also about guests being respectful to the staff.
They said: “Omotenashi is grounded on mutual respect. While I consider it a privilege to serve, guests should pay respect to us.
“For instance, we hope they don’t wear perfume so that they do not disturb the sushi experience for themselves and others; we also hope guests are on time and always enjoy the sushi served to them within 30 seconds to experience the best taste we offer.”
Outside of restaurants and small businesses, there are other examples of omotenashi in Japan.
One of the best examples is the wearing of masks when people are ill to avoid giving someone a cold, something that occurred before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, the BBC reported that in shops, some staff members will place a hand under someone else’s when giving them change to stop it dropping to the floor.
