Work in Japan is associated with norms, customs, formal language, the use of uniforms, and policies that are exclusive to the country. Japanese work is highly praised by visitors and long-term residents living there.
However, differences in work customs can lead to culture shock and, in some cases, negative experiences. On the customer side, they are treated like gods; Japan has the best service in the world.
Below are some important things about work and service in Japan, whether in konbinis, stores, and restaurants, and even in some factories.
Table of Contents
Japanese Service Uses Keigo
Teams are usually required to speak in a polite form of Japanese, which is called Keigo by customers. It is a form of respectful language that tends to use ultra-long words and phrases.
Employees are trained to repeat certain steps to greet each customer and to handle common situations.
This can be a challenge if you are new to learning Japanese, as many of the phrases you will hear in restaurants and stores are complex phrases that are said at high speed.
The good news is that these are mostly rhetorical statements, which do not require a response from the customer. For example, stores will welcome customers with an Irasshaimase! This means welcome and does not require any response.
Professionalism Vs Friendliness
In Japan, a good job is associated with professionalism rather than friendliness. This means that staff are taught to maintain a professional distance. For example, customers who ask personal questions may be disapproved of by the professional.
As a result, it is somewhat uncommon for staff to initiate small talk or try to establish a personal relationship with customers. It is also unthinkable in Japan for professionals to discuss their personal lives in front of customers. You may find friendly staff in Japan, but professionalism is the focus of efforts.
Loudness
The use of voice is also necessary. For example, store employees are usually trained to shout, mainly with greetings to show their enthusiasm and spirit, their genki spirit.
In a retail environment, it is somewhat common for professionals to use megaphones to promote sales and to say welcome to customers.
Sumimasen
It is perfectly polite to shout Sumimasen, a Japanese term for “excuse me,” in a crowded restaurant when you need to be served. This represents a different model of service where customers request service instead of waiting to be noticed.
As a result, it is uncommon for staff to have to wait while actively monitoring the current situation of the establishment. The word Sumimasen can also be used to request service from a store.
Uniforms
Uniforms are almost indispensable in the Japanese workforce, except in fashion-related stores. This is one of the aspects that most pleases Japanese and foreign customers. In many cases, even small street vendors also wear uniforms.
Custom Orders
It is not very common for people to request customization of dishes in Japanese restaurants. People would normally be surprised if you requested a change or substitution in the dish; some even reject this type of request.
Omakase
Omakase is a tradition that consists of letting the restaurant recommend a dish at a mystery price. This is based on trust and generally works well.
Running
One of the notable aspects of Japanese work is that teams tend to be fast, and this can work sometimes. For example, you may see workers running to open a new cash register when a line of two or more customers forms.
Bowing
If you make a purchase at a small clothing store, the person who greeted you will take you out of the store, hand you your purchase at the exit, and bow as you leave. There is no need to return these bows.
Service Items
In some cases, a small restaurant or café will give you something for free. They call this “service.” This is reasonably rare, but it happens. Usually, a small dessert or discount coupon.
Leave a Reply