Silence Speaks Volumes in Japan

Silence in Japan isn’t just about the absence of noise. It’s a rich, meaningful part of Japanese culture. This is in contrast to our tech-heavy world, where constant noise is the norm.

Silence Speaks Volumes in Japan

The practice of silence in Japan is a key part of how people interact with each other. The Japanese use silence to show respect and consideration in social settings. It also allows for reflection and deep thinking.

Keihan Train Line Poster About Noisy Passengers

The value placed on silence is deeply rooted in Japanese society. You’ll find evidence of it in books, art, ceremonies, business meetings, and everyday life.

Silence in Literature

Japanese writers use silence to add depth to their work. The power of a story or poem comes from both what is said and what remains unsaid.

Haiku, for example, often focuses on nature, seasons, or brief moments. The poems capture the essence of an experience, rather than describing it in full.

Emptiness in Art

Artists play with empty space to highlight silence. They use unoccupied space to create balance. They show that what’s not there is just as important as what is.

Wood Carving from the Edo Period at Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Japan

Enhancing Tea Ceremonies

Traditional tea ceremonies also show how silence can be powerful. A traditional tea ceremony involves a series of quiet, precise actions that serve several purposes. Without noise, other senses are enhanced, allowing the guests to appreciate the tea’s aroma, flavor, and appearance.

Choosing to be Quiet

Westerners might find this silence uncomfortable at first, but silence in Japanese culture isn’t awkward. It’s a deliberate choice. It gives people time to process information and form thoughtful responses.

Friendly Sign Asking Train Passengers to Mind Their Manners

Japanese people frequently communicate without words. They see silence as respectful and thoughtful.

How Cellphones Fit Into Japan’s Quiet Culture

Japan led the mobile phone revolution in the late 1990s and early 2000s. I had a camera phone in Japan years before before my friends in the US.

In Japan, cell phones are called keitai denwa, meaning portable telephone. Most Japanese owned a keitai denwa long before they caught on globally. And by 2018, sixty-five percent of Japan’s population had smartphones.

Wording on Shinkansen Tray Table Telling Passengers to Turn off Phone Sound

This high adoption rate shaped a unique phone culture in Japan. Even early on, Japan’s mobile phone practices differed greatly from other countries, and this has impacted Japanese society and communication norms significantly.

No Phone Calls on Public Transportation

Mobile calls on public transport are frowned upon in Japan. There are constant announcements reminding passengers to switch their phones to silent mode (called manner mode in Japan) and to avoid calls. It’s not just a suggestion. It’s expected.

Actually, it’s such a big deal, that if you’re talking on your phone while trying to get on a bus, there is a good chance the driver will not let you board.

Sign to Turn Off Ringer and Not Make Phone Calls in a Fast Food Restaurant

Japan’s approach to mobile phone use in public is to be smart and considerate to others. This includes using a phone in any public place, including cafés, restaurants, grocery stores, shopping malls, and anywhere else that phone noise could be heard by others nearby.

Social harmony is a huge deal in Japan, and many dislike it when people cause disruptions. The rule-of-thumb is if you’re out in public, your phone should be on silent mode. If your phone does ring, you’ll see people get uncomfortable fast.

Manner Mode Sign on JR Train

Texting is the Norm in Japan

Texting on public transport is the best way to communicate in Japan. It’s quiet, and it doesn’t bother others, provided you have your sound off. And yes, even the clicking and dinging of text messages is considered rude.

Final Thoughts

This focus on silence shows how much Japan values subtlety and mindfulness. It also reveals their belief in the power of unspoken communication. Understanding this can help tourists understand and appreciate Japan’s unique culture more clearly.

Remember, silence in Japan isn’t awkward. It’s part of daily life. This contrasts with Western cultures, where silence is often perceived as awkward or uncomfortable. However, Japanese culture values this quiet backdrop and believes it enhances everyday moments.