Aisatsu (Greeting Culture)

The fundamental Japanese principle symbolized by Prince Shotoku's Seventeen-Article Constitution's 'harmony is to be valued above all.' The social principle of avoiding conflict and valuing harmony underpins Japanese decision-making processes including nemawashi, reading the air, and consensus-building. 'Wa' also serves as a prefix meaning Japan itself, as in washoku and washitsu.

A social skill of reading group atmosphere and implicit understanding to act appropriately. Sensitively perceiving unspoken atmosphere and making decisions that don't disrupt group harmony. Typical of Japan's high-context culture where nonverbal communication outweighs words. A key training component for new employees.

A business ritual exchanging business cards while showing respect. Receiving the card with both hands and reading it carefully demonstrates respect for the person. The card, representing an individual within the company, embodies respect for that person's character. Among Japan's business etiquette, it is the most fundamental and important ritual.

Gestures and language showing respect in social relationships. Properly defined social norms including correct posture, appropriate bowing, and honorific speech. Systematically taught from school to corporate training, it forms the foundation of Japanese behavior. A cultural practice embodying respect for others.

Language showing respect toward others and people in conversation. Three types—honorific, humble, and polite speech—are used according to social status and relationships. Characteristic of Japanese language, systematically taught in education. Maintaining social order through language use exemplifies Japanese culture.

Linguistic ritual essential to initiating and maintaining relationships. Exchanged in all daily situations from 'good morning' and 'hello' to 'thank you for the meal' and 'that was delicious.' Beyond mere pleasantries, it expresses respect and gratitude, fundamentally underpinning human interaction.

Cultural practice of dialogue conducted in circular seating arrangement. Non-hierarchical, egalitarian discussion structure. Applied in contemporary educational, corporate, and community settings. Promotes cross-cutting communication embodying mutual respect and openness. Physical arrangement placing all participants within equal visual field enables democratic interaction. Demonstrates how spatial configuration materializes abstract principles of equality into concrete relational practice.