Cool Japan: Manners and Club Activities

 ■ Cool Japan: Manners and Club Activities

The “Manners” episode from NHK’s Cool Japan

There is no such thing as a global standard for manners. For foreigners, some manners must be impenetrable and confusing. It is not a matter of right or wrong — manners are merely different. Let’s take a look at manners that are thought to be strange. 

Waving goodbye to someone until you can no longer see them

This is seen as part of hospitality and showing concern for the other person. One must not assume that it will be possible to meet again. Each and every meeting and farewell must be taken seriously and the feelings one has for the other person should linger. 

Not crossing legs while seated

The standard for Japanese people is seiza — sitting upright on the floor with legs tucked underneath. There is also a belief that you should not sleep with your feet pointed at an important person and that it is rude for one’s toes or the soles of the feet to be pointed at someone. However, it was only in the Edo period, with the introduction of tatami mats, that seiza became the proper way of sitting. 

No drinking before all superiors have arrived

This is a rule around fitting in in a hierarchical society, no doubt influenced by Confucianism. Drinking must start with a toast and end with a proper recital of ippon jime clapping.

No talking on mobile phones in a train

Trains are a public, social space. Noisy announcements in these public places aren’t an imposition, but private conversations certainly are. This rule relates to consideration for others.

All these — waving until you lose sight, not crossing legs, avoiding phone conversations on the train —  relate to consideration and hospitality. Perhaps it has been taken so far that it seems strange, but isn’t it strange in a cute way? Perhaps strange is fine.

The “Club Activities” episode 

Videos of Japanese bukatsu, or club activities, are quite popular online. Searching for ‘bukatsu’ brings up a large number of hits showing videos from schools across Japan. This is because internationally popular manga and anime like Captain Tsubasa, Slam Dunk, The Prince of Tennis and K-On! include a lot of content about club activities.

Strict club activities

Japanese schools are not merely for studying. They place importance on building character, valuing friendship, operating as part of a group, manners and greetings, collaboration and discipline. They are a place to learn not just about horizontal relationships but hierarchical relationships as well. Teachers, who have to teach these things in addition to the curriculum, have a tough job!

Town revitalization club activities

This is pure love for one’s hometown, rather than something aimed at making profits. These activities are spurred on by a desire to do something for one’s local area. Students are also aware of the issues and crises faced by their local community, including depopulation and aging. By interacting with people in their local community through club activities, they deepen their affection for their local area. In some cases, this has given rise to hit products. How wonderful!

Sumo lifestyle

Schools promote themselves through sport, often leading to people trying to gain entry across school district boundaries. But only a select few can make a living in professional sport. Teachers ensure that students are able to support themselves even if they don’t make it as a professional by ensuring they study and build their character. What a solid system.