Culture & Communication

Sumimasen — the Word That Holds Guilt and Gratitude in One Breath

Sumimasen means sorry, excuse me, and thank you at the same time. Japanese people often use it instead of arigatō — and that choice isn't politeness inflation. Here's what it actually does.2026-07-24

Hikikomori — 1.46 Million People, and Almost None of Them Are What You Pictured

Hikikomori is reported abroad as teenage gamers who never leave their rooms. Japan's own government survey says 1.46 million working-age people, most pushed out by jobs and illness. Here's the honne.2026-07-21

Gaman: The Japanese Strength That's Also a Trap

Gaman — enduring hardship with dignity — is praised as Japanese resilience. From the inside it's double-edged, and its dark side is a real mental-health cost.2026-07-16

Omotenashi Isn't "Great Customer Service"

Japan is famous for hospitality, but omotenashi isn't "the customer is always right." A Japanese writer explains what it actually is — and why there's no tipping.2026-07-16

Honne and Tatemae — No, Japanese People Aren't "Two-Faced"

Westerners often call honne and tatemae "two-faced." A Japanese writer explains what they actually mean, why they're not dishonesty, and how to read them.2026-07-15