Is Kneeling and Apologizing a Cultural Norm in Japanese Workplaces?

Is it true that in Japanese culture, when a worker makes a serious mistake, they kneel and apologize, as often portrayed in the drama Hanzawa Naoki? While this is a significant cultural practice, it's part of a broader context of humility, responsibility, and maintaining harmony within society.

The Bending Down Master Spirit

This tradition, often referred to as the 'bending down master spirit,' is deeply integrated into the Japanese work culture. If a worker makes a serious error, it is not uncommon for them to show profound remorse through physical gestures such as deep bows or, in extreme cases, kneeling. This act is a symbol of humility, respect, and a sincere admission of fault.

Japanese Culture and Public Apologies

In Japanese culture, maintaining harmony and taking responsibility are critical values. Public displays of apology can help restore trust and demonstrate a commitment to rectifying the situation. Dramas such as Hanzawa Naoki often focus on these nuances, highlighting the importance of accountability and the societal expectations surrounding apologies in professional settings.

Common Apology Routines

A deep bow, rather than a full kneeing down, is a more common form of apology in most situations. A bow deeper than the standard greeting bow is used to express sincere remorse but does not typically involve touching the ground. For instance, the act of dogeza (kneeling with your head touching the ground) is reserved for extreme circumstances where significant harm could result, such as a potentially life-changing injury from a product defect.

Modern Contexts and Extremes

While such practices are still recognized and respected, they have become less frequent in modern times. However, in extreme cases, such as economic collapse or fraud, both public apologies and extreme actions, including suicide, may occur. Notably, there was a famous hotel in Tokyo where several employees committed suicide, but such incidents are now less common.

Conclusion

The practice of kneeling and apologizing is a nuanced aspect of Japanese culture, reflecting deep-seated values of humility and accountability. While it is a significant practice, it is part of a broader tradition of maintaining harmony and taking responsibility in society. Understanding this cultural context can help in appreciating the depth of Japanese values and the importance placed on public displays of remorse.