Do you know what "Omotenachi" mean? You might have heard when Tokyo was selected as next Olympics place. I recently feel this is slightly misunderstood. Some blog explains as "In Japan, customers are considered as god. So staff are supposed to admire customers and listen to them all the time". Personally, I think this is wrong. This sounds like customers can say anything and that can be even rude to staff and is approved. I understand the concept that Japanese people want to treat customers nice. I think it's is good. However, I think there should be respect between customers and staff.
I used to work at macdonaldo's. Because I was told that customers are god, so I couldn't say anything back even if the customer was totally wrong. I felt this was so strange. My colleague was even spilled hot coffee on his face because the customer was angry after his breakup. In this case, he couldn't say anything back as well. I think this is not fair and employee's human rights are not protected.
I'm not saying that I don't respect Japanese culture. But I don't want Omotenashi to be misunderstood. That Japanese staff listen to anything customers say or they always apologise whatsoever the reason. For me, Omotenashi should consist with respect between customers and staff. More like equal relationship. I think some people understand in this way because of the way media expressed. "Customer is considered to be god in Japan". Wherever you go, people should interact with others with respect. This is what I believe. I think since social network got popular, people became angry to each other. I mean people could say rude things online because it's not in person. This could hurt the person and it just makes people angry. So please don't do it. I know the facebook situation in the U.S. I can't predict the future of Social Network. It can be good and bad.
I hope travelers can enjoy trip in Japan.
Haruka
Gym In Japan: https://gyminjapan.net
Comments