Omotenashi...Japanese Hospitality

If you are fortunate enough to visit Japan sometime, you will notice a general attitude of hospitality towards visitors, especially if you are polite in their country. The reason for this is a philosophy in Japan called Omotenashi. Often this is translated as "everyone is my guest," but it goes deeper than this. Omote means "outward," or it can mean "public face." Nashi means "nothing." Combining them in a philosphy about hospitality gives the minds eye the illustration of "providing service from the bottom of the hear, honest with no hiding or pretending." So, don't be surprised if Japanese people randomly offer you directions just in case you are lost, or offer to take your picture for you so you can be in the shot. The Japanese are a very kind people towards visitors, particularly if you are polite. Politeness is extremely important, so much so they have a separate aspect of their language for polite speak. So, spend a few minutes learning public etiquette in Japan so you will not inadvertently act rudely and then you will find Japan to be even more fun to visit.