JAPAN
Nonverbal communication
Proxemics can be defined as "the interrelated observations and theories of man's use of space as a specialized elaboration of culture" and in short it refers to the length of intimate, personal, social and public space. In big Japanese cities where they have extremely dense populations, personal space is very scarce and there is very little space for them to retreat to. Therefore, most Japanese tend to be very introvert, shy and withdrawn due to this. Therefore, we can observe that proxemics in Japan can be influenced by demographic factor.
Kinesics refers to the nonverbal communication in the culture and for the Japanese culture, kinesics makes up the majority part of the communication. In Japan, understanding and interpreting body language is essential. You can avoid both unpleasant and embarrassing situations as well as gain the respect of the locals you are trying to communicate with if you know how to read their body language. In Japan, when you look at a person’s eyes directly, that person will find you rude and aggressive. Maintaining direct eye contact with someone more superior than you are viewed as impolite. No eye contact is a way of showing respect in the Japanese culture. In a crowd, it is a way of giving others privacy. So where do you look if not the eyes? Most Japanese look around the area of the Adam’s apple or the neck; you should do the same.
BE AWARE OF IT!
-
Do not stare at someone for too long. Not looking at others around is also a form of giving others privacy
-
Do not speak too loudly in any occasion as it may be seen as being uncivilized or uncouth
-
Do not make too much unnecessary movements or actions
-
Observe how others are behaving and replicate. Do try not to stand out too much from the crowd