In this episode of Inside the Japanese Mind, we explore how Japanese people think on the inside — and why cultural misunderstandings often happen between Japanese locals and foreign visitors.

You may have heard stories like, “Foreign tourists were rude in Japan.”

But in many cases, it’s not about bad intentions. It’s about different rules, values, and ideas of what is considered “normal” or “polite.”

As a Japanese host, I explain the key values that shape the Japanese mindset, including:

• Why harmony (wa) is more important than speaking up

• Why effort and perseverance (ganbaru) are seen as virtues

• How seniority and respect for age influence daily life and workplaces

• And how these traditional values are slowly changing in modern Japan

Understanding these cultural foundations can help you avoid unintentional rudeness, reduce misunderstandings, and communicate more smoothly with Japanese people.

Whether you’re planning to visit Japan, living here, or simply curious about Japanese culture, this episode will give you a deeper look into the Japanese mind.

Welcome to the very first episode of Inside the Japanese Mind.

In this episode, I introduce myself and explain why I started this podcast. Many foreigners worry about being rude in Japan, even when they don’t mean to be. This show focuses on Japanese manners, etiquette, and ways of thinking—especially situations that are often misunderstood unintentionally.

I’m a Japanese host currently living in Canada and studying English. Having lived in multiple regions of Japan, I share real experiences, practical tips, and authentic phrases that textbooks often don’t teach.

If you want to understand how Japanese people really think, feel more confident when traveling in Japan, and create more comfortable interactions between foreigners and locals, this podcast is for you.