God × 8,000,000 = 8 million Gods...?

Silence in Japan

I'm a Japanese lives in Tokyo.

Today, let's mention the silence of Japanese.

Japanese is thought to be silent.

It’s almost true.

Everyday, I use railway or subway.

Actually, most of all passengers keep silent.

Why?



Of course, keeping silent in a public transportaion is one of social manner in Japan.

In addition to this, It might be from our virtue.

Since ancient time, we/Japanese have  found beauty, art, etc. in silence.

For example, Zen, Japanese caligraphy, Cha-no-yu, Iai-dou...in typical Japanese tradition,

silence play a important role of motion.

Further, silence is obligation during wedding/farewell ceremony,

it is even sacred for us.

Me?


I also feel comfortable in silence.

When you come to Japan and talk loudly in public, we/Japanese perhaps

direct a questioning look at you.

But, please don't think that we/Japanese don't hate your personality.

We/Japanese just want you to keep silent.