Why is using Honne and tatemae essential in Japanese society?

Some people view it as being two-faced or hypocritical but in Japan it is something that is used daily and is not viewed in a negative way. Actually it is considered proper social etiquette to be able to use Honne and Tatemae to keep the harmony of the situation.

Could you explain tatemae and Hon ne?

In Japan, “honne” refers to a person’s true feelings and desires (本音, hon’ne, “true sound”), and “tatemae” refers contrastingly to the behavior and opinions one displays in public (建前, tatemae, “built in front”, “façade”). This distinction began to be made in the post-war era.

Under what circumstances would you use tatemae?

For example, if someone you’ve just met has invited you to their home, you can likely judge that their invitation was out of politeness, thus being tatemae.

What is Nemawashi mean in Japanese?

process of quietly laying the foundation
Nemawashi (根回し) in Japanese means an informal process of quietly laying the foundation for some proposed change or project, by talking to the people concerned, gathering support and feedback, and so forth.

Are Honne and tatemae useful in understanding Japanese culture?

And it is indeed true that considering honne and tatemae can indeed be very helpful in understanding certain situations involving Japanese. However, the key thing for me is that honne and tatemae are hardly unique to Japanese culture.

What is the dichotomy between honne and tatamae?

True to the Japanese style, this dichotomy has become enshrined in culture. Honne and tatamae jostle with each other through every conversation in Japan, each participant assessing what needs to be said, and how, and internally weighing what can be said and what must not be said.

What is tatemae and why is it important?

So in some cases, tatemae is a way of maintaining the modesty that the Japanese value more highly than many Western cultures. In others, it may be a way of maintaining position. Or it may be a way of defusing an awkward situation or even flattering an important client.

Is it a virtue to conceal the truth in Japan?

However, in Japan it is something that is used in daily life and not in a negative sense, on the contrary, it considered a virtue to be able to express the Tatemae and the Honne in the proper situations. From a Western point of view, to conceal the truth is usually not well seen.