Who Benefits from Saving Face? Japan's Deep-Rooted Culture of Preventing Shame

"Manager, I disagree with that."

Many Japanese people would likely feel uncomfortable making such a direct statement in a meeting. In Japanese workplaces, there's a tendency to avoid direct confrontation with superiors. This isn't simply about hierarchy - it's deeply influenced by Japan's unique culture of "saving face."

This concept of "saving face" is deeply embedded not just in business settings, but also in senior-junior relationships at school and community interactions.

For example, it manifests when juniors downplay their achievements in front of seniors, or when elderly members' opinions are given priority at community meetings.

There are actually profound historical reasons behind this culture.

However, from my personal experience working in the IT industry today, I feel this culture needs to gradually evolve. As globalization advances and technological progress accelerates, we need an environment that allows for more free exchange of opinions, regardless of age or position.

So how exactly was Japan's "face-saving" culture formed, and how is it changing in modern times? Let's explore these questions in detail in this article.

What does "saving face" mean in Japanese culture?

In Japanese society, the concept of "saving face" carries deeper meaning beyond individual reputation or honor.

For Japanese people, "face" is a crucial social indicator that reflects how one is valued and evaluated by their group and those around them.

Historically, Japanese people have held collectivist values, tending to prioritize the harmony and benefits of their group over individual opinions and interests.

In this cultural context, "saving face" serves as proof that one is an acknowledged member of the group and holds a certain level of respect within it.

Therefore, "losing face" carries consequences far more serious than temporary embarrassment.

It can significantly diminish one's standing and evaluation within the group, potentially causing major disruptions in daily life and work.

Particularly in Japanese society, where close interpersonal relationships are highly valued, regaining lost face is no easy task.

In other words, the practice of "saving face" is an essential social skill for both oneself and others to function smoothly within groups in Japanese society.

Conversely, losing face brings deep shame and can lead to serious problems, sometimes resulting in social isolation.

This is why many Japanese people, both consciously and unconsciously, conduct their social lives while mutually helping each other save face.

When Do Actions Lead to Making Others "Lose Face"? Specific Situations

Let's examine common situations in Japan where certain actions can damage or fail to preserve someone's face

Disagreements in Client Meetings

In business settings, differences of opinion with clients are common.

Directly contradicting a client by saying "That's wrong" or "That's not a good idea" can seriously damage their face.

This is because publicly rejecting their expertise and judgment in front of others undermines their position and can instantly damage business relationships built over many years.

Instead, it's important to acknowledge their input while suggesting alternatives constructively, such as "Thank you for your proposal. In addition to your perspective, we might also consider this approach - what are your thoughts?"

Handling Payment at Social Gatherings

When a superior or manager offers to pay at a company drinking party, insisting on paying instead might seem generous but can be interpreted as disregarding their authority and position.

This ignores team hierarchy and rejects the superior's goodwill.

A better approach would be to graciously accept their offer while suggesting, "Thank you very much. Please allow us to treat next time," maintaining balance in the relationship.

Generational Considerations in School Sports

In middle school basketball tournaments, a coach who prioritizes merit to the extent of fielding only younger players while benching seniors can seriously damage face.

This not only appears to deny the seniors' value and abilities but also disrupts the established seniority-based order in school clubs.

To avoid this, coaches should discuss team strategy with senior players beforehand and ensure they have opportunities to play, respecting their role as team leaders.

Hierarchy Considerations in Wedding Speeches

At weddings, asking a lower-ranking superior to give a speech when the company president is present represents a serious breach of corporate hierarchy.

This appears to diminish the president's presence and can create discomfort for all attendees.

Such situations require careful planning of the ceremony program, with speech arrangements following proper organizational hierarchy - either having the president speak first, followed by other superiors, or arranging for both to speak if appropriate.

These examples demonstrate how Japanese society places great importance on properly recognizing hierarchy, position, and authority while preserving others' face.

The key to maintaining smooth relationships is achieving objectives while avoiding direct confrontation and maintaining harmony.

Historical Factors Behind Japanese People's Emphasis on "Saving Face"

Several historical factors have contributed to deeply embedding the concept of "saving face" in Japanese culture.

One major factor was the existence of village communities centered around rice cultivation. Particularly during the Edo period from the 17th century onward, the national isolation policy (sakoku) forced people to live within limited regional communities.

In this closed environment, maintaining good relationships with fellow villagers became key to survival, and saving each other's face became essential for social stability.

The influence of samurai society cannot be overlooked either. Under the strict class system, each family was required to maintain their status and honor.

Samurai were expected to behave not just as individuals but as representatives of their households, making loss of face a serious matter that could affect their family's survival.

This mindset spread among merchants and farmers as well, and the value of saving family face became widely shared throughout Japanese society.

Furthermore, Japan's unique seniority-based system in company significantly contributed to forming a culture that emphasizes face.

In a society where age-based hierarchical relationships formed the foundation of social order, causing a superior to lose face was seen as more than just an interpersonal issue - it was recognized as an act that disrupted social order.

As a result, showing appropriate respect according to someone's age and position, and protecting each other's face, became established as essential etiquette for maintaining smooth relationships.

These historical factors have worked together to preserve the culture of emphasizing face in modern Japan.

This value system remains an important part of Japanese behavioral norms in various situations, from maintaining business relationships to daily interactions with neighbors.

Changing Perspectives on "Face" Among Younger Generations

Recent years have seen significant changes in how Japan's younger generations view the traditional culture of "saving face." Particularly amid advancing digitalization and globalization, traditional values don't always align well with contemporary social environments.

This shift reflects distinct generational differences in values.

While older generations, still prevalent in upper management of large companies, maintain traditional values emphasizing seniority and face-saving, younger generations working under them often feel uncomfortable being bound by such values.

Young people's dissatisfaction and resistance are particularly evident in situations where age and years of service are prioritized over capability and performance.

This change is especially pronounced in the IT industry.

In an environment of rapidly evolving technology and market conditions, flexible responses and direct communication are valued more than saving face.

There's a growing tendency to appreciate those who actively embrace new technologies and ideas, and who are willing to modify traditional methods when necessary.

However, one aspect of face-saving culture - the principle of "not causing others to lose face" - remains an important value in contemporary society.

For instance, Japanese people still tend to strongly avoid publicly criticizing or harshly scolding others. Rather than being merely about saving face, this is viewed as showing basic respect and consideration for others by not causing them embarrassment - a value shared across generations.

Thus, while younger generations may take a critical view of traditional face-saving culture, they are inheriting its universal values in new forms. While seeking new ways of communication suited to changing times, they maintain the fundamental attitude of respecting others.

Japanese Expressions Related to "Face"

There are many Japanese expressions related to face that connect to the concept of social standing and dignity. Here are some key expressions and their meanings:

Sentence	Meaning
Mentsu wo tsubusu (Destroying face)	To damage someone's self-esteem, social standing, or prestige. This refers to causing someone to lose face by criticizing them or causing embarrassment in public.
Tsura no kawa ga atsui (Having thick facial skin)	Describes someone who lacks shame or hesitation. Often used negatively to describe someone as brazen or shameless.
Kao ga kiku (Face has effect)	Having social influence and credibility with others. Describes someone in a position to make things happen smoothly
Kao wo tateru (Building up face)	Showing consideration for others' dignity and prestige. Taking care not to hurt someone's pride.
Kao ni doro wo nuru (Smearing mud on face)	To bring shame or dishonor to oneself or associates. Often refers to actions that damage the reputation of family or organization.
Kao wo uru (Selling one's face)	Making oneself known to many people. Specifically refers to deliberately creating networking opportunities for future relationships or work
Kao ga hiroi (Having a wide face)	Having many acquaintances and broad connections. Indicates having built useful relationships across various situations.

My Personal Thoughts on "Saving Face" Culture

I've deeply felt the importance of "saving face" in Japanese society through my own experiences growing up in the Japanese education system and working life.

In my high school basketball club, any action that brought shame to seniors would make it difficult to remain part of the team. Similarly, after entering the workforce, actions that caused clients to lose face were absolutely unacceptable.

However, perhaps as I've grown older, I've started to notice how excessive face-saving customs in Japan can sometimes hinder innovation and new developments.

Particularly in the IT industry where I work, if we spend too much time being overly considerate about face, new services will continue to emerge during our hesitation, potentially putting our business at risk.

While I hope we retain the thoughtful aspects of our culture - "not causing others embarrassment" and "maintaining smooth relationships" - I feel that meaningless face-saving practices should gradually change.