Did you know over 90% Japanese people don't speak English?

It is considered embarrassing to make a mistake in public in Japan. This value is deeply rooted in Japanese society, where individuals are raised to avoid mistakes and failures, especially in public such as at schools or workplaces, where perfection and accuracy are highly valued. Due to this cultural background, Japanese individuals may feel similar psychological pressure when speaking English. They tend to feel embarrassed if they make mistakes or fail to communicate with correct grammar or phrases in English. Therefore, they may resist taking risks to develop their conversational skills in English, and may avoid opportunities to speak the language.

In Japan, speaking English is not highly necessary, compared to some other countries. Most daily activities and work are conducted in Japanese, as it's the primary language used. So that opportunities to use English within Japan are relatively limited. Also, Japan has been traditionally seen as a more closed-off society, with fewer situations where English communication is required compared to other places. Because of this, many Japanese people don't feel a strong need to speak English fluently in their everyday lives. As a result, they might not invest as much time and effort into learning or practicing English, leading to fewer Japanese people being fluent in the language.

Japan has been known as a high-tech and efficient country, but perhaps not particularly for translation machines. When visiting sightseeing spots such as museums or temples, there is often a wealth of information available in written descriptions. However, many of these locations lack English translations or translation machines. While translation apps may not work well, imagine having a knowledgeable translator who is well-versed in Japanese history and arts! Explore Translation has professional translators even in western Japan. If you find yourself tired of big cities or if it's not your first time in Japan, the western part of Japan may be your ideal destination.

In Japan, it's common for many restaurants to only accept reservations via phone, even in this age of advanced technology. There are several reasons behind this practice, including a strong emphasis on personalized service and attention to detail, particularly regarding dietary restrictions such as allergies. Additionally, the phone reservation system allows for a more personal interaction between the restaurant staff and customers, which is highly valued in Japanese hospitality culture. Therefore, despite the prevalence of online reservation systems in other parts of the world, the tradition of phone reservations remains deeply rooted in Japanese dining culture, catering to the need for personalized service and meticulous attention to customer preferences, including dietary concerns.

In Japan, handwritten menus are often prevalent for several reasons, including the emphasis on seasonal and regional ingredients, the fusion of tradition and art in culinary presentation, the provision of personalized service, and the cultural significance of handwritten elements in Japanese restaurants. For example, Japanese good restaurants tend to choose handwritten menus to reflect seasonal availability and chef recommendations. Those chef recommendations may need additional explanation or cultural context that translation apps may not provide adequately. Also, handwritten menus are considered an integral part of the dining experience, embodying the restaurant's atmosphere and aesthetic. Due to these factors, relying solely on translation apps to understand handwritten menus can be challenging for you.

One of the reasons why it can be difficult for foreign tourists to participate in regional or seasonal events in Japan is because, in the first place, it can be challenging for them to become aware of such events. Many events are based on Japan's cultural background, which may not be familiar to foreigners. Additionally, there are several challenges involved, such as language barrier, and accessibility, as you may already imagined. For example, although there are a lot of unspoken rules or practices for seasonal events, support for foreign languages may be limited. Also, regional and seasonal events in Japan are often held in remote locations away from urban areas, making access difficult.

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Explore Translation can help you to explore Japan!
More Japanese people don't speak English than you may expect.

1. Education Methods Focus on Writing Over Verbal Communication

2.Cultural distinction: Don't Make a Mistake in Public

3. English is not necessary to live in Japan

You may need to know something in advance to have a good time in Japan.

To figure out how pay for food with a vending machine in a restaurantpay for food with a vending machine in a restaurant

When you are at sightseeing spots, guides and explanations are often provided in Japanese

To make a reservation at a popular restaurant without Japanese & Japanese phone number

To order food from the menu which is handwritten and translation app can't read

When you want to visit somewhere loved by locals but not known by foreigners, or to go to seasonal festivals or special events

Don't change your destination because of the language barrier...!
Japan is beautiful in any time of year.

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Explore Translation can help you to explore Japan! More Japanese people don't speak English than you may expect.