Beyond clichés: what remains of authentic Japan?

Between tradition and modernity: a Japan in transformation

Yes, Tokyo and Kyoto offer the striking spectacle of temples nestled between towering skyscrapers. But reducing Japan to a mere “mixture of tradition and modernity” is simplistic. The reality is that Japan has modernized at breakneck speed, often at the expense of its local character.

In Osaka, for example, some nagaya (long, terraced Japanese houses) are now unoccupied, and the oldest or best-located ones are gradually disappearing, replaced by imposing apartment buildings designed to accommodate an ever-growing urban population. This evolution accompanies progress, but it also erases a piece of history and a unique atmosphere.

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Ayumi recommends:

A few stations away from the gigantic Abeno Harukas building, there is a nagaya district , the houses are preserved from destruction to conserve this historical heritage.

Japan, an ultra-technological country? Not so simple!

Stereotype #2 : “Japan, the kingdom of robots and high technology.” While Japanese services are undeniably efficient—punctuality, ATMs everywhere, everyday conveniences—daily life isn't as futuristic as one might imagine. Many companies still use fax machines, and the digital transition is progressing slowly in some sectors.

The service robots found in restaurants and hotels aren't there "out of a passion for technology," but rather to compensate for labor shortages. Japan is moving at its own pace: practical, ingenious, but not necessarily ultra-modern everywhere.

Ikigai, a philosophy more than a way of life

The Japanese concept of ikigai — or “reason for being” — is inspiring. On paper, ikigai is based on four pillars:

• what we like

• what the world needs

• what you can be paid for

• and what we're good at

Finding one's ikigai would allow one to give meaning to their life and to wake up each morning with motivation.

But beware of the stereotype: not all Japanese live according to ikigai . Many lead busy lives, structured by work and daily obligations: commute-work-sleep. Ikigai remains an inspiring philosophy, known to all but truly practiced by few.

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Ayumi recommends:

For a moment of calm bordering on spirituality, participate in a tea ceremony. A truly sensory and meditative experience, it invites you to slow down, savor the present moment, and discover the art of gesture.

“The Japanese are shy and work too much”: true or false?

Another common stereotype is: “Japanese people are shy and work tirelessly.” In reality, Japanese personalities are very diverse; need I mention that there are extroverted Japanese and reserved foreigners? What is true, however, is that the work culture in Japan is demanding.

Leaving the office before your superior is often frowned upon, and workdays can stretch late into the evening. Commuting time further lengthens these days. Yet, long hours don't necessarily equate to greater efficiency: Japanese productivity remains a subject of debate. In some sectors, working on Sundays or during holidays is still common practice.

In short, the Japanese work hard, but that doesn't make them a timid people! Cohesion and collective respect often take precedence over individualism, which can give this impression of reserve.