What is Honne in Japanese culture?

 

In Japanese culture the interplay of a number of themes are important to understand in verbal communication styles and relationships.

Honne

This is seen to describe the individuals real self or natural self or what one feels in reality.

Tatemae

To follow and behaviour in an outward way toward a standard or rule, 

for example: being polite in society.

This can therefore be described as surface behaviour.

In summary, what a person might say and do at work versus at home maybe very different.

Overall, Japanese culture is tatemae oriented and foreigners must learn to tell the differences between the two concepts as a way to better communicate and build relationships

Source: Deciphering the Japanese Cultural Code,

International Marketing Review, Autumn 1986

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