Canadian Habits Compared to Japan: The Good and Bad
Comparing some of the habits, both good and bad, of Canadians and Japanese, from the perspective of a Canadian living in Japan.
Having lived outside of Canada for more than twenty years, I have worked with coworkers from different English-speaking countries on a daily basis and had to explain facets of Canada to my Japanese students. As a result, I have drawn some interesting insights and conclusions.
It is imperative to note that I am not an authority on the subject, nor am I a professional journalist. My views may be controversial and outrageous to some, and are intended to entertain and possibly educate those who are not aware. Please forgive my attempts at tongue-in-cheek humor as I recount my experiences in writing.
With that being said, let’s begin.
Getting the Job Done
When it comes time to get things done, Japan is probably the most reliable country to do it. Disaster relief efforts, road construction, house building, and more are things that the Japanese people do efficiently and effectively; except when it involves solving their overburdened pension system. Ahem.
It still surprises me to this day how quickly they accomplish things.
However, it should be noted that there is an expression regarding the obedience of the Japanese people that hangs in the air, “Obedient to a fault.” When a manager or boss requests their subordinate to do something, the request is fulfilled regardless of any detriment to the worker. This has arguably led to a very high suicide rate in Japan.
As for Canada, it may surprise some people, but teachers from other countries have repeatedly stated that Canadians also “get the job done”. These colleagues were possibly referring to the World War II era when Canadian paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines and helped win the war. They might also have been referring to fellow teachers they had previously worked with, possibly even me.
While some Canadians may whine, complain, or even question their superiors on why they need to do something, when it comes down to it, Canadians know that when a job needs doing, they are there to do it.
Being Polite
Canadians are known for their politeness, but some think we apologize too much. It’s a habit, but it’s also sincere.
There is a popular meme going around where an American would say, “You Canadians apologize too often!” The Canadian would always respond, “I’m sorry you feel that way”. Well, it is partly true, I suppose. Since hearing this, I have needed to question my own habit of saying sorry more often than not. It is reflexive in part, but I feel it is warranted and genuine in general. I am rambling, sorry about that.
Taught from an early age, Canadians are always told to say thank you to anyone who is doing something for them regardless of how menial it is. In my eyes, it is a simple and polite confirmation of their action to aid or assist me in any way. This simple habit takes only a second to perform, but can make a positive impact on a person. I have been very popular at my local convenience stores here in Japan and it isn’t only because of my ruggedly handsome manliness.
Canadians are also urged to hold doors open when it is appropriate, especially towards the elderly and those with disabilities. Let’s just say, I am thankful for the invention of automatic sliding doors here in Japan.
Japanese people are also known for their polite and courteous nature. They can be seen cleaning up after themselves and others even in other country’s stadiums!
There is another factor that I must add, however. At one point in my life here in Japan, I was forced to apologize, despite being “right” from authorities. I had the feeling at the time that in order to grease the bureaucratic wheels of facilitation, one must apologize regardless of right or wrong. This rankled me to the core. However, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Right?
Being Proud
“We’re proud to be Canadian
We’re awfully nice to strangers, our manners be our curse
It’s cool in many ways to be Canadian
We won’t say that we’re better, it’s just that we’re less worse”By The Arrogant Worms (Canadian Band)
Canadians, in general, are proud of their country. They just have the habit of understating it. They don’t boast about their staunch patriotism or equate themselves as a higher authority than any other country, whether it is for having the best schools, most natural resources, being the safest country in the world, or even for burning down the White House.
No, we Canadians are simply proud to be Canadian, as the song says. Sophisticated, well-cultured, modest, and mature; Unless a Canadian ice hockey team is in the running for a championship of any kind. At that point, Canadians become an unruly mob of patriotic flag-bearing Neanderthals bent on showing the world how big their penis size really is. Ahem. I digress.
Still, it is reasonable to say that we Canadians have a lot going for us. However, the question remains: why do we lose a staggering number of skilled workers due to brain drain? This phenomenon refers to skilled workers leaving Canada for opportunities elsewhere, often in the United States. Other countries’ deeper pockets and promises of fame attract our promising Canadians at an alarming rate. This trend is slowly changing due to the emergence of remote work, thankfully.
In addition, it is not uncommon for Canadians to make light of or make demeaning comments about their own successful fellow Canadians. This has been remarked by quite a few people. It feels as if being a success in Canada is a bad thing. I don’t quite understand this unusual trend. However, I have heard my Canadian counterparts often speak lowly of our own Justin Bieber. What makes matters worse is that if an American decides to slander “the Bieb”, then the Canadians will immediately reverse their tune and then defend him. Talk about hypocrisy!
When it comes to the nationalistic pride of Japan, I am stupefied and struck with awe. It is very hard for me not to cheer on any Japanese team or person of interest in international events, even though I am not Japanese. The whole country has a habit of coming together, cheering on their own. It’s like a tsunami! I can only go with the flow.
The Japanese people never boast about it. They just state matter-of-factly that their Japanese person of interest or team is amazing. They then flood every media outlet with the news of such for days on end until the next big news arise. This habit of support is directly opposite of what Canadians do and it is refreshing to see. I cannot help but admire the Japanese people for doing this.
Travelling
Another habit of Canadians is traveling to other countries for vacations, as if the bitterly frigid winters or the sheer number of black flies and mosquitoes during any other season weren’t tempting enough to keep Canadians within. Why would anyone want to leave?
When it comes to travel, Japanese people have the habit of traveling everywhere within their own country. Sure, there are other countries to visit, but they have the habit of exploring their own country and embracing the unique diversity of each region within.
I am guessing that the size of the country is what makes these two peoples’ habits polar opposites. What do you think? Please leave your opinions below.
Buying Souvenirs
It should come as no surprise that both countries share the habit of buying souvenirs for their relatives, friends, loved ones, or just about anyone deemed worthy of such.
The people of Japan love to buy perishable gifts, i.e., drinks, fruit, snacks, or even food that would be shipped nationally at an affordable price. Food is appreciated in Japanese culture unlike any other, unless compared to France.
It should be stated however that there is an underlying obligation for the receiving party to return the favor in the future, with something of equal value. Thankfully these gifts are reasonable in cost. It isn’t always the case, but it worth mentioning.
Canadians love to give souvenirs as well. My parents provided me with a t-shirt that had a New Zealand badge scrawled on it. I suppose it is a nice gift and I do appreciate them having thought about me while they travelled around the world. The shirt is high quality and looks nice enough. The trouble is, I have never been to New Zealand. It holds no sentimental value to me in a sense. I am loathe to wear it in public and I am hesitant, due to guilt, to throw it away. So, it occupies space in one of my drawers.
The common habit of Canadians is to get a gift that has permanence. A reminder of what was and what could be. Snow globes and silver spoons with a country flag emblazoned on them are also popular fair.
Equally annoying is when the giver comes to your house as a guest. There is an underlying guilt for the host to somehow display this artifact to show appreciation. This rule is not written in stone, but the thought does linger in ones mind. As an example, I would need to pull out that moldy shirt and wear it for my parents in acknowledgement despite having no desire to do so.
I suppose the permanence of the item is tangible. Since Canadian houses are typically quite big, then one small item should easily fit within. Right?
I am rather fond of the Japanese method of souvenir buying now. My house is not big enough for anything else considering my wife’s clothes occupy 90% of it already.
Canadians and Japanese share the same annoying habit that thoroughly annoys Americans
Ending this comparison of Canada and Japan by way of habits is that of the nagging ‘eh at the end of each sentence. Americans love to tease Canadians about how we end our sentences using ‘eh for just about everything.
“There isn’t enough sauce, ‘eh? We should get some more, ‘eh?”
“Beautiful weather, ‘eh?”
Comedies, comedians, TV talents, and more love to go on about our over-use of this simple linguistic quirk.
Well, it was a bit of a surprise for me to come back to Canada after being in Japan over 6 years. I made my first sentence to my old friends.
“It’s bloody cold out, ‘ne?”
Being winter that shouldn’t be such a surprise. The trouble was two-fold. Canadians don’t use the slang “bloody” as that is an English slang that I have adopted, and secondly I replaced ‘eh with ‘ne.
It was a simple error that persisted throughout my stay in Canada for many months. This linguistic quirk is used interchangeably! If the Americans knew what the Japanese people said, they would only be further annoyed than they already are. That isn’t all that bad in my eyes, ‘ne (‘eh).
Thank you for reading this long article about the habits of Canadians and Japanese for good or bad. I hope that this was entertaining and enlightening for you.
Please leave comments if you wish. I would like to hear what you have to say.
Thank you all!
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