Japanese People - Helpfulness and Friendliness

When in Japan – one thing that we always had at hand was - Help. All we had to do was give a hint or ask for it -

Sumimasen (Excuse me), Can you please help me locate this place ...?

And there it would come, with such warm smiles and such loving kindheartedness that it instantly struck a chord in our heart – right from day one.  So here are some moments we managed to capture while our stay in Japan so that we could show you the people who never did let us feel strange in an alien land and were right there whenever we needed them.

Politeness and Helpfulness in Japan

Our introduction with the courteousness in Japan began from the first day itself, in fact moments after stepping into the country.

A Japanese boy helping us on the very first day in Japan

We were looking out for our hotel in Tokyo, when this boy came to our rescue. Not only did he give us the directions but sensing that they were a bit confusing for us, left his own track to escort and guide us on our way.

A Japanese man helping us locate our hotel in Tokyo

This man had no idea of what we were searching for and where it was
but that in no way was a reason enough to make him pull out of the scene.
He told us to wait, ran across towards his car parked half a km away,
got a large map book and flipped through its pages
till he had enough information to help us out.

Come to think of it, this was just the beginning of all the kindness that was to come. In the days to follow, we met so many people like these on the go and all of them helped us out in some way or the other, many times leaving their own works for ours.

So there was the subway office lady who came out of her cubicle to help us get a ticket, the bullet train booking staff ‘Midori ni Midogachi’ who left his seat so that he could return my camera that I, in my excitement to book my first bullet train ticket, had forgotten in his cabin, the man who left his own metro train just so that he could help us catch ours, the lady who got out of her way to help us get out of the confusing subway network, all my Nara blogger friends who opened their hearts out for one of their virtual blogfriends of a few odd months and... there were many more.

Japanese rail staff friendliness
Japanese people leaving all their works for helping us

We communicated with all of them, their voices coming straight from the soul; we connected with each one of them, their sounds uniting the strings in our hearts.

Their humility, their friendliness, their genuine eagerness to help
... flavored our senses,

A Japanese lady - friendliness
Japanese common people friendliness
A Japanese girl smiling - friendliness
Japanese lady helping us find the Imperial Garden
A bubbly Japanese girl guiding our way

Their smiles, their glowing faces, the twinkle in their eyes
...touched our souls...

Post a Comment

79 Comments

  1. I agree, Japanese people are very kind. They helped us, too, when were lost. Glad you had a good experience in Japan, Arti.

    ReplyDelete
  2. wow..such friendly people!!


    http://sushmita-smile.blogspot.in/

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very nice to hear about these kind people who care a lot and lend helping hand.It is very clear you enjoyed your visit.

    ReplyDelete
  4. That's good news for us (Japanese).
    We're really glad to hear that and should keep our kindness.

    ReplyDelete
  5. @Arti Just read your great post on Japanese People.Great to read it. Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
  6. The Japanese are such wonderful people and I'm so glad you had the chance to experience that while in Japan! A wonderful post for the day, Arti, as always! I love your photos that have captured that kindness and their wonderful smiles!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. It really does renew my faith in humanity to hear of such wonderful people. I'm sure their overall kindness contributed greatly to your enjoyment of the trip.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yes Arti the Japanese are the very embodiment of courtesy,etiquette, kindness,helpfulness,warmth & friendliness. I have experienced such feelings while dealing with Japanese from Toyota & Toshiba.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear Arti, Such a sweet post, each one of the post feels as if I am travelling with you in Japan. Your post reveals the goodness of the people of Japan, even at the time of recent earthquake and nuclear powerplant leak they were such a civilised lot with so much of patience and care for each other.. great.. ...

    ReplyDelete
  10. Arti jee

    Nice to hear the phrase coming from your soul " voices coming straight away from soul " . Once upon a time my Mumbai was like this helping everyone . But too much of materialism has impacted my Mumbai which is going towards modes of passion and ignorance at rapid pace. SAD.

    Nice sweet little post to understand humanity which is still present .

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Arti,

    Always so great when people are friendly and helpful.
    The Japanese people are so beautiful, gracious and kind and glad you had a good time there and everyone helped you out.

    Have a lovely weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am glad you met such nice people in Tokyo. I'm sure that's the reflection of your politeness and courtesy and sincerity
    that drew lots of good people. Your post makes me feel good about us. Thank you, Arti.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This post proves that willingness to help surpasses language barrier. I’m glad to know their priceless kindness as one of Japanese. Have a nice weekend.

    Yoko

    ReplyDelete
  14. it is so lovely to hear the people of japan are so friendly ... this makes me more desirous to plan a travel to japan :) love you clicks which capture all the friendly moments your experienced

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi! I want to say thank you very much for your post. I feel happy too as a Japanese.
    BTW, I removed the word verification. I did not know the verification was set, because I tried a test comment by myself. commenting my post by myself,the word verification was not appeared.
    Please try a test comment.
    Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This post is so heartwarming. Makes me feel there is hope for the world yet! What wonderful souls you met there.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for dropping by on my blog, much appreciated!
    I have always wanted to go to Japan and your post confirms this urge!
    We will have to plan it on our way to Australia when we can free ourselves from our property!
    Very nice blog I will look into ASAP!
    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  18. SOunds so lovely Arti! I truly admire the Japanese people, who seem so cheerful even after such a catastrophe as theyexperienced. I pry that all will be fine for Japan - and for the rest of us! Have a happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Another reason I love Japan is the friendliness of its people. I'm glad to hear you also had a similar experience.

    ReplyDelete
  20. This post makes me very happy Arti! I've never been in Japan and probably never will be, but it is good to have reinforced my belief that people in general are good! And that if you are friendly and open, most people will be friendly and open and helpful to you.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Have to agree, from the few Japanese people I have encountered, they are friendly, happy people.

    Have a divine and glorious weekend Arti

    ReplyDelete
  22. Looks like you had a time of your life. So wonderful to find people that like helping and sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello Arti, Your own sweetness surely was evident to those who helped you. What a nice thank you to the people of Japan.

    ReplyDelete
  24. @Cosmos and stardust -- Thank You for making my trip so memorable... All your kind hospitality and loving warmth will always be cherished by me for all the years to come. :-)

    Thank you everyone for your kind comments and one thing that I would like to add is that, as stardust rightly pointed out above, the barrier of language never comes in the way of interactions since there is always a genuine willingness to help. The only thing that you need to do is have patience with your queries, speak slowly and smile. :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. lovely post .....:) :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have heard Japanese people are very kind and now I could see it.
    It would be interesting to know how you communicated with them :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. What wonderful people! Sounds as if you had a great trip.

    ReplyDelete
  28. wonderful post for wonderful japan and people

    ReplyDelete
  29. Japan is one country I have always wanted to visit. Your blog makes me want to go there even more! Hopefully I'll get make it there sometime...

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wonderful post.. Your experience too vindicates my belief about the Japanese based on what I have heard about them from many..!

    ReplyDelete
  31. oh Arti, thaks for sharing, it is so inspiring, how you got those kind of kindness and helpfulness.

    ReplyDelete
  32. friendly people make any new place shine a bit brighter. That is one reason i love to travel. So nice of you to stop over to me. Such a busy summer for me but i think i can have time to post now for awhile ! See you soon xx
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  33. Arti, you are so fortunate to have found them to help you. This was a very great act of them welcoming you to their country.

    I would do that in a heart beat! Since I commute to work, I always see the tourists reading the maps and seem to get lost.

    ReplyDelete
  34. what a sweet post! I'm charmed by their smiles as well, and I'm certain they in turn were charmed by your own. smiles are a universal language. happy week to you Arti.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Very lovely to hear. Something to look forward to when I eventually make it to Japan.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Good to know about all of that kindness . Valuable lessons for us Indians who talk about 'Athithi devo Bhava'

    ReplyDelete
  37. a gentle soul attracts gentle souls...you are a kind, thoughtful, sweet, loving person...this post made me appreciate the goodness in us all...I love their smiles and the story of that man who went all the way back to his car to help you with his map and the one who gave back your camera which you left in your excitement inspires me most...blessed week Arti...and thank you for checking out on me and waiting for my recent post...:-)

    ReplyDelete
  38. It's good to know that they are friendly!

    I believe people in general are friendly, and it depends a lot on our tone of voice and our attitude when approach them too.

    ReplyDelete
  39. beautiful pics .. beautiful post ..

    tell me something .. do they bow to every second person they meet .. out of respect ? (like we say namaste out of respect and tradition...)

    ReplyDelete
  40. @Rahul Aggarwal Many do, some dont but yes generally, I think we can say that they do bend forward in a slight bow as a sign of respect and courtesy at many instances.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Arti,
    Beautiful people everywhere!! I have a poor sense of direction or can't read a map properly. I always ask people the directions and how to get there, where I am.
    The man in the second photo seems me to be a strong guardian deity for a person like me. I am very glad you met nice people like them in Tokyo!!
    keiko

    ReplyDelete
  42. Loved this, Arti! I totally agree with your assessment of the Japanese people. We experienced the best customer service in Japan. They were so helpful on the few occasions we got lost too.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Now here I will proudly proclaim that we Indians are equally good too :) but since there are billions of us, we get to know the good and bad guys too.. ;)

    Nice pics of all the Japanese people. They all seem so happy to help..

    ReplyDelete
  44. Heartwarming post. It's always a best feeling to see people smiling back at you.

    ReplyDelete
  45. wow....am very impressed by the kindness and politeness of the Japanese. After living in HK, you become so rude yourself that you have to actually re-invent yourself in another country. Cheers to Japan! I experienced similar people in Scotland...wonderful warmth and hospitality.

    ReplyDelete
  46. It is always nice to meet such people.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thanks for sharing..... It is always feels good to know about such gesture.....

    http://debnature.blogspot.in

    ReplyDelete
  48. What a sweet warm post. Wish we could be more like the Japanese.

    ReplyDelete
  49. great to read such post; feel it right in my heart too, their great hospitality.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I consider this to be one of your best post posts about Japan. What else can connect countries except people and goodwill!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Aahh!! Very nicely written Arti. Indeed they are one of the wonderful people. Had been lucky enough to work with them for about 2 years and always admired the passion they have for something :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. That was a very heart-warming post, Arti!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi Arti,

    Lovely pictures and you've described the Japanese people very nicely. Seems like they're quite friendly towards the tourists.

    Thanks for sharing these wonderful experiences. :) :) :)

    Regards

    Jay
    My Newest Blog Post | My Entry to Indiblogger Get Published

    ReplyDelete
  54. Wow i have always loved japan, and now i my craving has increased. Thanks a ton!!

    ReplyDelete
  55. :)Sweet! Such a feel-good post. Nice to hear these lovely stories.

    I reminded of the news stories after the big earthquake and tsunami that had the rest of the world impressed by decency that prevailed.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I had my share of Japanese hospitality and friendliness, though I had never been to Japan. I was actually waiting for a post like this from you. I was like - "Arti has been writing about Japan, but what about the Japanese"

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi Arti,
    Delighted to come across your informative post using language that is sweet and simple - just the way it should be used:-)
    ----hugs

    ReplyDelete
  58. What a warm, friendly people. Loved this post, Aarti. You've given me enough reason to want to travel to Japan.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Japanese have been famous for being polite and helpful. Am glad you had a wonderful time there :)

    ReplyDelete
  60. Thats so wonderful Arti ! I am sure that must have felt really good. Loved that you chose to write about it and loved the Japanese style too !

    ReplyDelete
  61. Good one. I heard about this from my friends too.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Wasn't there any language problem Arti.It's so sweet to hear that they have been this helpful

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not much, Anki! Speaking slowly, being patient and a genuine smile knocks off a large part of that barrier!

      And yes, all the very best for your Thailand trip! Have a great time! :)

      Delete
  63. A warm post Arti! We need to take a lesson in staying true to our traditions too which seems to have been lost somewhere.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Nice to know about Japanese values. Japanese have a strong respect for their culture and they have preserved it so well through their actions. Hope you had a wonderful stay with all the kind friendly Japanese folk to give you company.

    ReplyDelete
  65. i want to visit japan sometime in future....delighted by the post....love anime...

    ReplyDelete
  66. Such a nice post. Glad to know you met nice people.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Nice Post with pics, Arti! :)
    Wish we all are helpful and industrious like the Japanese...

    ReplyDelete
  68. That was a very inspiring account Arti...it makes me feel sad why we lack in such courtesies....and also in cleanliness,which was evident from your other posts on Japan.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Had heard a lot about their discipline and helping nature. But, didn't know how much they involve in helping others! Wonderful people!

    Well written post! Thanks for this GK post :)

    Regards,
    Sindhu
    The Arts & Me
    Tantu

    ReplyDelete
  70. Nice post and I can vouch for that having worked with Japanese people! I also feel that kindness is more a HUMAN thing than a REGIONAL thing! I have had amazing experiences with people from parts of the world which are not so well know for these things.. ;)
    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete

Delighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!

If you have asked a question, please give me at least 2 days to reply back. Thank you :)