Atarimae — What Is “Normal” Depends on Where You Are
2026-10-09
Atarimae — What Is “Normal” De...

Atarimae — What Is “Normal” Depends on Where You Are
 
There is a Japanese word, 当たり前 (atarimae).
 
It means something that is natural, expected, obvious, or simply “the way things should be.”
 
For example, when someone does something for you, you thank them. To me, that is atarimae. It is simply the right thing to do. If you do not thank them, they may even consider it rude.
 
But here is something interesting about atarimae:
 
What is atarimae in one place may not be atarimae somewhere else.
 
Take crossing the street as an example.
 
In the United States, when a pedestrian is waiting at a crosswalk, we expect cars to stop. The pedestrian has the right of way, so many people consider it perfectly normal for the car to stop.
 
In Japan, cars are also expected to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. But when a driver stops, you will often see the pedestrian give a small bow or raise a hand to thank the driver.
 
Why thank someone for doing what they are supposed to do?
 
Because there is another way of looking at it: the driver stopped a moving vehicle so that you could cross safely. Saying thank you costs nothing.
 
That small difference tells us something important.
 
Our idea of “normal” is shaped by our culture, environment, company, family, and experience.
 
What seems obvious to you may not be obvious to someone else. What you consider polite may be unnecessary in another culture. And what you consider unnecessary may be an important sign of respect somewhere else.
 
This applies not only when traveling overseas. It also applies to business.
 
Before assuming that someone else should understand your “common sense,” perhaps we should first ask ourselves:
 
Is my atarimae also their atarimae?
 
Common sense is not always common.
 
That may be one of the most important things to remember when working across cultures.
 
 
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.






Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO

Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.

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ABOUT THIS BLOG

I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.

Your comments are always welcome.

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