Part 2: Understanding 'Sasshite' Culture: The Hidden Art of Reading Between the Lines in Japan 第2部：「察して文化」実践編

💡 English article first. Japanese version follows.

Can You Decode the Hidden Meaning?

💡 Ever thought "YES" actually meant "NO"? Welcome to Japan.

An American engineer suggests a new system to his Japanese manager.

👨‍💻 Engineer: "This would really improve efficiency!"
👨‍💼 Manager: "Hmm… I’ll think about it."
👨‍💻 Engineer: (Great! He’ll review it later!)

→ Weeks later

👨‍💻 Engineer: "Any updates?"
👨‍💼 Manager: "Hmm… I’m not so sure about it anymore."
👨‍💻 Engineer: "Wait… so ‘I’ll think about it’ actually meant ‘NO’?"
👨‍💼 Manager: "Well… yeah, pretty much."
👨‍💻 Engineer: "WHAT?!"

Japan has an entire "sasshite culture" built around implied meanings, indirect communication, and unspoken rules.
If you don’t understand it, you’ll constantly feel confused.

✔ Why do Japanese people avoid saying "no"?
✔ Why do managers give vague feedback like "just revise this a little" (when they actually mean "redo everything")?
✔ Why is silence in meetings NOT agreement?
✔ And what does "Osasshi Kudasai" really mean?

🔑 Don’t worry—this guide breaks it all down with real examples and practical solutions!