If you’re a foreigner visiting Japan, there is so much chance you’ll meet a ton of new people. You might even end up meeting someone very, very special. More recently dating in Japan has become much more culturally diversified. But dating in Japan still has its own peculiarities when compared to other culture's styles of dating.

What are Japanese people normally like?

Dating largely varies depending on each person’s personality. Perhaps a majority of people have the preconception that Japanese people are relatively shy.

One thing that is for certain is that Japanese people value group harmony. One of the biggest things Japanese people avoid is stating a differing opinion. This way, harmony can be maintained within the group, and conversation can flow easily.

What are the trends in Japanese dating?

Japanese people want to be socially harmonious and tend to be shy. This extends to dating as well. Dating usually first starts with a commitment by both sides to become a couple. Dating follows after, with hand holding and other light touching, and eventually, if everything goes well, it goes into the beyond. The idea behind this to avoid a situation where interest isn’t mutual and to avoid dating that becomes awkwardly one sided.

Foreign Gap

In western dating, usually it starts with dating, then leads into becoming a couple. But in Japan, it first starts with a commitment. This can make it seem hard to even start dating.

Endurance

Japanese people tend to gauge their partner’s reaction, and try to respond in a way that won’t push their buttons. This can make it difficult to know how interested the other person is, and if the relationship is really going anywhere. If you want to know what your partner is thinking, you first need to establish good will, be very patient, and to listen to them. Japanese people avoid expressing themselves directly, so getting to the point where you’re partner will tell you what they really think will take time. 

Do you think you could have a happy love life in Japan?

Although this article focuses on Japanese dating, the most important things to know when dating anyone who comes from a different cultural background  is that communication and making an attempt to understand your partners culture is very important. There might be a lot of things that you may not have thought was normal at first, but that’s part of what makes dating internationally fun! Finding out the culturally differences and different ways of thinking you and your partner have is part of what makes dating interesting! So if you happen to be in Japan, why don’t you give it a try?