I've been wanting to move to Japan for ages. There are so many disadvantages one can think of to moving there, such as racism, natural disasters, weak economy, etc. But the thing that is offputting me is.. the social harmony. I come from a culture where being honest, blunt and direct is the norm. I can't imagine hiding my own feelings just to "keep the harmony in order". My questions are:
How big of a deal is this to the Japanese? Would they see me as rude if I didn't comply to this part of their culture?
Is it easy to find a Japanese that doesn't care and doesn't comply to this either?
Would they let it pass because I'm a foreigner? If so, say I eventually reach my 10 year mark being there. Would they start to see me as "ignorant"?
Apologies if this comes off as rude, I'm just wondering because there are exceptions in every country, for example, some Dutch might not fit the stereotype of being reserved. Just wondering if this is the case for Japanese with the "social harmony", because it seems they're taught this in school and it might have a more severe impact on their society.
by Straight-Sun-1063