Hello, I am Yoshi from NILS Japanese language school? Today’s topic is about mentality of the Japanese people, Honne 本音 and Tatemae 建前.
Honne 本音 is actual feelings. It refers to what people really feel in the pit of their stomach. Tatemae 建前 is one’s official statement in public, which is influenced and formed by one’s position and circumstances and the social norms. Consequently, honne 本音 is sometimes very different from tatemae 建前. It si a recognized social phenomena to switch from honne to tatemae or vice versa depending on the situation. For instance, we observe tatemae 建前 at the office but show our honne 本音 only to our closest friends. Tatemae 建前 may sound dishonest to some foreigners, but we try to avoid confrontation and to maintain good relationships with others by making the distinction between honne 本音 and tatemae 建前.

March 21st News, from NILS Japanese language school.