Quote:
Originally posted by lordjeebus
Japan's got no tipping, and the service is generally second-to-none. I wonder how much of the service quality has to do with the lack of tipping and high pay and how much has to do with the culture.
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I believe that it's a combination of culture and the current economic situation. I currently live in Japan and teach at a JHS, and I see 9th graders sweat over both SHS entrance exams and job interviews. Employers want efficient, courteous people with experience working for them at all times, even in the graveyard shift of the corner 7/11 or gas station. It's very difficult to find a job here and anyone who doesn't treat every customer like a minor deity will find their ass canned soon enough, which means looking a new job to pay for the already outrageous living expenses out here.
Customer service / food service workers don't get paid much, and that's without tipping. Also, the concept of a tip jar would be completely alien to them, since it would make them feel like beggars on the street. In Japan, there is a very strong adherance to the concepts of "tatemae" (facade) and "hon'ne" (inner feelings), so everyone will show pride in what they do and refuse any tip, even though they might live in a hole in the wall and desperately need the extra cash. In fact, in this country, tipping is insulting to anyone, no matter what their situation.
Lord knows many people I see regularly deserve more money than I give them. My barber consistently gives me the best haircuts, which come with a wash, neck/upper back massage and tonic for 3,000 yen (about 30$), which is actually pretty cheap out here. And not a single stray hair falls on my clothes at any time. EVERY convenience store clerk welcomes me, apologizes when taking my money, carefully bags what I bought, bows and wishes me a good day, no matter how brusque I may be. Waiters / Waitresses always have a smile on their face and service is consistently prompt.
Again, this relies a lot on culture, but the cost of living here make any job a good one. I wonder how I'll react whenever it is I return home to Montreal...