Q.

Why don't Japanese people hold the door open for others?

A.

One of the possible reasons is that they don't want to inconvenience others. Those holding the door feel bad about rushing the person walking behind. Those walking behind feel bad for making strangers open doors for them. This is a good example of "kiwotsukau", thinking about others before yourself.

As the interaction between people in public tends to be limited especially in Tokyo, simply the practice of holding the door open does not exist as much when compared to the West. That said, there can be two reasons why people hold the door open for others. One is as an act of kindness toward close friends, family, and significant others. The other is to show a sign of respect to clients and customers.

How is it different in your culture?

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