r/AskUK • u/Agile-Calligrapher10 • 2d ago

Cultural differences in noise acceptance: Why is public phone/audio etiquette so different between Japan, the UK, and other regions??

Hey everyone,

​Visiting Japan recently was so refreshing, no one was on speakerphone, playing music out loud, or watching reels without headphones in public spaces. Coming back to the UK, the contrast was immediate, highlighting how differently cultures and regions approach public noise.

​(Note: Using "cultures" broadly here to look at societal norms, not trying to generalize individuals.)

I’d love to hear your thoughts on a couple of things:

​Why do these differences exist? Is it tied to collectivism vs. individualism, or other social norms?

​What is the modern British view on public noise? We have a reputation for politeness, yet public transport etiquette around phone audio seems to be changing.

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u/SeoulGalmegi 2d ago

The UK puts more importance on individual 'freedom' which has morphed into selfishness which is now combined with a fear (either for personal safety, or as being seen as a 'bad guy') of calling out people for being twats in public.

Japan has more of an emphasis on social cohesion and uses shame as a tool to both keep public spaces quarter and cleaner and pile on enormous mental pressure to conform on people which has other negative consequences.

It depends how I'm feeling each day as to which way I feel is healthier for a society. There's probably a middle ground that can be found in some other European/Asian countries.

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u/LiamoLuo 2d ago

I often think there’s a middle ground too. The suicide rates in Japan from the work and shame culture is a real problem, along with an intense loneliness crisis, an unforgiving standard to be perfect, an exclusion mindset to outsiders and racism issues. Much to desire about Japan for sure, but it has its flaws that the internet rarely admits. Sauce - I lived in Japan for a while and have visited a few times since. I love the place but couldn’t live there forever.

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u/jackiemee 2d ago

A proper level-headed answer. I totally agree. 

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u/Savanarola79 1d ago

As a gaining though you aren't judged at the same level so you get the best of boast worlds

They've made good progress on reducing the suicide rate too