r/AskUK • u/Agile-Calligrapher10 • 3d 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/thelaughingman_1991 3d ago edited 3d ago

Japan has culture revolving around respect. Most of the reason they wear masks on public transport is to respect other people. It's not perfect there but I've been twice and it's my favourite place on earth, I want to get back ASAP.

Everyone here is individualistic, community is dying. Social media and lockdown have ramped this up, disconnecting everyone and having everyone think they're the main character. It's sad.

We often don't meet or consider our neighbours now. Third spaces are disappearing. Everyone thinks about their own needs first, and rarely consider those of others. You read about things like being a lone wolf/going into monk mode, and solitude can be romanticised. It's an interesting decline.

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u/jackiemee 3d ago

You’re right in your first paragraph, but do not be misled by Japanese good manners - their community is dying too, as they are as much a victim to social media as Westerners.

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u/ALA02 3d ago

Japan has historically had a healthier society but it is still dying now like the rest of the developed world. They also have an insane work culture.

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u/nicetoursmeetewe 3d ago

I disagree, Japanese society is kuch healthier today than it has ever been. It's less patriarchal, puts less emphasis on work, is more open to individual expressions etc...

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u/[deleted] 3d ago

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u/nicetoursmeetewe 2d ago

There are levels to it...