Why Japan Silences Criticism—Even When Everyone Sees the Problem

In Japan, many people clearly see what’s wrong —

but staying silent feels safer than speaking up.

The Avoidance Principle

Japanese people hate trouble and confrontation. They are driven by passive avoidance and always seek to avoid hassles. Since they dislike taking responsibility, they always choose the safest, most inoffensive option.

Companies are also excessively afraid of complaints, conflicts, and being “flamed” online.

The Mystery of the Missing Criticism

Recently, while writing articles about Japan’s health insurance and real estate services.

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I found myself wondering: “Why is no one talking about the obvious flaws in these systems or services?”

I feel that other people living in Japan must feel the same inconveniences and absurdities I do, yet I never saw this kind of information anywhere until I experienced it myself. 

This kind of information should be shared more widely.

The Cycle of Silence

The reason this information is suppressed is the prevailing custom that criticizing anything is seen as bad.

Even if the criticism is correct, people avoid responsibility and trouble by using inoffensive language, which results in mass-produced, bland articles that lack substance.

I used to find it inexplicable why articles about Japan only ever contained positive things (though, of course, there are many good things). 

It finally makes sense: the entire nation is driven by passive avoidance, so “bad information” is simply not allowed to surface.

The Emperor’s New Clothes

In this environment, problems and bad habits are often covered up and effectively ignored. Unethical behavior can be left unchecked as an established “custom.”

In companies and schools, the loudest person usually wins because everyone else adopts the mentality that “it’s easier to just obey than cause trouble.” 

The vocal minority is allowed to have a free rein.

Outside of Japan, such behavior would likely be dismissed immediately as “absurd.” 

But in Japan, raising your voice is seen as “a hassle” or “not reading the room,” which ensures things never change.

Change only happens when external criticism forces the issue. 

Japan’s society often feels like the Emperor’s New Clothes —

everyone sees the problem, but no one speaks up.

Not because they are fooled, but because speaking up is considered worse than the problem itself.