BANGKOK, THAILAND – A recent survey by the Japanese cabinet found that Thailand ranked among the countries most appreciated by Japanese people, often only just behind Taiwan.
Popularity of Thailand among Japanese
An annual survey by the Japanese cabinet showed that Thailand consistently belonged to the countries Japanese citizens liked the most. This preference was mirrored in the high number of Japanese tourists who regularly travelled to Thailand.
Many visitors from Japan reportedly felt particularly comfortable and relaxed in the country, which was reflected in their open and cheerful demeanour. Some of them even decided to settle in Thailand on a permanent basis.
The Japanese community in Thailand
Thailand had the second-largest Japanese population in Asia, with more than 70,000 residents. Bangkok ranked second worldwide for the size of its Japanese community, behind only Los Angeles.
At the same time, around 65,000 Thais lived in Japan, underlining the close ties between the two countries. These parallel communities highlighted ongoing social and economic exchange.
Pressure in Japanese society
In Japan there was an expression, “kuuki wo yomu”, which literally meant “to read the air”. It described the constant pressure to sense and meet the mood and expectations of others within Japanese society.
In Thailand, by contrast, many Japanese experienced a liberating sense of relaxation. They did not constantly feel watched or judged, which contributed to the country’s appeal as a place to visit or live.
Shared values and cultural differences
Thailand and Japan shared many basic values such as politeness, respect and consideration. However, the way these values were expressed differed significantly between the two cultures.
In Japan, precision and adherence to rules tended to take priority. Thais, on the other hand, expressed their values through smiles, flexibility and a willingness to compromise.
The historical relationship between Thailand and Japan
Unlike many other Asian countries, Thailand and Japan did not share a history of warfare with one another. This unburdened background made open exchange between the two nations easier.
Although Thailand was allied with Japan during the Second World War, it did not experience the same atrocities as some other Asian countries. This had contributed to a special relationship between the two nations, which continued to shape perceptions and travel choices today.