Understanding Senpai: Cultural Significance in Japan vs. Abroad | HH JapaNeeds (2024)

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Understanding Senpai: Cultural Significance in Japan vs. Abroad | HH JapaNeeds (1)

Many foreigners who are interested in the country of Japan are also interested in the Japanese language.

If you can understand Japanese, you can easily communicate with Japanese people and learn more about Japan.

Among the many Japanese words, there are many that are interesting to foreigners.

Senpai” is one such Japanese word.

Click here tolearn Japanese language with the best one-on-one Japanese tutoring lessons in online.

In this article, I would like to explain the meaning and usage of “Senpai” in Japanese.

Contents

  • 1 Meaning differs between English-speaking countries and Japan.
  • 2 Meaning of “Senpai” in Japan
  • 3 Senpai” has two images
  • 4 Conclusion

Meaning differs between English-speaking countries and Japan.

In English-speaking countries, there is a net meme (culture that spreads through the Internet) called “Senpai.

However, did you know that the meaning of “Senpai” is different from that of the Japanese word “Senpai”?

Senpai” spread in English-speaking countries means “a person who does not notice your feelings of liking.

Japanese people may laugh at the difference in meaning.

Senpai” as used overseas is strongly influenced by Japanese anime.

In Japanese anime, there are many bishojo characters, and it is not uncommon for them to be younger than their age.

There is a high probability that the older male characters that these bishojo characters have feelings for will also appear.

The male characters are often insensitive and do not notice that the younger bishojo has feelings for them, but since the bishojo character calls the male character “Senpai,” it has come to be taken to mean “someone who does not notice that you like them.

If you try searching for “Senpai” on English-speaking search sites, you will find quite a few illustrations of younger bishojo characters.

Therefore, people in English-speaking countries have learned the meaning of “senpai” differently from the original Japanese word “senpai” (senpai).

Understanding Senpai: Cultural Significance in Japan vs. Abroad | HH JapaNeeds (2)

Meaning of “Senpai” in Japan

Let us explain what senpai actually means in Japan.

Senpai” refers to those who joined a community, such as a school or company, before others.

Those who join later are called kouhai (juniors).

Age does not matter at all, so even if the person you are talking to is older than you, if he or she joined the community later, he or she is a junior, and therefore, in terms of position, he or she is lower than you.

Juniors must respect their seniors and follow their instructions.

In Japan, there is a “culture of respect for older people,” but this “senior/junior culture” also remains strong and will continue to remain in the future.

If you judge a person’s position based on his/her age, it is simple if you know the other person’s age, but in the “senior/junior” system, both parties need to confirm the date they joined the community.

In fact, there have been many cases in Japan where people have used tame-speak because they thought the person was older than them and the date they joined the community was old, but when they asked the date they joined the community, they found out that the person was their senior.

This can lead to a delicate relationship between the two parties, as they have to change to junior characters from that day on, even though they had been using tame-speak until then.

Understanding Senpai: Cultural Significance in Japan vs. Abroad | HH JapaNeeds (3)

Senpai” has two images

Senpai” in Japan has two images.

The first is a scary image.

In Japan, there is a long-established custom of “doing whatever senpai say is absolute.

What senpai at school, in club activities, or at work was absolute, and it was unforgivable to disobey them.

Although this custom is not so strong today, many people still get nervous in front of their senpai, and in fact, there are many people who “act like senpai” (people who behave in an arrogant manner).

The second image is “kind and cool.

Many senpai are kind and cool, and will casually follow up with you when you have a problem, or offer advice when you are having trouble.

There are actually many people who meet such wonderful senpai and fall in love with them, and some couples say that they got married in the future after dating their senpai.

In life, the environment changes at every milestone, doesn’t it?

These include entering high school, entering university, joining club activities, working part-time, getting a job at a company, changing jobs, etc. When you find yourself in such a new environment, you may find that you have to change your life.

When you find yourself in a new environment, you may have “good seniors” or “bad seniors.

If you are in an environment with good seniors, you can spend a fulfilling time and receive positive influences from them.

However, if you are in an environment with bad seniors, you will be under a lot of stress and have a low level of happiness every day.

That is how much influence a senior can have on a person.

If you are a freelancer or you are the head (or near the head) of an organization, you will not have seniors, but in many communities, seniors will be present.

Understanding Senpai: Cultural Significance in Japan vs. Abroad | HH JapaNeeds (4)

Conclusion

In this article, we have explained the meaning and usage of senpai in Japanese.

Senpai” in English-speaking countries means “someone who is unaware of your feelings of liking”, but in Japan, senpai is actually “someone who joined a community such as a school or company before you did”.

If you stay in Japan for study or work, even for a few years, you will most likely have senpai in most cases.

By all means, please use honorifics for senpai.

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Understanding Senpai: Cultural Significance in Japan vs. Abroad | HH JapaNeeds (2024)

FAQs

Understanding Senpai: Cultural Significance in Japan vs. Abroad | HH JapaNeeds? ›

Senpai” in English-speaking countries means “someone who is unaware of your feelings of liking”, but in Japan, senpai is actually “someone who joined a community such as a school or company before you did”. If you stay in Japan for study or work, even for a few years, you will most likely have senpai in most cases.

What is the cultural significance of anime in Japan? ›

Manga and anime often draw inspiration from Japanese daily life. Many Japanese organizations also rely on these unique art forms to communicate or sell, with some cities even using anime to educate, honor the achievements of residents, or promote tourism.

What are the main differences between the US culture and the Japanese culture? ›

Americans tend to find satisfaction in their own accomplishments. In America, people focus on own careers, and they change companies when they need to. Family ties are not strong like in Japan. Family members in Japan tend to live together in the same house or close by for a long time.

What are three main cultural values in Japan? ›

Modesty, politeness, and social harmony are important parts of Japanese culture. Japanese society has a strong respect for seniority. Keeping the home clean is also a high priority.

What is senpai culture? ›

In Japan, there is a long-established culture of respect for elders. In most cases, Senpai are older and Kohai are younger, so this hierarchical relationship is also derived from this culture. There is also an unspoken rule that Kohai employees should treat Senpai with respect.

Does anime teach you about Japanese culture? ›

The great thing about watching anime in Japanese is that you will get in touch not only with the language itself but also with the Japanese culture. This way you can learn about Japanese people and their customs and receive a myriad of cultural insights that will help you to navigate the Japanese-speaking world.

What is the most important aspect of Japanese culture? ›

Japan is a conformist society where harmony, mutual respect and group consensus are valued. Other values such as collectiveness, diligence and conflict avoidance are actually the results of the need for social harmony. Japanese religion also has an influence on common Japanese values.

Why is Japan so culturally different? ›

The culture of Japan has changed greatly over the millennia, from the country's prehistoric Jōmon period, to its contemporary modern culture, which absorbs influences from Asia and other regions of the world.

What is the main culture in Japan? ›

Deeply rooted in Japan's unique Shinto religion and traditional agrarian lifestyle, Japan is a country with a vibrant “matsuri” culture.

Which culture is most similar to Japan? ›

Which country in Asia has the most similar culture to Japan? China(including Taiwan) and Korea. Basically, in ancient times, both Japan and Korea were influenced deeply by ancient Chinese culture. These three countries shared the same culture system for more than one thousand year.

What are 5 interesting facts about Japanese culture? ›

10 Fun Facts About Japan
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What are the core beliefs of Japanese culture? ›

Shared Cultural Values of Japan

Every culture transmits values to its youth, first in the context of family, and then through the educational process. In Japan, some of the core values are thinking of others, doing your best, not giving up, respecting your elders, knowing your role, and working in a group.

How has Japanese culture influenced the world? ›

Over time as trade continued to increase between the Eastern and Western worlds, the Japonisme craze led to an expanse of new arts and crafts methods and materials integrated into the cultural and industrial fabric of the West.

Why do Japanese use senpai? ›

The senpai–kōhai relation is a vertical hierarchy (like a father–son relation) that emphasizes respect for authority, for the chain of command, and for one's elders, eliminating all forms of internal competition and reinforcing the unity of the organization.

Why is senpai so popular? ›

The popularity of senpai comes from the oft-repeated anime phrase “I wish senpai would notice me,” in which someone (usually shy) pines for the attention of an older person (usually aloof). It became a meme in 2012 and has gotten more popular in the years since.

Why do girls say senpai? ›

In informal use, senpai (also styled as sempai) can refer to anyone whose attention you want to get—that could be someone you admire and want to be friends with or someone you're interested in romantically.

What made the Japanese culture significant? ›

Japanese culture is ancient and is filled with rites and traditions to honor the family. Because Japan is an island country, it was able to moderate the influence of other cultures for centuries. This allowed a distinct culture and heritage to develop for the beautiful Land of the Rising Sun.

What is Japanese anime culture called? ›

Otaku culture refers to a dedicated and enthusiastic following of various aspects of Japanese pop culture. People following Otaku culture primarily focus on anime, manga, video games, and related media.

Is anime culture big in Japan? ›

As you can see, the consumption of anime and/or manga is not as widespread in Japan as you may have thought. The mediums are certainly popular, there is no denying that much. However, the so-called truth about Japan's obsession with anime is largely a misconception.

What influence does anime have? ›

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