Different Definitions of "Correctness": Japan vs. the West
Update : 2026/3/1
In the global expansion of games and entertainment, "localization"—which goes far beyond simple translation—is the key to success. This is because the fundamental premise of "what constitutes correct communication" differs entirely depending on the cultural sphere.
It might be difficult to visualize, but the concept of "correctness" varies between the West and Japan. In Japanese communication, what is valued and respected most is empathy and harmony.
While it may be a difficult trend to understand in some cultures, there are many situations in Japan where smooth communication is prioritized over objective correctness. For example, in a business setting, if you were to compare "an obviously incorrect statement by a boss" and "a clearly correct statement by a newcomer," many would lean toward affirming the former.
This is because, even if the opposing opinion is logically sound, the act of defying or contradicting a superior is seen as disrupting the hierarchy and causing friction in human relationships—a habit generally disliked by Japanese people. Consequently, it is not unheard of for individuals with high empathy (social harmony) to be promoted over those with pure technical skill. Of course, this has a downside; some may seek promotion simply by flattering their superiors without having the actual merit. In Japan, this kind of scheming has long been described by the phrase "Goma wo suru" (literally "grinding sesame," meaning to butter someone up).
For instance, a character who strictly values logical arguments may be perceived by Japanese players as "cool but scary," often receiving negative marks as someone they wouldn't want as an actual boss. On the other hand, many Japanese characters are portrayed as "seemingly cold but actually warm-hearted," and these characters are consistently popular. Almost every work features at least one character in this role. This difference in perception is a clear example of the differing definitions of "correctness."
In Japan, where approachability is often more important than ability—not just in private life but also in business—people frequently go out of their way to be considerate of others, regardless of rank. Recently, it has even become a social topic how superiors must be careful not to intimidate their subordinates.
Works where the protagonist fails to gain the audience's empathy are often harshly criticized in Japan. While it is natural to respect the original character settings in localization, if you want a character to be well-liked, it is sometimes crucial to incorporate personality traits that align with the culture and customs of the target country.
Author : Mikado Tashiro
I am dedicated to expanding the presence of indie games in Japan. Although I am in the early stages of building my official portfolio, I successfully completed my first full translation project within less than a month of launching my activities.
Beyond direct translation, I am committed to sharing insights gained through my work. I author in-depth articles focusing on linguistic nuances, cultural adaptation, and the technical aspects of localization to contribute to the growth of the game translation community.