2025 Boris's Blog

 In this week’s lesson, we explored the Hofstede cultural dimension of Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation, especially in the context of romantic relationships in Japan. Japan is known for its strong Long-Term Orientation, and this is evident in how relationships are approached, which are typically slow, serious, and often with the long-term goal of marriage. The concept of “kokuhaku” (confession of love) formalises the start of a relationship and signals a committed path forward, which is very different from what I’m used to.  In my own dating experience, this style feels quite distant. I come from a culture where dating is more casual, spontaneous, and emotionally open from the start. For me, dating should be about enjoying the moment, discovering someone’s personality in a relaxed way, and letting things grow naturally, without too much structure or pressure. That’s why I find the Japanese approach quite difficult to relate to.  While I respect the values behind the J...

In Japan, school clubs, bukatsu, play a central role in student life. They demand strong commitment, daily participation, and often involve strict hierarchies like the senpai-kohai system. Unlike in many Western countries where club participation is more casual and flexible, in Japan, clubs are seen as part of education, contributing to personal growth and discipline.  This ties closely to Japan’s relatively high Uncertainty Avoidance culture, where people prefer structure, rules, and predictable routines. Clubs provide such structure, helping students feel secure by following a set path. In contrast, my home country (e.g., Bulgaria or another) tends to be more flexible. Students may join clubs outside of school, but the time commitment is lighter, and missing practice isn’t a big issue.  I noticed that Japanese students often view their clubs almost like a second home. Meanwhile, in my experience, club activities were more of a hobby than a duty. This cultural difference show...

 In Japan, shopping isn’t just about buying something; it’s a whole experience shaped by respect, detail, and formality. As a customer, I’ve noticed how shop staff greet you warmly, wrap your items with care, and always use polite language. That level of service reflects Japan’s “feminine” culture in Hofstede’s model, emphasising modesty, quality of life, and harmony. In contrast, in Bulgaria, while we appreciate friendly service, things are more casual. We don’t always expect staff to smile or wrap everything perfectly. Politeness is valued, but efficiency often matters more. I personally greet and thank the staff, make eye contact, and enjoy small talk when shopping, especially when the service feels genuine, not robotic. Once, I received a wrong order, experienced late delivery, and even had problems with phone operators, so I now value friendly, helpful staff even more. I prefer being treated like a person, not just a customer. This week’s class reminded me how culture shape...

In this week’s class, we explored the cultural differences in how people invite and host guests, using Hofstede’s Individualism vs. Collectivism dimension. Coming from Bulgaria, which blends both individualist and collectivist traits, I was especially curious to compare our customs with those of Japan. In collectivist cultures like Japan, inviting someone into your home is a meaningful gesture, often reserved for close friends or family. Guests are welcomed with great care, but privacy is important; parts of the house are usually off-limits unless there’s a strong relationship. This reflects the “We” mindset Hofstede describes, where harmony and subtle social norms matter deeply. In contrast, more individualistic societies, such as the U.S., may view hosting more casually and openly. In Bulgaria, hospitality is central to our culture. Guests are often welcomed into the home with warmth and generosity, even unexpectedly. It’s common to offer food, drinks, and to show guests around, of...

As a student at a Dutch university, I’ve become familiar with Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, particularly Power Distance, which measures how societies handle inequality. I find this framework insightful; it helps me understand how cultures like Japan may value hierarchy and formality more than my own, where equality and informality are emphasised. That said, I believe it’s essential to use these models as guidance, not rigid labels. Every person carries a unique story, and generalisations can easily lead to bias.  In our recent discussions on intercultural communication, I realised how much I value talking about life goals, beliefs, and current events. I’m most comfortable when conversations are honest and dynamic. I dislike long silences or when people hide their true opinions, as it makes genuine connection difficult. I enjoy discussing abstract topics, and even when opinions differ, as in a debate about the best place to live in Japan, I feel excited, not offended. A lively con...