What Does It Mean to Be “Majime” in Japan? A Foreigner's Reflection
L iving and working in Japan has taught me many things, not only about Japanese culture but also about myself. One Japanese word that has caught my attention recently is 真面目 ( majime ) . My Japanese coworkers often describe me as majime . At first, I didn't think too much about it. But when I realized that I kept hearing the same word from different people, I became curious. What does it really mean to be majime ? More Than Just Being Serious The Japanese word majime can mean serious, sincere, diligent, and conscientious. It is often used to describe someone who takes their responsibilities seriously, works hard, and tries to do things properly. When I think about it, perhaps my coworkers see me this way because I put a lot of effort into my work. I want to fulfill my responsibilities, prepare properly, and do my best as a teacher. Even when nobody is watching, I want to know that I've done my job well. But majime isn't necessarily about being quiet or never having fun. I...
