土下座ってリアルで目にしたことある？
Dogeza, a deep bow often seen in dramas and manga, is surprisingly rare in real life. However, online, many real-life accounts are shared, from witnessing it at work to encountering it during traffic disputes. This article explores the meaning of Dogeza, diverse modern perspectives on it, and authentic real-life experiences.
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What is Dogeza?
Dogeza is a traditional Japanese act of kneeling on the ground and bowing one's head low to express deep apology or earnest supplication. Historically, it also had ritualistic aspects, showing reverence to deities or respect to those of higher status. In modern times, it is primarily used as a last resort for profound apologies, seeking forgiveness, or strongly urging a request. Due to the gravity of the act, depending on the recipient and situation, it can be perceived as a sincere expression, excessive performance, or even a coerced act of harassment. Dogeza performed in public places also tends to draw significant attention.
What is Apology Culture?
Apology culture refers to the comprehensive set of norms and customs within a society or group regarding how one apologizes and restores relationships after committing a mistake. In Japan, particularly due to a cultural background that values group harmony, great significance has been placed on individuals acknowledging their faults and apologizing. Often, more than just a formal apology, a demonstration of remorse through action is expected, and Dogeza is recognized as one of its ultimate expressions. However, in recent years, excessive demands for apologies (such as customer harassment) have become problematic, leading to the nature of apologies itself becoming a subject of social debate.
What is Customer Harassment (Kasu-hara)?
Customer harassment, abbreviated as Kasu-hara, refers to nuisance behavior by customers or users towards companies or employees, involving unreasonable demands, abusive language, intimidation, or forcing them to perform Dogeza. Especially in recent years, with the spread of SNS, unjust acts against employees have been circulated via videos and other means, becoming a significant social issue. Companies are also starting to focus on Kasu-hara countermeasures, concerned about the mental burden on employees and increased turnover rates. Forcing someone to perform Dogeza is considered a particularly malicious act of Kasu-hara and a human rights violation, and legal measures may be considered in such cases.
What is Viral Spread on SNS?
Viral spread on SNS (Social Networking Services) refers to the phenomenon where information or content is rapidly shared and disseminated among many people through platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Eyewitness accounts, photos, and videos of Dogeza, once posted on SNS, can instantly go viral, often becoming a significant topic of discussion, for better or worse, with the situation captured in a fragmented manner. While this can stimulate debate surrounding Dogeza, it also poses risks such as misinformation and privacy violations, necessitating caution in handling information.