Japan is a country where speaking directly and being confrontational is not a norm. Since not all people speak directly, a lot of misunderstanding could happen.
For instance, when I'm having a meeting with a Japanese group in Japanese, I sometimes get confused which is the current subject being referred to because the Japanese language can be constructed without mentioning a topic after it was conveyed once. This kind of situation creates a lot of stress, worries and unnecessary trouble that could have been avoidable if people were confrontational and direct.
Since people are non-confrontational, there is a high possibility of gossiping. People loves to talk about uncertain things and they love to talk about it with the same non-factual people. Through gossips, unconfirmed information when repeatedly discussed would lead people to believe what is not yet confirmed or false to be true. Which is most probably the same in other cultures and not only in Japan.
As a result, I had realized that there are a lot of voices running through my head on what might others think about me. Initially, this created a lot of stress and burden since people here would not want to have any bad portrayal about them. Things are tough as there is this tendency to please a non-existing figure and an atmosphere of paranoia that could cause people to just conform.
On the positive side of being indirect, it make reprimands or statement less offensive. It can also avoid hurting other people's feelings and pride. This also creates an external-image of a peaceful and quiet environment. As I got used to it, I realized that I no longer can withstand noisy and loud places. And of course, noisy and loud people. Slowy, my preference for solitude, nature, spending quality time with the family and with real friends had developed. This kind of environment really helps in self-discovery which would yield to contentment and happiness.
Both sides, like any culture have pros and cons. Being direct and non-confrontational can lead to happiness but can also create a lot of stress. So how can we become happy? By taking out the stress of not caring what others think and just focus on who we are and what we can give to society without expecting any returns.
