Why Japanese People Don't Show Their Faces on Social Media

A man is using a cell phone (Image by Freepik)

For most countries in the world, uploading a photo of your face on social media may be a common thing. However, this is different for the Japanese. There are Japanese people who do not use photos of their faces on social media and there are also those who upload photos by hiding their faces. 

Japanese people who reveal their faces on social media are usually famous people, such as actors, voice actors, singers, and so on. Why don't Japanese people reveal their faces on social media?

Japanese People Don't Use Face Photos on Social Media

In this digital era where everything is connected, social media has become a window to the world for many people. We can see the activities, thoughts, and even faces of people from all over the world. However, there is an interesting phenomenon that is often observed, especially in Japan: the tendency to not show their faces clearly on social media. This does not mean that Japanese people are not active on social media, on the contrary, they are very active! It's just that the way they interact and present themselves is a little different. So, what are the reasons behind this habit? Let's explore further.

Japanese social media users tend not to use face photos. Japanese people are reluctant to reveal their personal information on the Internet because they feel no need to form new interpersonal relationships. Japanese people have a hard time trusting strangers. They are very wary of passing on their personal information to others.

Meanwhile, Oricon conducted a survey on people's attitudes towards publishing their real names and facial photos on Facebook. Out of 967 respondents, only 41.0% answered that they published their facial photos. The reason may be because Japanese people have a sense of shame in showing their faces to an unspecified number of people.

Japanese People Hide Their Faces on Social Media

Illustration of a man using social media

In recent years, more and more young people in Japan have been posting hidden-face photos on social media. They tend to view photos that don't show their faces as fashionable, as they can convey the overall mood of the photo.

Japanese people post photos with their faces hidden because they want others to see the whole scene and atmosphere of the photo. Not only the face but also the clothes and scenery. They show something other than their faces in photos posted on social media, presumably because they want to show something useful to others.

Japanese people have a humble and shy personality, so there is a risk that people around them will see them as someone who likes to show off or is overconfident if they upload a photo of their face directly. In addition, if their face is hidden, it is likely that no one will judge their appearance at all.

Strong Collectivist Culture

Japan is known for its strong collectivist culture. The top priority is not the individual, but rather the group and social harmony. Openly showing one’s face on social media can be seen as an individualistic act that highlights oneself, and this can be uncomfortable for Japanese people. They are more likely to prioritize group harmony over expressing themselves individually in the digital public space. This discomfort can stem from potential negative judgments from others in their social group, either directly or indirectly.

Concerns about Privacy and Security

In Japan, privacy is highly valued. Showing your face online means increasing the risk of potential privacy violations. Just imagine, personal information can be easily accessed and misused by irresponsible people. This includes the risk of online harassment, identity theft, and stalking. This concern is further strengthened by cases of privacy violations that have occurred in the past, both in Japan and in other countries. Therefore, many Japanese people choose to be more careful and protect their identities in cyberspace.

Social Norms and Politeness (Reigi)

Reigi, or politeness, is an important pillar of Japanese culture. Openly showing one’s face on social media, especially when it is accompanied by activities or opinions that are considered controversial, can be seen as rude and disrespectful. This can cause embarrassment for both the individual and their family. The concept of “saving face” is very important in Japanese culture, and openly showing oneself on social media can risk damaging one’s image and that of one’s family.

Reluctance to Attract Attention (Kenshin)

Kenshin, or humility, is a highly valued value in Japanese culture. Being overtly and prominently displayed on social media can be seen as arrogant and boastful, which goes against the values of kenshin. Japanese people tend to prefer to keep a low profile and not draw too much attention to themselves. This also applies online.

Using Avatars and Illustrations as a Form of Self-Expression

The reluctance to show their faces on social media does not mean that Japanese people do not express themselves. Instead, they often use avatars, illustrations, or even anime characters as representations of themselves online. This is a creative and unique way to show their personality and interests without having to reveal their physical identity. It also provides freedom of expression without the pressure of meeting certain beauty standards or images.

Generational Differences

While this trend is common, generational differences also play a role. Younger generations may be a little more open about showing their faces on social media than older generations. However, the tendency to maintain privacy and avoid attention is still a big factor, although in slightly different ways. For example, they may be more selective about the photos they post or only interact on more private platforms.

Influence of Popular Culture

Japanese popular culture, such as anime and manga, often features characters with unique and interesting designs. This can inspire Japanese people to use avatars or illustrations that resemble these characters as self-representations on social media. In addition, these characters often display complex and interesting personalities, providing a more expressive alternative to simply posting a photo of themselves.

Professional Considerations

In a professional context, showing your face on social media can raise special concerns. Some Japanese may be concerned about how their online image will affect their career. They may choose to keep their online profiles professional and avoid posts that could be interpreted negatively by superiors or coworkers.

Fear of Cyberbullying

The threat of cyberbullying is real and serious, and it also contributes to the reluctance of Japanese people to show their faces publicly on social media. The fear of being the target of online harassment or malicious comments can make some people prefer to remain anonymous.

Social Media Platforms Used

The choice of social media platform can also affect how Japanese people present themselves. Some platforms may be considered more private or more suited to anonymous interactions than others. This can influence how they choose to display or hide their identities online.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the Japanese habit of not showing their faces on social media is not a simple phenomenon, but rather a reflection of complex cultural values, social norms, and concerns. It shows how culture can shape the way we interact and express ourselves in the digital world. While it may seem different from the customs of some other countries, this custom has deep and deep roots in the rich and unique Japanese culture. Understanding the reasons behind it allows us to appreciate cultural diversity and the ways in which people around the world adapt to technology and social media.