Good manners are often treated like a universal language, but they rarely translate perfectly from one country to another. What feels thoughtful in one place can come across as awkward or even rude somewhere else. A classic example is tipping, where leaving extra money is expected in many restaurants in the United States, yet the same gesture can be unwelcome in Japan. In that context, a tip may imply someone is underpaid or suggest you are trying to buy favor rather than simply saying thanks.
That cultural gap is exactly why etiquette expert William Hanson says it is hard to crown one nation as the most polite without considering local norms. Still, when asked to name the country with the best manners, he didn’t hesitate. Speaking on LADBible Stories, Hanson said Japan stands out for its consistent sense of respect and consideration. He also pointed to Singapore as another place where politeness feels woven into everyday life.
Hanson added that the “most polite” answer probably isn’t a Western country, which he admitted feels a bit disappointing as a Westerner. It is less of a dig at any one region and more a reminder that social behavior is shaped by shared expectations. In some cultures, politeness is expressed through warmth and casual friendliness. In others, it shows up as restraint, deference, and careful attention to how actions affect the group.
In Japan, those expectations run deep, reaching into language itself. Social hierarchy and etiquette are reflected in how people greet each other and how they choose their words. The way someone addresses a boss at work may be very different from how they speak with a friend on the same social level. Those shifts are not about being fake, but about signaling respect and awareness of roles.
It is also a useful reminder that etiquette changes with the situation, even within the same country. Many people naturally adjust their tone and behavior depending on whether they are with family, close friends, or colleagues. The same joke that lands at a dinner table might feel out of place in a meeting. “Good manners” often means reading the room rather than memorizing a strict list of rules.
If there is a takeaway here, it is that politeness is less about perfection and more about intention. Traveling, working with international teams, or even hosting guests from another background gets easier when the goal is respect, not performance. A little curiosity about local customs can prevent misunderstandings and make everyday interactions smoother for everyone involved.
Where have you experienced the most memorable kindness or the biggest etiquette surprise while traveling or meeting people from other cultures? Share your thoughts in the comments.
