Can japanese people understand Filipino time?

Filipino Time

 

 One of Japanese characteristic is being punctual. Generally, Japanese people are not late for an appointment in private scene and business scene. Many Japanese people can gather about 5minutes earlier from the appointment time.  It is called “Moving five minutes earlier” in our culture. But this attitude is not universal notion which is shared all over the world. Especially, they have “their time” in a southern and Latin countries.    Unfortunately, We have “Okinawa time” in the Okinawa area. Okinawa is most located in southern Japan. Being late over 30minutes is not rare in Okinawa area. Furthermore, we were permitted 200years ago in japan even if we were late. However, after we stopped closing my country to outsider and started to bring in the solar calendar, being punctual has been fixed gradually with developing industry. Therefore, when we ride a train, the announce: ”I am sorry to be late” sounds in the train even if the train is late about 10minutes.

 In comparison with Japan, It seems that they do not have the culture of being punctual in Philippines. Nobody came to the meeting place on time although I met many friends. If they are late only 10minutes, they seem be good in this country. This is say “ Filipino time”. It is permissible in private scene. But this Filipino time sometimes comes out life in society. In my case, when I went to meeting place on time, the staff did not come to there on time. And 30minutes later on time, she just sent an e-mail ”I cannot go there because I have another work” If I am her, I will send e-mail until the time. It is a common sense in our culture. Furthermore, I will apologize another day by face to face. That is one of general manners. But our culture is not always other country’s culture.

 So, how should we be on friendly terms with those Filipino/Filipina? In this case, one Filipino said to me “some Filipino/Filipina are sometimes late, then you should confirm where they are in now as soon as possible ” I think that this advice will be useful when you communicate with them.