|

Omotenashi: The spirit of selfless hospitality

おもてなし

Domestic TV programs, radio shows and newspapers have jumped on the omotenashi bandwagon ever since Tokyo Olympic bid ambassador Christel Takigawa uttered the word in her speech to the International Olympic Committee early last month. Difficult to define, it can roughly be summed up as “the spirit of selfless hospitality” — a quality certainly worth aiming for in less than seven years time.

  • zer0_0zor0

    The translation comes pretty close to capturing the spirit of the expression.
    There is not “customer” relationship involved, it is pure hospitality, with the expectation of nothing in return, and offered only with the intention of putting the recipient in a better state of mind while enjoying their company.