@non sibi. Akio is a hairstylist. Japanese hairstylists are usually not allowed to use gloves when they handle the chemicals for dyeing, etc. The belief is that it would feel uncomfortable to their customers. The very sad result is terrible skin irritation on the hands of the majority of Japanese hairstylists. Such as you can see on these images. The damage to their health is enormous; I think it is a crime to force hairstylists not to wear gloves!

@Maria: Akio did indeed spent quite a lot of money. Hope you can get the things you want a bit cheaper!

@gionbaby: It always bothers me, too. But perhaps the hairstylists are right and the customers do really hate those plastic gloves. Japanese customers can be extremely demanding at times… That’s why the service in Japan is usually outstanding.

@Lactose Intoler-Art: Absolutely, I am sure the chemicals corrupt more than the skin. And his hair IS great, isn’t it!

@Maria: Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Asking questions in Japan can create very tricky situations. Most people in Japan believe that the best customer service is to anticipate the customer’s needs. The average customer likes to put herself into the hands of the service provider and depend on her. This culture of dependence is amae, probably the most important concept to understand in Japanese human relations.

When you ask, you show that you are unable to anticipate the customer’s needs. The customer can’t safely put herself into your hands. Strike 1.

Another aspect of Japanese culture is that you don’t inconvenience others.

By asking if gloves should or should not be used, the customer may anticipate the hairstylist’s needs and say yes to something she doesn’t really want to say yes to, because she doesn’t want to inconvenience the other. Strike 2.

The chance is that the customer will not complain, but also won’t return…

Relations between people are always a careful dance in all cultures. We are often in tune with the dance in our own culture, and don’t notice the rules we follow. But if a culture differs greatly from our own, it often seems so intricate and involved that it can feel as if that dance is more like a ballet performance! I think this may be such a case.

^ _ –

@petitesam: The gloves, that is very nice of you!