Both Parties Have Obligations—Providers to Serve and Recipients to Receive Graciously

While customers hold honored position in Japan, they also have obligations. Receiving graciously—acknowledging provider effort, expressing appropriate gratitude, treating providers with basic respect—is expected. Customers who abuse their position, make unreasonable demands, or fail to acknowledge service violate relationship norms.

This mutuality balances the asymmetric structure: providers owe dedicated service; customers owe appropriate reception. The relationship functions well when both fulfill their obligations. When receiving service in Japan, fulfill your customer obligations: acknowledge effort, express appreciation, treat providers respectfully. Your gracious reception enables the service relationship to function properly.