Cultural importance of Punctuality
Haneda Is The Most Punctual Mega Airport In The World
Haneda Is The Most Punctual Mega Airport In The World
Tokyo’s official international airport “Haneda Airport” is the 5th busiest airport in the world and it keeps the top position of “the Most Punctual Mega Airport in the world” and been awarded for 4 years in a row, according to the recent CNN news below:
I use both Haneda and Narita and most of the time, I hardly see the destination departure board saying “Delayed”.
I grew up in Japan and my parents always told me to be punctual. First thing your boss tells you at your company is “be punctual”. We learn without thinking arriving on time, leaving on time is very important in social life. So when business meetings, events, business negotiations, whatever happens, even meeting with friends, you had better arrive early, like 5-10 minutes before appointment time. Being punctual is a virtue in Japan.
Especially when you see a prospective client on business, arriving early gives them a great first impression about you.
Since around 15 years before, I’ve been having a dual life between Japan and US due to my marriage and business. So I’m kind of used to US culture and life style now. But I still have a custom to get to a destination earlier than scheduled time. One of my clients says, “you are too early. Come on time or little later”. I was only 5 minute early.
