Japanese people are good at "Reading the Atmosphere"

Japanese people in general tend to be somewhat reserved and prefer to avoid drawing attention to themselves. This appears to also be the case for those who just reached 20, Japan's age of adulthood. A recent poll by research firm MACROMILL found that 90 percent of the respondents believed it important to “read the atmosphere” (i.e., be perceptive to people’s thoughts and feelings) and 69 percent said they are skilled at listening to other people and comprehending what they say. But only 20 percent felt they are skilled at making themselves stand out or highlighting their personal appeal.

MACROMILL, INC. (Subjects: 500 people in their 20s)