Embracing Japanese Hospitality
When you dine at Maki & Ramen, you can be assured of an amazing dining experience, with the best sushi rolls, ramen bowls, and other various dishes. There is something more, though, and perhaps you have sensed it. Our goal is not just to provide the region’s best Japanese dining experience, but also to share Japanese culture and customs. We strive to transport guests to a Japanese state of mind, with all the cultural implications that entails. One of our most treasured Japanese customs is the art of Omotenashi.
Japanese Culture in the UK
Japanese cuisine has certainly gained a foothold in the UK. In fact, Japanese restaurants have become so popular that they have outstripped both Indian and Italian cuisine. Is a love of noodles and sushi all there is to it? The healthy options in Japanese cuisine are definitely gaining ground among people who want to eat cleaner, more nutritious diets. Traditional Japanese cuisine relies on fresh, locally sourced food, using special techniques to bring out the natural flavour. However, people in the UK are interested in more than just the food. On the whole, the British are extremely interested in Japanese culture, and there are many shared cultural interests between Japan and the UK. We like to think that Omotenashi is a big part of this.
Understanding Omotenashi
What is Omotenashi? There is no direct translation for it in English, but it has been suggested that it is best understood as wholehearted, selfless hospitality. Omotenashi has deep roots, going back centuries, to ancient tea ceremonies and the samurai code of conduct. It is the concept of service with no expectation of anything in return, and it is a philosophy that is deeply entrenched in Japanese society. It is more than politeness; it is hospitality that prioritises guests’ comfort and strives to meet their needs before they even know what they need. It goes hand in hand with the Japanese concept of kibukari, or anticipating the needs of others and meeting them before they are addressed. These concepts are not rooted in showmanship or formality, but in genuine care for others. Offering spontaneous, meaningful gestures that make someone’s day, prioritizing someone else’s emotional comfort, is a refreshing and wonderful way to show consideration and provide memorable hospitality.
Examples of Japanese Hospitality
Are you beginning to get the picture? The Japanese philosophy of hospitality seeks to make others feel seen and cherished. The concept of Omotenashi is present in the feeling you get from a warm greeting you receive at a restaurant in Japan, the care taken to prepare your tea, or the little ice pack put in with your carryout order. It is also the warmth of an attentive host, who takes note of your preferences and adjusts accordingly, without you even voicing a concern. It is not fancy or overblown, but grounded in principles of humility, mindfulness, and simplicity. It is not about things, but about little ways of making someone’s day a little bit better. While in the West, we might prioritize efficiency and rely on formal, scripted interactions, in Japan, hospitality is based on prioritising people. This attitude is prevalent in Japan, but it should not be limited to any one country. Imagine a world where Omotenashi is the prevailing attitude, where attending a meeting means finding your favourite beverage stocked in the conference room, or you are surprised by a photo of you and the bride at your place at the table at a wedding. Thoughtful touches are something we all can do, and prioritising the needs of others could be life changing.
Celebrate Japanese Culture and Cuisine at Maki & Ramen
Step into a world where traditional Japanese hospitality meets modern dining at Maki & Ramen. Since 2015, we’ve been bringing the authentic flavors of Japan to your neighborhood, guided by our founder Teddy Lee’s vision and expertise from his time at Tokyo’s prestigious sushi academy. Our dedication to craft and quality has helped us grow from a single location to a cherished family of restaurants across the UK.
Each day, we celebrate the artistry of Japanese cuisine through meticulously prepared dishes that honor both tradition and innovation. Our passionate team takes pride in creating memorable dining experiences for everyone who walks through our doors, from ramen enthusiasts to sushi aficionados. Experience the warmth of Japanese hospitality yourself – find your nearest Maki & Ramen location or explore our menu online.