People in Japan sit in various ways depending on the situation, from using chairs in modern homes and offices to sitting on the floor, particularly in traditional settings. One distinct and formal method of sitting on the floor is known as seiza.
The Formal Way: Seiza (正座)
Based on traditional customs, the polite and formal way to sit on the floor in Japan is called seiza (正座). This posture is significant in various formal settings, including:
- Tea ceremonies
- Martial arts dojos
- Buddhist temples
- Formal greetings or apologies
- Sitting on tatami mat flooring in traditional rooms
Understanding the Seiza Posture
Seiza involves a very specific way of kneeling:
- Kneeling: You kneel directly on the floor.
- Legs Together: Your legs are held together, parallel to each other.
- Feet Position: The tops of your feet are placed flat on the ground, tucked neatly underneath your buttocks.
While culturally significant and considered the correct posture in formal situations, sitting in seiza can be challenging for those unfamiliar with it. As the reference states:
- It is the polite and formal way to sit.
- It involves kneeling with your legs together, and the tops of your feet flat on the ground.
- If you're not used to it, you might find you get uncomfortable very quickly.
- It can be a real struggle to stay still for more than a few minutes.
For many, maintaining the seiza posture for extended periods requires practice and can lead to numbness or discomfort in the legs. In less formal floor-sitting situations, people may sit cross-legged (agura) or kneel with their legs tucked to one side (yokozuwari for women). However, seiza remains the standard for true formality.
