Paris syndrome
01/27/2007
Japanese people have a totally distorted image of Paris. They think it's a perfect, magic place where everybody is nice and elegant...Every year, reality comes as a shock for a handful of Japanese people in Paris. A rude remark from a waiter can trigger what is called the "Paris syndrome", a traumatic shock that can even lead to repatriation with psychological support on board the plane for the most serious cases.
The Paris syndrom was first mentioned in the 80s. A dozen (or a hundred, according to another source) are concerned every year, which is ridiculously low compared to the amount of tourists, nevertheless it has become popular in the last couple years. There are many articles about it on the net, for instance:
I think it's really hilarious!
The culture shock seems to be the cause of the syndrome. And also the fact that most Japanese people probably imagine the world as a huge Disneyland-like amusement park (this one's a personal opinion, of course I am exaggerating)...
In Japan, it's totally unconceivable that a customer might be treated in a rude way. I don't even see how it could happen unless an employee suddenly loses his mind. Here, the customer is almost considered as a god. If you have a problem, they'll do anything to fix it, even if it's entirely your fault! They apologize for making you wait for 3 seconds, they apologize if YOU make an article fall, they apologize if they're not able to answer your question, etc etc. Don't even think about leaving a tip, it's almost insulting. Indeed in Japan, the customer is grateful for the client come to his shop.
Can the opposite syndrome happen? I reckon that I love the Japanese service, but sometimes it just gets on my nerves to hear thoses excuses all the time. But I'm not going to get traumatized either...well who knows, some day I might appear on the national French news with an "Okazaki syndrome" title!
Category: Society
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