Right on Time: The Punctuality Playbook

Being on time isn’t just polite—it’s practically a dating doctrine. Japanese couples take punctuality so seriously that showing up even five minutes late can be seen as a sign of disrespect. This precision in timing reflects deeper cultural values of respect, responsibility, and harmony.

When planning a date, couples typically confirm the exact time well in advance and often choose meeting spots known for their public clocks, like the famous Hachiko statue in Shibuya or the giant clock at Osaka Station. Some singles even set their watches a few minutes fast to make sure they’ll never keep their date waiting!