Preventing "Passion" from Becoming a "Threat": 3 Steps for Nigerians to Win Trust in Japan Through "Volume Adjustment"

Introduction

"I was just explaining as hard as I could, but for some reason, the other person got scared." "I wasn't angry, but I was told to 'please calm down'."

Have you, as a Nigerian living or working in Japan, ever experienced this?

I have several very brilliant and passionate Nigerian students. They all have clear opinions and consider expressing them to be "sincerity." However, the stronger that passion is, the more often they are misunderstood by Japanese colleagues and bosses as being "scary" or "aggressive."

This is definitely not because you have a bad personality, nor because Japanese people are cowardly. In fact, it is simply a clash between two completely different "Communication OSs": Nigeria and Japan.

Nigerian-style "Sincerity (Confidence)" is expressed through a powerful voice and unwavering attitude. On the other hand, Japanese-style "Sincerity (Modesty)" is expressed through a quiet voice and consideration for others (humility).

In this article, I will share specific "volume adjustment techniques" to help you have your wonderful power and enthusiasm correctly received as "trust" in the Japanese environment, without diminishing them.

What you will learn in this article

1. The true nature of cultural conflict: Why "loud voices" are misunderstood as "anger"
2. Tuning to build trust: Specific vocalization and physical techniques
3. Practical phrases: "Cushion words" to deepen relationships without being intimidating

Let's look at the steps together to turn your enthusiasm into a "weapon" that functions correctly in Japan!

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Why "Loud Voice" is Misunderstood as "Anger"

First, please understand that many Japanese people have learned to associate a "loud voice" with emergencies or emotional outbursts (especially anger).

Misinterpretation of "Arousal Level"

In Nigerian culture (especially in energetic urban areas like Lagos), speaking with high energy is a positive sign of being "motivated," "truthful," and "confident." We call this the "Arousal level" of communication.

However, in Japanese society, keeping this arousal level low is considered "rational" and "professional."

Item	Nigerian Style	Japanese Style
Voice Volume	Loud (No lies, proof of energy)	Modest (Calm, consideration for others)
Eye Contact	Staring strongly (Confidence, seriousness)	Looking away moderately (Humility, respect for others)
Gestures	Dynamic (Passionate, persuasive)	Minimal (Calm, restrained aesthetics)
Response to Silence	Filling with words (Silence is anxiety/boredom)	Thinking in silence (Silence is contemplation/harmony)

Voice Volume and Personal Space

Voice volume is directly linked to an invisible "psychological distance." The "appropriate voice volume" in Nigeria feels close to having one's personal space (one's own safe territory) trampled upon with muddy shoes for a Japanese person.

The more you try to make a serious, legitimate point, the more Japanese people feel that "this person is trying to force me to obey by brute force," and they close their minds as a defensive reaction.

Actual Examples of Failure

Let's look at two actual examples here.

[Case 1: Asserting in a Meeting] Mr. A, a Nigerian working at an IT company, tried to explain to his boss that his team was not at fault for a project delay. To convey his enthusiasm, he stood up from his chair and spoke with a loud voice, using gestures. Result: The boss became speechless, and colleagues looked down. Later, Mr. A was shocked when his boss warned him, "You didn't have to shout like that."

[Case 2: Confirmation at a Convenience Store] Student B noticed that the change he received at a convenience store did not match the amount he paid. Trying to point out the mistake seriously, he walked up to the clerk and said in a strong tone, "This is wrong!" Result: The clerk panicked, felt terrified by B's expression, hid in the back, and tried to call the police. B just wanted the mistake corrected.

What these cases have in common is that "the person's intention (legitimate claim)" and the "method of expression (loud voice/strong attitude)" were converted into "violence" when passed through the Japanese filter.

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Practice: 3 Steps of "Tuning" to Be Trusted in Japan

So, how should you translate your "passion" into Japanese-style "sincerity"? I propose three specific steps you can use immediately.

Step 1: Turn the Volume "30% Off"

First, consciously try to suppress the voice volume you think is "normal" to about 70%.

• Grasp the feeling of "30% Off": When you are alone at home, try producing your loudest voice, your normal voice, and a whisper. "Appropriate" in Japanese business conversation might be close to the "voice used for telling a secret" in Nigeria.

• Speak as if "placing" the end of sentences: A characteristic of Nigerian English and languages is the tendency to cut words off strongly (speaking like punching). When speaking Japanese, instead of slamming the end of the sentence down, imagine gently placing it on a table, perhaps by lengthening the sound slightly or lowering the tone.

[Voice projection when giving an opinion to a boss]
(NG) "That is wrong!" (Sharp ending)
(OK) "I think that is a little different." (Gentle ending, lowering tone slightly)

Step 2: Use a Shield Called "Cushion Words"

Japanese people soften the impact by inserting "cushion words" before getting to the main point. This serves as a signal to the other person: "I am about to deliver words, but this is not an attack."

Specifically, use the following phrases as introductory remarks.

1. "Shitsurei desu ga..." (Excuse me, but...) - When asking or pointing out something.
2. "Oisogashii tokoro osoreirimasu ga..." (I am sorry to disturb you while you are busy, but...) - When interrupting someone.
3. "Moshi yoroshikereba..." (If you don't mind...) - When making a proposal.
4. "Ainiku desu ga..." (Unfortunately...) - When refusing.

Especially when you have to say something negative, a Nigerian-style straight "No" shatters a Japanese person's heart.

[Example conversation when refusing a request]
Colleague: "Can you get this done by today?"
(Nigerian Style): "Impossible! I have other work!"
(Japanese Style): "Unfortunately, I am swamped with other matters right now, so it is a bit difficult. Would tomorrow be alright?"

Step 3: Triple Your "Nodding"

When you lower your voice volume, you might worry, "Will my enthusiasm not be conveyed?" "Nodding" (Aizuchi) resolves that anxiety.

Instead of asserting your presence with your voice, send signs through visual actions that say, "I am listening to you" and "I am serious about this project."

• Timing: Nod deeply and slowly every time the other person hits a punctuation mark (period or comma).
• Variations:
• "Hai" (Yes) - Short agreement
• "Ee, so desu ne" (Yes, that's right) - Empathy
• "Naruhodo, ossharu tori desu" (I see, exactly as you say) - Deep conviction

To Japanese people, a person who nods deeply in silence appears "very calm and trustworthy." Try converting your overflowing energy from your voice to the movement of your neck.

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Common Mistakes and Points of Caution (Q&A)

Here, I will answer questions that Nigerian learners frequently face.

Q1: If I speak in a small voice, won't I be seen as lacking confidence?

A: In Japan, it is the opposite. A "person with too loud a voice" risks being suspected of being immature and unable to control their emotions, or trying to hide a lack of substance with noise. Conversely, someone who speaks calmly with a carrying voice at an appropriate volume is highly evaluated as a "person with strong inner confidence."

Q2: Is it not rude to avoid eye contact?

A: In Nigeria, looking someone firmly in the eye is sincerity, but in Japan, "staring continuously" can be perceived as intimidation or provocation.

• Solution: Look vaguely around the knot of the other person's tie or their nose, and look away naturally once every 3 to 5 seconds. Then, look the person in the eye only when stating an important point. This is the "trusted gaze" in Japan.

Q3: When calling a waiter at a restaurant, they won't notice unless I shout.

A: In Japanese restaurants, instead of shouting loudly, raise your hand and lightly say "Sumimasen" (Excuse me), or use the call button if available recently. If the staff is far away, just raising your hand lightly while aiming for eye contact is sufficient.

[NG Pattern]
(Voice echoing through the store) "Hey! Waiter! Sumimaseeeen!!!"
[OK Pattern]
(When they come close, at normal volume) "Sumimasen, may I order?"

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Summary: Let's Practice Starting Today

Good job! Through this article, we have learned how to optimize your "passion" for Japanese society.

The important thing is to think, "Voice volume is not a weapon, but an instrument." If the venue changes, the tuning of the instrument must also change. Your energetic soul can stay as it is. Just by adjusting the output slightly to the Japanese style, the reaction of those around you should change surprisingly.

3 Actions You Can Take Today

1. Practice "30% Off": When greeting colleagues at work, try making your voice a little smaller and the ending gentler than usual.
2. Learn one cushion word: Start by using "Osoreirimasu ga" (I am sorry, but...).
3. Be conscious of nodding: When listening to others, try nodding your head vertically almost to an exaggerated extent.

Finally

You are a being who can become a bridge between different cultures. When you can master both Nigerian power and Japanese harmonious communication, you will surely become a unique presence trusted by everyone.

We are always cheering for your challenge.