The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CUSTOM

"ENRYO" IS A FORM OF SOCIAL CUSTOM OF POLITENESS WHICH JAPANESE
MUST PRESERVE IN THEIR INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS. THE INDIVIDUAL
IS NOT PERMITTED TO INDULGE HIS REAL DESIRE. AT A DINNER, ETC.
WHILE ETIQUETTE FORCES THE HOST TO URGE HIS GUEST NOT TO DO "ENRYO"
(TO ACCEPT ANOTHER CAKE OR SERVING), THE GUEST IN TURN IS BOUND TO
DO "ENRYO" AND REFUSE THE OFFER ALTHOUGH HE MAY BE DYING TO INDULGE
HIMSELF.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THE ABOVE WHILE GROWING UP IN JAPAN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

Keyword(s): HOST GUEST POLITENESS ETIQUETTE

Date learned: 08-01-1964