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Americans Wear Sunglasses at Hiroshima Ceremony

Anyone who watched the N-H-K broadcast of this morning’s Hiroshima atomic bombing memorial ceremony may have noticed how much American Ambassador Roos’ entourage stood out in the crowd:

In front of and to the side of Roos were serious-looking men who were wearing sunglasses and ear pieces. Aside from a few individuals who look like they may have been part of the British and French delegations, the TV coverage did not show any other people wearing sunglasses. I did not see a single Japanese person wearing sunglasses.

I’m guessing that the men around Roos were bodyguards who were there to protect the Ambassador in case somebody in the crowd tried to get revenge for Hiroshima. Their sunglasses might help them scan the crowd for danger on a very sunny day, but it also made them stand out more than the Ambassador. The one guy standing in front partially blocked camera shots of Roos, and his sunglass-wearing face will surely be re-broadcast on every Japanese network news show tonight.

A few Japanese Twitter users made some comments about the guys in sunglasses:

Wearing sunglasses is considered bad manners at formal events in Japan, especially at funeral-like events. Apparently at least one of the men did not even take off his sunglasses for the moment of silence. A couple twitter users seem to have taken offense. One tweeted that the Americans seemed to have forgotten where they were. “This is Japan!”

(I haven’t seen anybody in the Japanese media comment on the sunglasses, so don’t consider this post to be a reflection of how most Japanese people are reacting to it.)

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48 comments - What do you think? Posted by James - August 6, 2010 at 6:35 pm

Categories: Foreigners in Japan Tags:

http://gakuranman.com Mike

Interesting to read some of the comments. Any Japanese twitter users saying how it’s not such a big deal that they were wearing sunglasses? Perhaps it could be due to the lack of pigmentation in light-coloured eyes that makes things seem brighter for such people? http://www.healthyeyes.org.uk/index.php?id=16

Probably more to do with security though and maintaining the image. Still, at such an event it might have been polite to remove the sunglasses for the period of silence. Same thing goes for hats too, I guess.

Fat Tony

If it’s about maintaining the image, couldn’t he have bought some classier specs? It looks like he bought those from his local Walgreen’s. This is Japan, for god’s sake.
fish taco

It’s pretty common for security teams to wear sunglasses on a sunny day. I’m certain that if there was a similar event in the US that required security personnel they would probably wear sunglasses if needed. Obviously being able to see lets them do their job better. I could easily turn the question around and ask why the Japanese security teams did not wear sunglasses to improve their vision on this sunny day. Don’t they want to do a good job?

I think the point is that in order for this to offend you I think you really have to want to be offended by it. If you are looking for a reason to dislike someone it’s easy to find faults. Sad that people chose to act like this up in relation to this particular event.

ikki

This is Japan, a land where “peace” is accomplished through conformity, not through embracing people with different social values.

Colin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kAjhoHDvb4&feature=related

saddsaafs

Oh, didn’t know this. I’d wear sunglasses if one of my friend died, because I’d surely cry there.
WC

If nobody told them that wearing sunglasses was rude, they probably didn’t have any idea. You see, it’s -not- rude in the United States. People complaining about the lack of manners in foreigners are just finding a reason to complain. That goes for all countries.

http://www.japanprobe.com James

If nobody told them that wearing sunglasses was rude, they probably didn’t have any idea.

Surely the United States Embassy has people on staff who know about Japanese customs and manners. These aren’t some tourists straight off the airplane, they are professional diplomats and this kind of stuff is their job. (And they probably considered security more important than any potential negative image that could come from the sunglasses.)
Robin

Sorry WC, but it IS rude in the United States to wear glasses at a formal event, particularly at a memorial of such a scale as this one.

JS

They’re duty is to protect the ambassador. At formal events in the United States that someone important (such as the President) is attending the Secret Service will ALWAYS wear their sunglasses outside on a bright and sunny day. They are not there to participate in the event, they are there for protection. Now the guys around Roos weren’t Secret Service but the idea is the same.
Stephen

People frequently wear sunglasses at funerals and similar memorial events in the United States.

shane

Americans can do what they like, they answer to no one.

bboimarc

For those who thumb down this comment I just have to say, Japan is one of the few countries who breached the shores of the US ’till this day many japanese patriot, or simply all civilians are proud of that fact. But guess what little things like protective details wearing sunglasses at a ceremony is what happens when all of their chess pieces belong to us. So next time the japanese want to have a nose bleed and through fit and try to bomb a military establishment think twice, its not going to be “Whale Wars.” Its funny when a super power is crumbled to just a self defense force. I could go on for hours on this topic why I do i say that well, my best friend, my partner, my wife is japanese so we meet a lot of people whit the pride of that event.

helical

I suppose if the sunglasses help with their jobs by cutting glare or masking their constant scanning of the crowds it can’t be helped that they would want to keep it on, but if it’s just to mainly build an image of “don’t mess with us, we’re tough!”, taking it off would have been good manners.

And I’m surprised that some people are commenting here that sunglasses aren’t considered rude at formal ceremonies and gatherings in America. Growing up there, I’d always had the notion that they were on the same level, or even worse than hats when it comes to showing respect to the occasion. I guess I was wrong?

M-Bone

I don’t think you are wrong. Would you wear sunglasses at an outdoor church service in the US?

Still, I don’t think that a big deal should be made of this.

Rob A

“Would you wear sunglasses at an outdoor church service in the US?”

Yes, and so would many other people.

Glasses and even hats are commonplace at outdoor services. Hats are only considered bad form INDOORS, and many military processions require people to wear hats as part of their uniforms. It’s only once they go inside that they are supposed to ‘uncover’. Hats are also an integral part of several orthodox religions.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thejjays/2602230602/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33253964@N03/3101059610/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33253964@N03/3101059604/ (even the choir is wearing glasses)

M-Bone

When I was young, we wouldn’t wear a hoodie and shorts to church either.

Magus

I would absolutely wear subglasses at an outdoor church service in the US.

It’s probably a region thing. For instance, in Indiana, it’s incredibly rare to see someone wearing a suit at work. Suits are for job interviews, politicians, lawyers, and formal dinners. Most people either wear a uniform (if they are a uniformed company) or khakis and a polo shirt.

Head to New York City, though, and you see droves of workers in suits. Hell, even some university professors wear them over there.

The US is a very large, diverse country. There is most definitely not a national manner standard, and I’d say this is one of those times.

flowby

Yes I agree about the hats – in fact I was particularly offended when the choir sang to close the ceremony and all – that’s all, men women & children – wore hats.

One could perhaps excuse them for wanting to shield their eyes and faces from the harsh sunlight – but on such a solemn occasion, you’d think a little more respect could have been shown.
Jerry

The American Government could at least have a Japanese ettiquete class or any other counttries’ ettiquete class for that matter. So there won’t be another embarrasing incident like this and Obama’s “bow” to the Emperor of Japan. At least show some respect to where you are.
April

If it is required to be able to see in order to protect the Ambassador then etiquette is not followed. Yes, I see the irony that in fact it makes them stand out & he becomes a perfect target.
If you are outdoors on a sunny day then wearing them is not rude. It doesn’t matter if it is a church service or memorial service. Sunglasses should not be worn inside for any reason unless you are a complete douche with an orange tan and spiky gelled hair.

If the Japanese PM comes to the US & forgets to take his hat off during the US anthem, we’ll forgive him and call it even. Does that work for you Japan?
Karisu

I’m not sure some of these commentors are familiar with American customs either then, because it would be just as rude to wear sunglasses to a formal American event as well (and hats as others have said).

However, they are wearing glasses for security purpose, not to look “cool” or “intimidating.” As such, I don’t believe they were being rude in this case because it is part of their jobs to keep their eyes covered. Blame their boss if anything for not allowing them to change their protocol for the event.

Rob A

“it would be just as rude to wear sunglasses to a formal American event”
I don’t think you’re very familiar with American customs…

In the US there is no custom regarding sunglasses at formal events, at least when outside. It is VERY common to see people wearing sunglasses at a funeral, especially women, usually for the purpose of hiding tears, puffy eyes, or running makeup.

I also don’t think these sunglasses the people are wearing are for ‘security’ purposes. Two of them are pretty old and don’t look like security. I think they just didn’t know. Even if there’s someone who DOES know of Japanese customs in the embassy they probably haven’t clued-in the entire entourage.

Personally, I find the huge paper paddles they’re holding to shield their eyes from the sun much more obnoxious than sunglasses.

Had I been there, and nobody told me, I’d probably have worn my glasses too. It looks like it’s bright outside, and I always wear my glasses to preserve my vision. Bright sun(UV) is one of the biggest detriments to vision.

Examples:
http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/archive/00747/cuntrera-funeral_747082artw.jpg
http://ll-media.tmz.com/2010/03/16/0316_corey_haim_funeral_inf-2.jpg
http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Farrah+Fawcett+Funeral+Service+p9N_QNwBbKGl.jpg

flowby

Rob A – - you make the most sense.

And the foto links sum it all up. Thank you.

No one, that is No one with more serious thoughts on their mind, would even conceive of manufacturing a debate on such an issue.

To take it to the absurd level it deserves, one could argue that suits(dark) are de rigueur by all atending funerals / memorial services here in Japan.

If that is the case, then why did 1,000′s of the Japanese attendees yesterday wear casual summer clothing more appropriate for the seaside???

How insensitive!!!

Nothing more to say.

Fat Tony

Who is the dick in the cowboy hat? Is he with the Australian delegation?

I don’t see why the U.S. Ambassador in Japan needs protection anyway. He is just a diplomat after all. Diplomats from other countries don’t walk around with protection, unless they are in a near-war zone.

Reit

At least one US ambassador to Japan has been attacked before. Ambassador Reischauer was stabbed by a Japanese in 1964. It was a long time ago, but given world tensions and the high profile of US diplomats, security is probably the default.

Yojimbo

Security? At a *Peace* memorial? That’s the real irony here!

How audacious the American ambassador is to think that he would require such an entourage of protection in Japan (where guns are illegal) on such a solemn occasion. Methinks he’s been watching too many Hollywood movies.

tokyojesusfist

Someone could just stab him.

JMUHOBO

I agree with most people, IF their job is to make sure and keep their target safe and secure. Then on a Sunny or Bright day, if wearing sunglasses to help them keep their visibility sharp then year. They are PAID to keep them out of harms way. Consider them furniture pieces that can kick your ass. Now if it was the foreign delegation themselves then I consider it extremely rude.
joey

It never occurred to me that the sunglasses were to help their eyesight; they wear them all year round. I thought it was to keep them anonymous: if you can’t see their eyes you won’t recognise them a week later if you meet them in the supermarket on their day off. The whole incident seems a bit of a fuss about nothing really. The problem is that America is big and strong and does pretty much what it wants, which other countries’ citizens perceive as arrogance. Hence the complaints.
http://surrealu.blogspot.com/ Claytonian

Hey now, we’ve all seen American funerals in the movies.
The hero wears sunglasses. He cries a single manly tear. He throws a rose on the grave. Then he exchanges a knowing nod with the bereaved wife about what is going on later while a fighter jet flies overhead. Then ninjas come. Yeah!
SK

Actually, secret-service-types wear sunglasses so others can’t see where they are looking. It is possible they decided in favor of security over etiquette.
Vonskippy

BFD – it’s sunglasses, it was sunny, they were outdoors.

If JAPAN thinks that’s “rude” then they need to think harder about their archaic customs.

Do they think camera’s are stealing souls too?

It’s the 21st century – grow up.
http://Romeocorpen.Wordpress.com John

Little people will always find little issues to complain about. For some the underlying offense of being an American is never forgiven. Next time you are in trouble, give us a call. We are always glad to help. Just ask Churchill.

Fat Tony

So, it was Churchill’s request that brought the American people and their big swinging sense of justice into the war, was it?

Tom

Very interesting topic.
I think it is surely considered rude to keep sunglasses on during this type of ceremony. And as some people pointed out, I do understand that they did not know about the side of the Japanese culture.

However, when I attended a funeral in the US (I am Japanese), I tried to read and learn about American funerals by reading on the internet, and asking some people about what to do, what not to do, and what are considered rude and polite things to do. It is simply because I did not want to offend anybody without knowing it. That is very rude.

I am not saying that I was fantastic, but I think at least that attitude means (at least for me) meant how to respect the deceased and their family.

I appreciate that the US ambassador attended the ceremony, but if he does it, I think he (or his body guards) should have come up with a better way of showing their respect to the culture and the victims.
RMilner

I’ve been married to a Japanese lady for 16 years and never heard of such a rule. Some of these whingeing Twitterers need to get a life.
Vonskippy

Wow, wearing sunglasses outdoors in the sun, how awful.

Did you see they had camera’s stealing peoples souls too.

And I bet somewhere there were women wearing pants, yes PANTS!!!!!!!

People stuck on old outdated social mores are dinosaurs and need to be punched in their fossils.
George

Most people here are talking about cultural understanding and customs and norms, but few are referencing the main reasons secret service and body guards wear sunglasses: to prevent potentially dangerous people from knowing where they are looking, and to minimize glare.

Every secret service person I’ve seen on the job in real life (and there have been a few) wore sunglasses. It seems like those’re pretty good security reasons to wear sunglasses, especially at an apparently contentious appearance such as this, regardless of the social norms.

People who are offended or upset about this shouldn’t be. When their job protecting the public figure is in conflict with PR, it’s pretty silly to put the public figure in more danger just to appease some minor dogmatic presumptions about good manners.

Zou

Agreed, its funny how people criticize the security for wearing sunglasses that obviously helps them do their job in protecting the person and spotting dangerous individuals.

But hey so what if the VIP gets killed because the glare got into one of the guards eyes. At least he was polite right?

Tornadoes28

I understand it is good to follow customs in foreign countries as much as possible but is damn impossible to know every single custom. Even at an event like this you can’t expect them to know that they should have taken their sunglasses off. Give me a break.

Yojimbo

It isn’t that hard, really. And after all, we’re talking about US diplomat. Surely they have the resources available to them.

So it’s kind of tacky that they didn’t even bother to ask (presumably).

ryuugakusei

Actually it isn’t really isn’t rude at all to wear sunglasses in the US even at a funeral–especially when you’re the security for a VIP. However there is an American custom which as far as I can tell the American delegation observed faithfully–that being not wearing hats at funerals. It is a sign of respect to not wear a hat or to at least take it off during a ceremony or funeral.

As to the cultural sensitivity issue, yes ideally someone should’ve stepped in and told the security to leave the sunglasses in the pocket this time, but frankly you could drive yourself crazy trying to conform to every exact custom of whatever culture you find yourself in and in so doing so FORGET TO DO YOUR JOB! which is protecting and/or assisting the Ambassador.
Colin

It’s the opinions of a few TWITTER users – not some big news story or anything. Yes, some Japanese considered it rude, and in my opinion it would seem more rude of anyone to want to deny them of their opinions. Some of the comments I’ve read as a response seemed more rude then anything they said over twitter, in my opinion.
Glyndwr Meredith

Concerning this memorial I would expect some commentary on how terrible war is but we are discussing the far more important issue of whether it’s appropriate to wear sunglasses and hats to this event.

For my taste, this Japanese annual self-pity fest would be better replaced with one that is a memorial for ALL who have died in wars – military and civilian alike.

However, since the topic is set, I believe people who are standing outside in the hot sunshine should be encouraged to wear hats and sunglasses rather than be expected to take them off … at least some people in the crowd seemed to have the right idea.
meh

I have no opinion on this matter.

ha!
http://japansw.wordpress.com Kyle Mizokami

I’ve actually seen the guy on Roos’ right in person (in the first screen capture). He was in San Francisco in May working protective detail for the Russian Ambassador to the U.S. There was a public event marking the dedication of a plaque honoring Russian sailors on the Embarcadero and he was keeping the sidewalk clear. Stood next to him for about twenty minutes.

He’s right handed–you could tell the way his suit jacket fell.
snoop

It’s not unusuale to see Americans behave badly and much worse, just for so-called “security reasons”

Americans Wear Sunglasses at Hiroshima Ceremony

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