The word Sumimasen ("I am sorry") is used in Japanese society to express both apology and gratitude. It anchors a formal code of behaviour which is mainly used in public interactions and uncommon within intimate relationships. This reflects a unification of social behaviour that can be seen as a mask, thus further alienating the private from the public. This plurality of attitudes in Japanese society is recognised by the terms “tatemae" (behaviour in public) and “honne” (true feelings); also known as putting on and off a “mask”.
