a note
That's a fascinating question that touches on a very important concept in Japanese culture. The direct answer is that in Japanese culture, a person is often described as having three faces. This is a common saying and cultural concept, not a literal count. The "Three Faces" (三つの顔, Mittsu no Kao) The idea is that every person presents different aspects of themselves depending on the social context. The "three faces" are: The Public Face (建前, Tatemae): This is the face you show to the public and in formal situations. It's the behavior and attitudes required by your social position and harmony. It's about following rules, being polite, and not causing conflict, even if it doesn't reflect your true feelings (Honne). Example: Telling a coworker, "That's an interesting idea," when you privately think it's terrible, in order to maintain group harmony. The Private Face (本音, Honne): This is your "true sound" or genuine feelings, w...