According to a study conducted by the American company Remitly, Japan has secured the top spot in a ranking of countries with the most polite populations. The study involved a survey of over 4,600 people across 26 countries, asking them to identify nations where citizens display the best manners. More than a third of respondents (35.15%) named Japan as the leader in global politeness, highlighting the country's deep-rooted culture of respect.

The researchers noted that politeness in Japan is evident in nearly every aspect of daily life. From the tradition of bowing as a sign of respect to the use of "keigo"—a highly formalized and polite version of the language—social etiquette is a core pillar of Japanese society. For the Japanese, maintaining social harmony and showing consideration for others are essential values that go beyond simple pleasantries.

Canada claimed the second spot with 13.35% of the votes. The study found that while the stereotype of Canadians constantly apologizing might be a simplification, a genuine commitment to respect and mutual understanding remains a vital part of Canadian social interaction. The United Kingdom took third place (6.23%), where politeness is characterized by the frequent use of phrases like "please" and "thank you," as well as a strong cultural adherence to the practice of queuing.

One of the most intriguing findings of the study was the discrepancy between international perceptions and self-assessments. Residents of countries like Brazil, India, and France considered themselves among the most polite in the world. In contrast, the modest Japanese people ranked themselves 25th in terms of self-perceived politeness. This highlights a fascinating cultural trait where the most objectively polite societies often tend to be the most self-critical and humble regarding their own manners.