I would learn in time
That it was your policy
To handle me with Tatemae.
And being more the Honne sort
I knew that this would surely
Limit the possibilities
Of me knowing you
And of you knowing me.
It put me in the awkward position
Of having to decide how much
To invest to that end
For I would much rather
Learn you than to learn
A mere Tatemae facade.
Yet there is always the chance—
However slim it may be—
That having somehow
Got a foot in the door
I might be truly invited in
Where we could visit
Face to Face.
From Wikipedia:
In Japan, honne refers to a person’s true feelings and desires (本音, hon’ne, “true sound”), and tatemae refers contrastingly to the behavior and opinions one displays in public (建前, tatemae, “built in front”, “façade”). This distinction began to be made in the post-war era.[1]: 35
A person’s honne may be contrary to what is expected by society or what is required according to one’s position and circumstances, and they are often kept hidden, except with one’s closest friends. Tatemae is what is expected by society and required according to one’s position and circumstances, and these may or may not match one’s honne. In many cases, tatemae leads to outright telling of lies in order to avoid exposing the true inward feelings.
