[martyvis]

While I think Japanese society has lots of good traits and outcomes such as a low crime rate, and a ethic to involve everyone in process improvements, this is another clear example of what the English call "keeping up appearances". It seems Japanese call it "tatemae" - https://japan-dev.com/blog/honne-and-tatemae

[csa]

> what the English call "keeping up appearances". It seems Japanese call it "tatemae"

Definitely not the same, unless I don’t understand the English usage (I’m American, but I’ve spent a lot of time around Brits and British English).

Tatemae can run deep in complexity and nuance.

[CRConrad]

> Tatemae can run deep in complexity and nuance.

At a guess, so can "keeping up appearances".