Japan vs. America in the war of etiquette

I probably mentioned this at some point or another… I took a couple of years of Japanese in college – plus a few courses on Japanese culture. And I visited Japan for a couple weeks back in the 90’s.

Anyway… In Japan, people seem to think Americans are terribly full of themselves - cocky and pretentious (though they would never say it outright). Among other reasons, it has something to do with the fact Americans accept compliments and thanks with what we perceive to be politeness.

“Thank you for your hard work.”
“You’re welcome!”

“Wow – you’re a great public speaker.”
"Thank you!”

From the Japanese viewpoint, the correct responses would be:

“Thank you for your hard work.”
"It was nothing. I am only as good as the team.”

“Wow – you’re a great public speaker.”
“Honestly, I am really not very good. But I am working on it.”

I thought of this cultural difference the past couple weeks as multiple people say congrats about my wife and I having our first baby or tell me my baby is cute/pretty. I can't really take much credit and I'm tempted to give a Japanese inspired response. All I did was ummm... plant the seed. Still I always say “Thanks!” like a true American.