Brought to you by Lexus (the official vehicle sponsor of the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards 2022)

Simply put, omotenashi is all about the Japanese culture and ethos of customer service. Guests are treated with warmth and sincerity to create a standout experience. Everything pertaining to the customer service experience is handled with the utmost care, and great attention is paid to even the finest of details.

In addition, this concept’s principle is rooted within anticipating a customer’s needs, thereby endeavoring to deliver quality and thoughtful service.

The best way to experience omotenashi first-hand is through a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, during which the host will not only make you feel like a welcome guest, but also work hard to anticipate and fulfil your every need. However, the phrase has also become synonymous with luxury service practices in the Western world.

 

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This means omotenashi has a strong correlation with the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards, which celebrates service brilliance in the South African restaurant industry, and with Lexus, the luxury automotive brand.

The interior design of all Lexus models is heavily inspired by the Japanese phrase omotenashi, which truly does bring a uniquely luxurious feel to the South African automotive market. All the details in the interior of a Lexus vehicle work together to create a serene ambience and a sense of both luxurious elegance and comfort. Lexus as a brand pays meticulous attention to detail and delivers on the promise of excellence, striving to offer the very best customer service experience from start to finish.

In the same way that all the Eat Out star winners add the necessary fine details and touches to each and every dining experience to create a beautiful restaurant experience overall, Lexus makes both drivers and passengers feel welcomed from the moment they step into a Lexus vehicle – a true embodiment of omotenashi in the Western form.