Apologies, both personal and corporate, are taken very seriously in Japanese culture[1]. They're a way of preserving honor that dates back to the samurai era. You can see this in the custom of bowing, where the length and extension of a bow reflects the gravity of the situation. The act of seppuku can be considered an extreme version of this.
I'm not a Japanophile, but find their culture fascinating.
I'm not a Japanophile, but find their culture fascinating.
[1]: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/sumimasen-beh...