Where in the brain does "reading the air" happen? And how to train it

How the air-reading brain works

Introduction

The Japanese expression "kuuki yomu" (to read the air) means to be sensitive to the context of a conversation and the feelings of others, and to react appropriately to the situation. So which part of the brain is responsible for this "reading the air" power? And how can we train this ability?

Brain regions for "reading the air

Prefrontal Cortex*. Prefrontal Cortex*** is responsible for making social decisions and deciding "how to act now. It is the final command post for "reading the air" and making judgments.
Temporo-parietal Junction (TPJ)* Temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) Involved in the "Theory of Mind" to infer the intentions and viewpoints of others. Example: understanding whether the other person is joking or serious.
Amygdala (Amygdala) Instantly detects emotions from facial expressions and tone of voice. Intuitively catches "tension" and "relief" in the air.
Anterior Cingulate Cortex*. Monitors "harmony" and "discomfort" of a place. Compares one's own emotions with those of others and adjusts empathy.

--- Cingulate Cortex

Flow of the mechanism (rough image)

Sensory input (eyes and ears) captures facial expressions and tone of voice.
Amygdala quickly analyzes the nuances of emotion.
TPJ to infer "how the other person is thinking".
Prefrontal cortex determines "how to behave now.
**Checks for consistency with the mood of the situation with the Cingulate Cortex.

In other words, "reading the atmosphere" is a "comprehensive ability" in which multiple brain regions work in a network.

---In other words, "reading the atmosphere" is a comprehensive ability in which multiple brain regions work in a network.

Relevance to Japanese culture

In Japan, the term "kuki yomitai (air-reading)" has become so common that contextual understanding and harmony in the workplace are emphasized. Research shows that the strength and priority of the brain network used to "read the air" varies by culture. For example, it has been reported that Western cultures tend to prioritize explicit language, while Japanese emphasize the ability to read nonverbal signs.

How can we learn to "read the air"?

The ability to "read the air" can be improved through practice. Here are some tips on how you can improve your ability to "read the air" in your daily life, inspired by brain science.

Train your observation skills. Try to pay attention to one person's facial expression or voice inflection.
Imagine the other person's position. Simulate in your mind, "How would I feel if I were the other person?" and simulate it in your mind.
Verbalize the mood of the situation. Put the atmosphere in your own words, such as "It's getting exciting" or "I'm a little nervous.
Use time lag. Wait a second or two instead of replying right away.
Interact with the story. Reading a book or watching a movie and imagining how the characters are feeling is also good training.

-**Reading or watching movies to imagine how the characters feel is also good training.

Summary

Reading the atmosphere involves the prefrontal cortex, TPJ, amygdala, and cingulate cortex.
The functions of understanding emotions, inferring intentions, and harmonizing the situation are interlocked.
With practice in observation, imagination, and empathy, this skill can be developed on a daily basis.

The next time you have a "reading the air" moment in a conversation, try to be aware of how your brain works. Just by doing so, you will gradually get closer to your non-KY self.