A Case Study on Keicho, Japanese Active Empathetic Listening

ABSTRACT Active empathetic listening (AEL) is a foundational skillset used by counselors. However, little is known about how AEL is used and perceived outside of Western cultures. Keicho (傾聴), the Japanese concept of AEL, is described as tilting one's head to listen to others. In this study, we examined how AEL is influenced by Japanese culture and practiced in Japan, using a cross‐cultural instrumental case study methodology at a nonprofit organization located in Japan. We used three different datasets: focus group workshop participants, self‐narrative poem activities, and individual interviews with the workshop instructor.