It is said that Tuesday's child is full of grace. Therefore I will take that saying and look at how this "grace" is depicted in Japanese video games, i.e. the social and cultural etiquette and customs.
A bath house scene from Tales of Zestiria.
Public bathing - public baths are segregated by gender in Japan, and games such as Tales of Zestiria often play up public bathing related transgressions for laughs, with the guys in the cast almost always being the ones transgressing, i.e. sneaking a peek at the girls, often resulting in the girls going apeshit and curbstomping the guys.
Bowing - this is the most obvious example, and can be seen not only games like Persona 4, which revolves around a (fictional) Japanese town with a blend of rural and modern Japanese culture, but also games like The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel, which at first glance is set in a country that is based on an amalgam of Germany, Britain and other European countries, but also has the main protagonists (students) all doing things like rising and bowing at the end of each class.
The power of friendship/bonds - trying to go it alone is seen as big no-no in Japanese culture, and this is exemplified in many JRPGs, such as Final Fantasy XV, in which Prompto, Ignis, Gladiolus and Noctis all share an extremely close, brotherly bond with one another, despite not actually being related by blood.
Praying for good fortune - it is considered polite in Japanese culture to pray for someone's good fortune and even tell them that you will do so - not necessarily praying to any particular god or for anyone of a particular faith though. This custom often pops up in visual novels such as Cherry Tree High Comedy Club.
There is an almost overwhelming abundance of JRPGs with great narratives out there, but I'm going to list off five really memorable/worthwhile ones (in no particular order):
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky
A modern classic, with cheerful, jazzy music, and a narrative that burns slowly at the start, but soon builds up the tension and drama. It also has enough difficulty options (e.g. retry offset) for players of all skill levels. Buy it from GOG.com
Shin Megami Tensei IV
A dark, somewhat brutal game, but with a fascinating, choice driven narrative of Law, Chaos and Neutrality, set against a post-apocalyptic background, and buttressed with addictive demon negotiation and fusion mechanics. Buy it from the Nintendo eShop
Final Fantasy X
A somewhat divisive installment in the Final Fantasy series, perhaps, due to its linearity and occasionally cringeworthy acting, but still a very worthwhile JRPG experience, with a deep Sphere Grid system for character customisation, and an engaging narrative centred around faith, doubt, and duty. Get it from the PlayStation Store (Note: US PlayStation Store link provided)
Persona 3 Portable
A slightly stripped down, but still very worthwhile, PSP port of Persona 3, with refined game mechanics and the option of playing as a female main character, which opens up new Social Links. A narrative themed around facing death and making the most of life is enhanced by compelling characters and a sense of urgency. This article goes into the game's narrative a bit further.Buy it from the PlayStation Store
Costume Quest
Technically not a JRPG in terms of its origins, but certainly in terms of its battle mechanics and overworld. Cute and charming as all getout (how can you not love those costumes?), and doesn't take itself seriously at all. Plus, collecting all the Creepy Treats cards is a rabbit hole into addiction. Buy it from GOG.com
Feel free to comment below - give your thoughts on my choices, or even your picks for great JRPGs.
