This article explores the meanings of honorifics such as san and kun in Japanese culture, how they are used, their cultural significance, and examples of when they are used. San (さん) is typically used when addressing someone older/higher in status while kun (くん) is typically used when addressing someone younger/lower in status. The politeness associated with these titles reflects an important aspect of Japanese culture which values respect for elders/superiors regardless of age or social standing.