This study investigates cross-cultural differences in the use of demonstratives between Japanese and Chinese speakers, focusing on their influence on spatial perception and communication. Demonstratives such as “this” and “that” are fundamental to spatial cognition, yet their usage varies significantly across languages, potentially leading to misunderstandings. Japanese employs a three-tier demonstrative system: ko (near the speaker), so (near the listener), and a (distant from both), whereas Chinese uses a simpler two-tier system: zhe (near) and na (far). This structural contrast often poses challenges for Chinese speakers learning Japanese, particularly regarding the middle-distance concept represented by so. The study employed an experimental methodology where native Japanese and Chinese participants used Japanese demonstratives across four spatial configurations: face-to-face, side-by-side, L-shape, and behind the listener. Results indicated that Chinese speakers often retained their native spatial patterns, frequently using a for distant objects, even when the objects were relatively close to the listener. In contrast, Japanese speakers adjusted their demonstrative use based on the listener’s position. These findings highlight the influence of cultural and linguistic backgrounds on spatial cognition. The study suggests integrating cultural-linguistic insights into language training, particularly for foreign workers in Japan, to enhance communication and workplace safety, especially in caregiving facilities where precise spatial instructions are critical. Furthermore, this research contributes to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) by demonstrating how cultural differences in demonstrative use can impact spatial cognition, offering insights for designing multilingual user interfaces, virtual assistants, and AR/VR systems to minimize misunderstandings and improve user experience.