For a foreign traveler, Japan can be an intimidating place. Its crowded streets and complex etiquette make it seem like one big minefield of potential faux pas.
But fear not, for we are here to help. We’ve compiled a list of the essential things about Japanese etiquette.
When entering someone’s home or business, remove your shoes at the entrance. When eating out, it’s customary to take off your shoes before sitting on tatami mats or carpeted areas. To avoid dirt on the carpet or floor, use a small stool or stool when taking your shoes off in front of others.
Bow Your Head When Greeting Someone
The bow is an integral part of Japanese etiquette, and it’s used daily to greet people of all ages and ranks. To perform a proper bow, stand up straight and bend at the waist until your upper body is parallel with the floor (or lower if you’re too tall). Make sure not to snap back upright as this is considered rude – instead, bring yourself back up slowly until your back is straight again. If you are meeting someone for the first time, it’s recommended that you bow slightly more profoundly than you would normally do so they don’t feel like they’re being rushed off their feet by someone they’ve just met.
Respect Elders And Others In Positions Of Authority
The Japanese respect their elders, so it is essential to show them the appropriate level of deference. This means using polite language and gestures and avoiding sarcasm or humor when dealing with them.
Pouring drinks is considered honorable as it shows respect to your friends and colleagues. Therefore, pouring your drink without asking someone else first is considered rude. You can politely ask someone else to run your glass by saying “Onegai shimasu” (please). This phrase can also be used when asking someone to pass something, such as food or utensils while eating together at a restaurant or at home with friends or family.
Don’t Eat While Walking Or Standing Up
In Japanese culture, eating while walking or standing is considered rude because it shows that you’re not paying attention to what’s happening around you (which could be interpreted as being too busy to sit down and enjoy your meal). If you’re taking a break from work and want to snack on something like a bento box or don’t have time for a full dinner at lunchtime, make sure you sit down for at least part of your meal.
Pay Attention To What’s Going On Around You
It is considered extremely rude in Japan to blow one’s nose at the dinner table, even if one has an allergy attack or a cold because it would disturb other people’s enjoyment of their meal too much. Excuse yourself politely if you feel like blowing your nose during dinner time and go somewhere else before doing so. You could also excuse yourself and go to the bathroom if no alternative exit is available in your restaurant or home.
In conclusion, knowing some of the intricate details of social etiquette in Japan will help you tremendously. Whether you are traveling there or doing business with workers in Japan, following these rules is likely to make your life easier and more pleasant.