Tips on Proper Japanese Etiquette
November 6th, 2006 by SolomonProper etiquette in Japan is dramatically different from what is considered to be etiquette around the rest of the world. If you are planning to visit Japan in the near future, either for business or leisure, below are a few reminders and tips to make you more familiar with Japanese etiquette so that you don’t make a fool of yourself.
1. Inside the house – When entering into someone’s house, it is customary to take off your shoes and change into slippers. These slippers will most likely be provided by the host. Upon entering a room with a tatami floor, be sure to take off your slippers.
2. Table manners – Blowing your nose, leaving food on your plate, and talking about disappetizing topics are considered bad etiquette. Most importantly, unlike other cultures in East Asia, it is considered extremely rude to burp at the table.
3. Eating at a restaurant – Do not leave a tip! When leaving, simply say to your server, “gochisosama deshita” (“thank you for the meal”). In most restaurants, it is common to take the receipt to the cashier and pay at the front.
4. Bowing – If the greeting takes place on a tatami floor, than it is customary to get on your knees in order to bow. If the opposite person is a higher status than yourself, you are supposed to bow deeper or longer than him or her.
5. Bad Luck – There are many things that Japanese people don’t do because they are thought to bring bad luck
- The number four (pronounced the same as the word for death “shi”)
- Sticking your chopsticks into the rice (this act is normally done only at funerals)
- Sleeping towards the North
- Lying down after eating
6. Business-meeting manners – At a meeting, don’t sit until you are told where you are sitting. Seating arrangements are usually done in order of importance. Also remember that business cards are exchanged at the beginning of meetings rather than at the end.
Although it may appear that Japanese culture is dramatically different from what you know, there is no need to worry. Your hosts know that you are visiting from a foreign country and will understand. If you forget one of the tips from above and slip up, it is most likely that they will just let it go. I hope the aforementioned tips will help bring guidance to you on your next trip to Japan. Be safe and good luck!
Posted: November 6th, 2006 under Asia, Culture, Japan, Travel Tips.
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