"When in Rome, do as the Romans do" - "When in Japan, prepare to have your mind blown"
Encountering new people, new cultures and new ways of thinking is part of the joy of visiting new places. This does however come with its own unique set of problems. Put simply, no one wants to upset the natives, but in Japan, with its rigid social structures and seemingly impenetrable array of codes of conduct, it is almost a given that at some stage, you will put your foot in it.
But fear not, The Sarusawa Blog has compiled a list of dicta for you to follow to help avoid any uncomfortable social faux pas and get the most out of your time in Japan. 7 Commandments of Being in Public Thou shalt greet people with a friendly and sincere greeting of, “Ohayo gozaimasu” (Good morning), “Konnichiwa” (Good day), or “Konbanwa” (Good evening)! Thou shalt not eat or drink while walking! Thou shalt not talk on one’s cellphone whilst riding a train or bus! Thou shalt not insist upon ladies first! Japan does not have this custom, but this is the one rule one may shirk, forget or violate deliberately. Thou shalt ride on the left side of an escalator if one does not plan to climb it! One shall not forget that the opposite is true when visiting the Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hyogo and Wakayama Prefectures)! When visiting friends or family, or returning from a trip thou shalt bring a small souvenir or "omiyage" to pass out amongst one’s friends, family or co-workers regardless of how well or how little you like them! The 10 Commandments of the Table: Thou shalt say, “Itadakimasu” (remember this by thinking, “Eat a duck and mouse”), before eating and, “Gochisosama deshita” after eating. This is especially important when being treated to a meal. Thou shalt not forget to give the toast, “Kanpai” (cheers) before drinking. Thou shalt pour drinks for one’s companions and have one’s drink poured by thine companions. Thou shalt use chopsticks! If provided with disposable chopsticks (waribashi) thou shalt not rub them together as this conveys that you think the chopsticks and the establishment are cheap. Thou shall not stand one’s chopsticks up in a a bowl of rice (or any other dish)! This is done at funerals and is symbolic of offering the rice to the deceased. Thou shalt not use one’s chopsticks to skewer food, move dishes around or point at someone else. Thou shalt especially not serve another person using the same end of the chopsticks one has just eaten with! Thou shalt make slurping noises when eating noodles. This conveys that one is enjoying the meal. Thou shalt drink soup by holding the bowl close to one’s mouth so as not to spill or drop anything and alternate between the various dishes one has been served. Thou shalt eat everything on one’s plate! When eating at a restaurant thou shalt pay at the register and not at the table!
The 7 Commandments of Visiting Homes and Traditional Buildings Thou shalt remove ones shoes in the “genkan” entrance area and turn them so that the are pointed toward the door. Thou shalt wear clean socks with no holes in them and use indoor slippers when they are provided. Thou shalt remove ones indoor slippers before entering a tatami mat “washitsu” room. Only socks or barefoot are allowed on the tatami. Thou shalt wear the special bathroom slippers when using the toilet, and thou shalt not forget to remove the toilet slippers once thine business is complete! When visiting historic sites thou shalt observe the posted photography regulations, and ask the staff if unsure. Thou shalt bring a gift if one is staying in a private home! If thou art granted the privilege of taking the first bath thou shalt shower before bathing, as always in Japan, and though shalt NOT drain the bath tub when thou art finished! Bathing in Japan is not for washing but for relaxing, and the water is meant for the whole family to enjoy. The 8 Commandments of Hot Springs, Bathing and Public Baths Thou shalt not have a tattoo! One who has a tattoo (or tattoos) is seen as akin to yakuza (Japanese mob), and will not be granted admittance to most establishments. Thou shalt remove one’s shoes in the genkan entrance area and put them in a shoe locker. Thou shalt memorize the following kanji and use them to enter the correct changing and bathing areas: “男” for men and “女” for women. Thou shalt strip naked and put one’s clothes in the provided locker and bring nothing more than a humility towel into the bathing area. Thou shalt shower and wash one’s entire body before entering the bath! Thou shalt not immerse one’s humility towel in the bath but place it either on the rim of the pool or on one’s head. Thou shalt be respectful of other bathers! Thou shalt NOT stare, become rowdy, or eat or drink. When finished bathing thou shalt rinse and dry oneself off before returning to the changing area. The title of “Baka-gaijin” shall be bestowed upon he or she who dost violate 1 or more of these commandments.
*No bushes were burnt in the writing of this article.
Works consulted: https://www.tofugu.com/japan/japanese-etiquette/ https://www.tofugu.com/japan/japanese-table-manners/ http://www.seejapan.co.uk/jnto_consumer/experience/gourmet/eating-and-drinking-etiquette http://www.thejapanfaq.com/FAQ-Manners.html https://www.tofugu.com/japan/japanese-home-visit/ https://www.tofugu.com/japan/japanese-train-etiquette/