When in Japan, do as the Japanese do

Author - Saee Ranade ( SYBA C)

Roll number - 2571

Estimated reading time - 3 minutes

Japanese are often governed by their etiquette and discipline. Recently, the Japanese football fans at the FIFA World Cup held in Qatar cleaned the stadium after their matches and their act amassed a lot of admiration. 

Japan, a developed and highly structured country follows an unspoken set of rules that might intimidate a tourist. The Japanese do not expect its tourists to follow these rules however a basic understanding might be helpful. Here are a few tips that you should follow to avoid random stares from strangers in Japan.


BOWING


        - Bowing is considered similar to the custom of shaking hands and waving that is followed around the world. People usually bow to show respect, apologize or appreciate/ thank someone for their help.

       - In order to bow, one should not curve the back and neck but bend in their hips with hands at the side.

- The degree of bowing is directly proportional to the respect. The more arched the bow is, the more is the respect denoted.


     Source - Getty Images


TIPPING


  • Tipping in Japan is considered insulting and hence prohibited, even in restaurants and taxis. 

  • Instead, at restaurants, people are served otoshi (small portioned starters) which is basically a table charge dish.

  • Another thing that one should keep in mind while paying is to keep the cash on trays rather than placing it in the person’s hand.


EATING


  • There are a few rules that one is expected to follow while using chopsticks. Stabbing the food with chopsticks should be avoided and they should not be kept upright in the bowl (it is associated with death)

  • Do not pass food using chopsticks, it is considered disrespectful.

  • Keep the chopsticks on chopstick rest when not in use

  • However, slurping noodles is completely acceptable, unlike the rest of the world.


Source- Go!Go! Nihon

DRINKING


  • Never pour your own drink in Japan

  • Ask someone else to pour it for you and do the same in return

  • Saying kanpai (translates to dry glass, equivalent to bottoms up in English) before taking the first sip


Source - tripsavvy


WALKING


  • Littering on streets is strictly prohibited

  • In Japan, there are no bins on the street so you should keep litter in your bag until you find bins at a convenience store, public toilets or at the place of your residence.

  • Do not eat or drink while walking on streets


  Source - japan guide


TRAVELING


  • Public transport in Japan is comparatively inexpensive, fast and convenient

  • While traveling in Japan using public transport like shinkansen (bullet trains), metros, and buses is a comfortable option 

  • Loud conversations in public places are considered rude

  • Accepting calls, and talking on phones in public transport is considered discrete behavior 

  • Being quiet in public is appreciated


 

         Source - Go!Go! Nihon



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