Japanese people place high priority on being respectful. Westerners visiting Japan would benefit from learning a few of the most important customs before travelling to Japan. It may be difficult to recall many of the nuances of Japanese etiquette, but most errors will be politely overlooked. It is assumed that a foreigner will not know all of the intricacies of polite social interaction. Take time to observe others interacting to learn more about proper etiquette. As long as the visitor attempts to observe custom, his efforts will be appreciated.
Meeting and Greeting
The most basic thing to understand is that bowing lower and longer than one’s elder or superior is a sign of respect. Hands should be placed at the sides for a man, or clasped in front if a woman. The back should remain straight as one bows from the waist with eyes downcast.
Japanese people often carry business cards to present to each other. It is offered by holding two corners in both hands so that the recipient can read it. The recipient should take the card in both hands in the same way that it has been offered, taking time to read it. Do not fold it, write on it or stuff it into a back pocket. If doing business in Japan, it is a good idea to carry high quality business cards within a case.
Gift-giving is common in Japan. Do not open a gift immediately unless urged to do so. If visiting someone’s home, it is polite to offer a small gift in nice wrapping paper. When entering a home, shoes are removed and placed facing the door. Usually there are slippers provided for guests, but it is also fine to wear only socks. Adults generally address each other by their last names with the suffix –san or the more formal –sama attached.
Eating
Dining in a group is an enjoyable and memorable occasion in Japan, though there are a few important rules. It is considered bad form to point to a person with chopsticks or to stab food with them. Never use an oshibori (hot towel) to wipe one’s face and neck unless in an informal setting where others are doing so. Wait for the most senior person to eat before beginning a meal. Rice should not be mixed with other foods or covered with soy sauce. Traditionally, people refill drinks for one another. If a cup is drained, it will be refilled, which can quickly lead to drunkenness if one isn’t careful.
Bathing
People of the same gender often bathe together in public baths or geothermal hot springs. Westerners may feel uncomfortable being nude, but a small towel is provided that may be used for modesty. Tattoos are frowned upon, so they should be covered with a bandage. Always wash before entering a tub, which is only for soaking. It is a sign of respect to offer the guest the first bath in a home, followed by family members in order of age. The same water is used, so take care not to leave behind hair or debris in the bath.
This guest post was provided by Romy, a travel blogger who has spent the last three years travelling the world and offering advice to travellers. Whether they want to find out the cheapest places to hire a car in Orlando to what hotels have the best views of the Eiffel Tower.
