Japanese Manners -Tips on Being Polite
Going to Japan? Follow these simple rules, and you can avoid offending the locals!
-Bowing
DO bow back when someone bows to you! People in Japan bow to say thank you, please, excuse me, hello, goodbye and so on! Bowing is the most basic, frequently used greeting. The best thing is, you don't even need to say anything!
Be careful though, DON'T bow with your hands together in front of you. This may be common in some parts of Asia, but not in Japan. Simple let your hands dangle by your sides.
-Chopsticks
DO use them, even if you're terrible at them! Your efforts will be greatly appreciated :) If they offer you spoons of forks, don't be offended. This is simply a Japanese way of being hospitable.
DON'T leave your chopsticks sticking straight up in your rice bowl! (Or any other bowl...) This is something that we do as a ritual at funerals, so it's extremely impolite.
-Shoes
DO take them off indoors! Even some restaurants require you to remove your shoes. Try to avoid wearing socks with holes ;)
DON'T leave them lying there! Arrange them neatly, and place them so that the toes are pointing at the door. This way, you can simply slip them on when you're leaving.
-Trains
DO keep quiet! Trains are not a transportation method. Often times they are place where tired students and workers sleep, read, and relax! Talking is okay, but keep your voices lowered.
DON'T cut the line! It can be tempting, especially when you want to secure a seat. However, it's extremely important that you respect the order. This is true in most countries, but I think it has a special significance in Japan.
-Cellphones in Public Places (e.g. trains, museums)
DO keep them on silent mode! Having a loud ringtone is considered 'meiwaku', which means 'rude, causing trouble'. Keeping them on vibration is okay, but if it vibrates too loudly, you may get some unhappy glances from the people around you.
DON'T talk too loudly on the phone! It's really easy to shout over the phone, without really realizing it. In trains, talking is 'forbidden'. You won't be fined or anything, but it's considered very 'meiwaku'. If it's an emergency, you can answer, but it's best to tell the other person you're on the train, and call them back later.
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