Once very isolated, Japan has developed a range of unique customs and traditions that still continue to today. In some respects these customs can seem a bit odd or different to what we are use to in the west, but each custom has a purpose and it is bad etiquette to not to adhere to the simple rituals that has been part of Japanese life for centuries.
Many of the customs are just common sense like removing your shoes before entering someone’s home or pouring your companion's drink before your own. While others can seam a bit odd to foreigners (gajin) like some of the rules of using chopsticks or the fact it is considered rude to blow your nose or eat on the street but it is perfectly ok to take a leak in the gutter in broad daylight. Typically this custom is only practiced by older Japanese men and we recommend you find the nearest toilet before whipping it out in public.
Hopefully our guides below will explain a bit about Japanese culture to help you not perform any faux pas while going about you life in Japan.
|
|
One of the first things you will notice when meeting a Japanese person is the bow, it is a very important custom in Japan. When two people greet each ever they bow and this can range from a small nod of the head or a full bow where the body is bent from the waist. The bow is also used to say thank you, or as an apology, it is also used to request something or when saying goodbye, pretty well just about everywhere. |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Japan is a very formal society with very polite people, greeting someone for the first time is often like a formal ritual with a strict script followed especially with business dealings. |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
It pays to be hungry in Japan, you should eat every scrap, it is considered bad manners to leave even a grain of rice. Here are a few more tips which will make your meal much more enjoyable. |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
The Japanese love a drink, beer whiskey and sake are just a few of the favorites, but like most countries the Japanese have a few customs which are polite to follow. |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
When entering a Japanese house you should always take off your shoes at the entrance and change into some slippers (or surippa), the host will usually have them ready for you. But don’t go stepping on a tatami floor with them, they are only to be walked on with socks or bare feet. |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
The Japanese are very superstitious and many of their beliefs date back centuries and are deeply rooted in their culture. Some are similar to those of western or other Asian countries but there are many unique ones and many are designed as lessons and warnings to consequences. |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Geishas are traditional female Japanese entertainers who perform in the crafts of classical music, dance or other Japanese arts. Geisha’s are sometimes wrongly confused with shogi or prostitutes, but the Geisha does not engage in paid sex as she is an entertainer only. |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Customs & Etiquette 
