You probably know that cultures and manners differ from country to country.
There are many things that may be acceptable in your country but are not appropriate in Japan.
Wouldn’t you like to know what you shouldn’t do in Japan and what Japanese people find inappropriate？
In this post, we will tell you the Japanese rules you should follow in order to become friends with Japanese people.
Public spaces
①Loud conversations and talking on cell phones on trains and buses are generally considered bad manners.
②Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas.
③There are not many trash cans on the streets of Japan, but the general rule is to either take your trash home with you or dispose of it in designated trash cans.
④Do not cut in line at cash registers, train platforms, popular stores, or other places where people are queuing; always line up at the end of the queue.
⑤There are some places where photography is prohibited, such as some temples, shrines, museums, and tourist sites, so be sure to check the signs.
Dining Etiquette
⑥Sticking chopsticks into food is an action that is done at Buddhist funerals, and is particularly taboo.
⑦Passing food from chopstick to chopstick is an action that is done when picking up ashes after cremation, and is also taboo.
⑧Pointing at people or food with chopsticks is also considered unpleasant.
⑨Slurping noodles （ramen, udon, soba） is acceptable, but munching when eating other foods is considered unpleasant.
➉When eating, it is customary to hold a rice bowl or small plate in your hand.
Other cultures and manners
⑪Be sure to take off your shoes in places where it is expected, such as inside the home, Japanese-style rooms in hotels, some temples and shrines, and restaurants with tatami rooms.
⑫Tipping is not a custom in Japan, so people may be confused when you try to give them one.
⑬Japanese culture places a high value on personal space, so even body contact that you think is meant to be friendly may surprise the other person.
⑭It’s not a good idea to blow your nose loudly in public, so it’s better to gently blow your nose with tissue or do it in the bathroom.
⑮How to ride an escalator: Standing on the left or right varies depending on the region （it is common to stand on the left in Tokyo and on the right in Osaka）.
There is no end to the detailed etiquette that can be mentioned, so for now, just remember these 15 things.
Furthermore, if you learn some Japanese greetings, you will be able to communicate even more with Japanese people.
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