Tips, rules, and etiquette

[Jnekolove19]

Hey everyone I asked this question in my other thread but thought I should devote an entire thread to it.

What are the do's and don'ts of Japan? The big NO NOs and the you absolutely have to do's...

[godwine]

Originally Posted by Jnekolove19

Hey everyone I asked this question in my other thread but thought I should devote an entire thread to it.

What are the do's and don'ts of Japan? The big NO NOs and the you absolutely have to do's...

There are other threads similar to this already. Do a search for etiquettes, rules, guideline, laws...

[bELyVIS]

Do learn about Japanese culture and manners.


Don't be an idiot and disrespectful.

[burkhartdesu]

The Japanese, for the most part, give you the benefit of ignorance.


Even when I broke 'rules', nobody was particularly upset.

When in Japan, do as the Japanese do... Be very respectful and pay close attention to Japanese mannerisms --


But as far as individual do's and don'ts, I cant really think of anything in particular...


Halfway in my trip I realized that no Japanese people ate while on the train, walking, etc... So as I was lugging around drinks and snacks, and tons of trash, while everyone else was doing the opposite.

[nobora]

Originally Posted by burkhartdesu

The Japanese, for the most part, give you the benefit of ignorance.


Even when I broke 'rules', nobody was particularly upset.

When in Japan, do as the Japanese do... Be very respectful and pay close attention to Japanese mannerisms --


But as far as individual do's and don'ts, I cant really think of anything in particular...


Halfway in my trip I realized that no Japanese people ate while on the train, walking, etc... So as I was lugging around drinks and snacks, and tons of trash, while everyone else was doing the opposite.

LOL. Are we suppse to bow to or will they think that is wierd for foreigners to do?

[burkhartdesu]

Bowing is a must.

[nobora]

Ok~!!!!!!!!!!Now I know that its ok for me to do it too.

[Polar]

Agreed, bowing is a must, ignore any advice you may have heard saying not to attempt it because you would do it wrong as a gaijin.

A nod of the head here is not the same there, focus on your shoulders not your stomach and you'll do just fine. Return what you are given is what I used as rule of thumb. I got use to bowing after any transaction.

Took me a week to stop doing it once I got home

[TalnSG]

Originally Posted by Polar

Agreed, bowing is a must, ignore any advice you may have heard saying not to attempt it because you would do it wrong as a gaijin.

A nod of the head here is not the same there, focus on your shoulders not your stomach and you'll do just fine. Return what you are given is what I used as rule of thumb. I got use to bowing after any transaction.

Took me a week to stop doing it once I got home

I can understand that, because I catch myself bowing in response to all Asians. Being in Texas, I get a few funny looks from the "natives". But its a habit and one I don't intend to break. Now if I could just remember to give and receive with TWO hands!

[cheshirechic]

This was amazingly helpful! I'm traveling tomorrow for the first time to visit family, and it's good to know the basics. I like to blend in as much as possible, and this will definitely help!

Great thread!