Culture Of Japan

The more you know about the Culture Of Japan the better you can understand the unique Japanese traditions.

It will help you feel less confused when landing in Japan.

10 Common Mistakes Westerners Do About Japans Culture

Get ready for your time in Tokyo by learning some Japanese etiquette.

Avoid he most common, funny and embarrassing mistakes.

Don't worry – you are not expected to carry out all the Japanese manners.
But knowing a bit of Tokyo culture really goes a long way with people, and it will make you feel less confused when being in the company of Japanese people.

• When invited to a Japanese house, it is a tradition to bring a small present. It can be a wine gift basket or fruit gift baskets. If this is a business trip - bring corporate gifts unique to your country.




• Bowing is a very important custom in Japan culture. It expresses respect, thanking, apologizing, greeting, and so on.
  Don't assume you can learn how to do it right. A simple inclination of the head or a slight bow at the waist is enough for foreigners.
  The reason is that Bowing is nothing less than an art. The etiquette is very complex. The depth and length of a bow depends on the social status or age of the person you bow to.
  




• You are not supposed to turn your back to someone in higher status than you, even if you are saying goodbye. This leads to very amusing situations where people part going backwards, and even enter the Taxi with their backside first.




• Addressing someone by attaching 'san' to their last name is essential. This is not necessary with kids.




• Staring into another person's eyes is a big no-no in the culture of Japan.
  In crowded situations the Japanese avoid eye contact to give others privacy. Come to think of it - in a crowded city like Tokyo, this makes life more pleasant (especially on the subway).




• Remove your shoes when entering Japanese houses and some restaurants. You will be provided with slippers. These slippers are removed before walking on Tatami mats.
  If you are not given slippers, you can wear your socks, so make sure you have nice socks on.
  There are special slippers for the toilet area. You must change back to regular slippers.




• The emergency room masks people wear in the streets are not due to some kind of terrible disease. They are worn to protect other people from a virus or a slight cold.




• You may be asked to sit on the Tatami mats on the floor in the traditional Japanese way.
  Don't panic- as a Gaijin (foreigner) you are not expected to be able to hold this pose. Men can sit cross legged, and women can sit on their knees putting both legs to one side.




• Japanese are in general very reserved. Showing extreme emotions is very out of place. Saying 'no' is very uncomfortable for them because they try to please as part of the codes of culture of Japan.

  
  Tokyo Nightlife has a very different set of rules.

  It is an opportunity to meet a different side of the usually reserved nature of the Japanese people.

  
  Japanese Youth culture also shows a very surprising side of the Japanese.

  This modern Japanese culture created a unique Street fashion in Tokyo. It's called Cosplay - wearing of costumes.

  Some say it's the attempt of Japanese youth to turn their back to traditional customs and strict social standards.




• Japanese don’t show affection in public – kissing, hugging and holding hands are very rare scenes in the Japanese public sphere. Even patting on the back is not acceptable.

5 Rules To Dining Etiquette In Japans Culture

Why is sticking your chopsticks straight up in a bowl of rice a big no-no?

How to eat from a bowl of rice or soup? and how come Japanese people make slurping noises while eating noodles?

10 Great Tips On Japanese Business Etiquette And Doing Business In Japan

The business world of Japan, like most other aspects of life, is influenced by the Culture Of Japan.

The Japanese businessman will behave according to cultural and traditional codes of doing business. Tokyo is no exception to that.

If you liked this page, please check out Life In Japanese Culture for Hints And Tips About The Japanese Way Of Life.

Learn things that will surprise you about the unique Japan culture. Read an Insider's point of view about the Japanese way of life.

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