Japanese Life Rules That Might Seem Foreign To Visitors
Centuries of history have deeply ingrained Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Several Japanese customs, such as bowing and eating with chopsticks, are familiar to outsiders. However, there are also numerous traditions that are typically difficult for Westerners to comprehend. Most of these traditions are unique to Japan because of the country’s significant isolation throughout its extensive history. To discover the most captivating and peculiar ones, continue reading!
Proper Pouring Etiquette
Regardless of your destination, there will likely be different alcohol and guest welcome customs. Japan is hardly an exception. In Japan, it is customary for one individual to serve all others’ drinks before having their own drink served by another person at the table. Social norms dictate that it is considered impolite to serve oneself a drink, even if you are the one responsible for pouring beverages for everyone else at the table and serving others before yourself.
After serving all the beverages, it’s time to start the festivities, usually with the Japanese expression “kanpai,” which is similar to the Western tradition of saying “cheers.” Once you’ve made this statement, feel free to enjoy your drink.
Being Loud In Public Is A Bit Taboo
Japanese culture encompasses numerous customs that emphasize the importance of politeness and courtesy, particularly in public settings. Therefore, it’s not surprising that people disapprove of excessive volume when using a phone in public. People typically speak in a subdued or hushed tone when answering a phone in public.
If the chat is very intimate, an individual may choose to postpone answering the phone until they are in a secluded location or at home in order to conduct their conversation.
It’s Frowned Upon To Leave Work Before The Boss
While some individuals from Western cultures may find this practice unusual, in Japan, it is considered unacceptable to leave work before one’s supervisor. In Western cultures, being the “first one in and last one out” is a good work ethic for a boss, but in Japan, employees must stay at work as long as their superiors. Japan is a highly work-oriented culture; thus, it would not be uncommon.
If you were an employee in a Japanese office, you would need to rely on hope that your supervisor is not inclined to work late.
It’s Not Uncommon To See Strangers Sleeping On Shoulders
The list contains numerous work-centric customs and traditions, reflecting the significant role that work plays in Japanese culture. In Japan, a significant number of individuals have a tendency to engage in extended periods of work, which could explain the prevalent occurrence of strangers dozing off on one another’s shoulders during train and bus travels. Despite their general aversion to physical contact, the long working hours in Japan have led to the acceptance of shoulder napping.
If you come across someone in Japan who is sleeping on shoulders, it is likely that they have had an arduous day at work and are simply seeking some rest.
Slurping Is Okay In Japan
In several Western societies, slurping is often considered impolite or unpleasant, but in Japan, it’s actually customary. This is because many Japanese dishes, such as soups and noodles, are served at high temperatures, and slurping helps to avoid tongue burns. Furthermore, it indicates that the individual is truly savoring their food, thereby making it a gesture of reverence. Nevertheless, there is one aspect that both Japanese and Western cultures concur upon when it comes to this matter.
Most Southeast Asian countries widely accept belching or burping during a meal as a typical behavior. However, Japan views this as impolite.
You Shouldn’t Eat While Walking In Japan
Similar to other Asian nations, Japan has a wide range of customs related to food and dining. An example of such a tradition involves the act of consuming food while in motion. Essentially, it is advised to avoid participating in such activities. However, there are a few outliers. Eating while in transit, such as on a bus or subway, is permissible. Unknown reasons also justify the consumption of ice cream while strolling along the street.
The reason is likely that ice cream has a tendency to melt and will not wait for you to locate a spot to sit and consume it before doing so. It is acceptable to consume your drink while standing next to a vending machine.
Don’t Use Oshibori To Clean Your Face
If you’ve ever taken a flight, you probably received a moist towel. “Oshibori” are similar to those, but they serve a specific purpose of cleansing the hands before prayer before a meal. Therefore, using these towels to wash one’s face is considered impolite. We are confident that people won’t overly emphasize the actions of a tourist engaged in
Although it may seem obvious, it is also considered socially unacceptable to use these items as napkins while eating. Typically, people place oshibori near the edge of a table, so if you’re unsure, simply confirm the placement of the towel.
Blowing Your Nose In Public Is Frowned Upon
Japanese society highly values observing proper social decorum. Western countries view numerous actions as acceptable in public, while Japan disapproves of them. For example, while blowing one’s nose in public is socially acceptable in most Western countries, it is considered unacceptable in Japan. People commonly perceive it as unappealing and recommend doing it discreetly.
Consequently, if you ever visit Japan, you may observe a significant number of individuals experiencing nasal congestion. And the reason may not be due to their physical discomfort.
