People often have the phrase “Entering customary” used to refer to living somewhere, we need to follow the customs and culture there. This is really necessary when you live in countries with strict codes of conduct like in Japan. So, in today’s article, I will introduce you to the typical Japanese customs that you need to pay attention to to avoid making mistakes. 

 

How to say hello

The Japanese are very respectful and attentive in greetings. Greetings last and are present on all ordinary days, meetings, parties or on all occasions.

 

Ways to bow of Japanese people

 

When greeting Japanese, depending on the degree of difference, the way of bowing when greeting is also different. If it’s a daily greeting, we’ll bow 15 degrees. With a somewhat formal greeting, we will bow 30 degrees. And when we express our thanks or thanks to someone, we will bow 45 degrees.

 

Queuing and waiting rules

 

Queuing culture is one of those cultures you must know in Japan. Wherever you are, or in any activity such as taking a train, waiting for an elevator or shopping in a supermarket, you need to seriously implement this queuing culture. However, when applying this queuing principle, you also need to be a bit subtle, especially when getting on and off public transport, you need to get out of the way for passengers to get off first before queuing.

 

Line up culture in Japan

 

Using chopsticks and how to use chopsticks in every meal 

 

In Japan, the way you use chopsticks incorrectly will receive a lot of criticism in this cherry blossom country. You absolutely must not put chopsticks vertically on the bowl because the way to keep chopsticks vertical like that is only for the deceased. If you want to put down your chopsticks, you will always have to put them on the chopstick holder right next to the plate, and not be allowed to mess around 

 

In addition, just like in Vietnam, abstaining from “connecting chopsticks” during each meal, in Japan, you absolutely cannot transfer your food to other people’s chopsticks and vice versa. Especially, when being picked up by others, you should put the food in a bowl or plate before bringing it to your mouth because otherwise you will be considered rude.

 

Don’t eat or drink on the street

 

Japanese people often do not have the habit of eating while walking on the street. The food you buy at the store or fast food counter you should sit there and enjoy (if the restaurant has a seat) otherwise you should wait until you get home. Eating on public transport, you will be judged as uncultured. However, this will be the exception for long distance trains. 

 

Don’t give and receive things with one hand

 

Any object, even the smallest, should be given and received with both hands, this is how you show your politeness. When paying at a cafe or a certain restaurant, you must not give cash directly to the cashier but must put the money in a small tray right next to the counter. 

 

Absolutely do not wear shoes indoors

 

If you visit the architecture in Japan, you will easily notice that all the shoes are stowed outside. Because in Japan, people often think that slippers are dirty things, and you have to change cotton slippers every time you enter the house. However, in some public buildings where many people pass by, this rule usually does not apply. Therefore, you need to pay close attention to be able to properly implement this “unwritten” principle.

 

Japanese will align their shoes very organized. Ones that use for inside house, people will align their sandals so that the tip of their sandals point inward and ones that use for outside, people will align their shoes so that the tip of their shoes point outward

 

In particular, another strict rule is that you always have to change from house slippers to toilet slippers when going to the toilet. Usually, there will be special slippers in front of the toilet door dedicated to this purpose to remind you not to forget to change your slippers every time you leave the room

 

Don’t blow your nose in public

 

Blowing your nose in public is always considered impolite wherever you are, and this is even more strict in Japan. Go to the restroom or something like that. And if you pay attention, you will see that many Japanese people will wear masks when going out, especially on cold winter days. It’s not again how they fight the cold here, but because they have the flu and they don’t want to spread the disease to others. 

 

Absolutely not using your finger to point anything in Japan 

 

The fact that you raise your hand to point at everything, even if it has no purpose, you will also be judged as an uncultured and rude act. Instead of using fingers to point, Japanese people often use their hands to gently wave to the object they want to mention. If they want to talk about themselves with their hands, they will touch their nose with their index finger 

 

Hope the above article is useful to you. Wishing you all good health and success!