10 customs you must know before a trip to Japan

BY T U R N E R W R I G H T ON M A Y 2 7 , 2 0 0 8 3 3 6 C O M M E N T S

Photo: kalandrakas

If you know these key Japanese customs, youll get closer to the locals and see beneath the surface of Japan. 1. Addressing Someone, Respect
Bowing is nothing less than an art form in Japan, respect pounded into childrens heads from the moment they enter school. For tourists, a simple inclination of the head or an attempt at a bow at the waist will usually suffice.

The duration and inclination of the bow is proportionate to the elevation of the person youre addressing.
The duration and inclination of the bow is proportionate to the elevation of the person youre addressing. For example, a friend might get a lightning-fast 30-degree bow; an office superior might get a slow, extended, 70-degree bow. Its all about position and circumstance. In addition to bowing, addressing someone properly is key. Just as a Dr. Smith might feel a little insulted if you were to refer to him as Smith, so would a Japanese if you do not attach the suffix san to their last name, or sama if you are trying to be particularly respectful. Usually children are content with just their first names, but you can add the suffix chan for girls and kun for boys if you like.

2. Table Manners
Some simple bullet points here: - If youre with a dinner party and receive drinks, wait before raising the glass to your lips. Everyone will be served, and someone will take the lead, make a speech, raise his drink, and yell kampai! (cheers). - You will receive a small wet cloth at most Japanese restaurants. Use this to wash your hands before eating, then carefully fold it and set it aside on the table. Do not use it as a napkin, or to touch any part of your face. - Slurping noodles or making loud noises while eating is OK! In fact, slurping hot food like ramen is polite, to show you are enjoying it. - You may raise bowls to your mouth to make it easier to eat with chopsticks, especially bowls of rice. - Just before digging in, whether it be a seven-course dinner or a sample at a supermarket, its polite to say itadakimasu (I will receive).

3. No Tipping

There is no tipping in any situation in Japan cabs, restaurants, personal care. To tip someone is actually a little insulting; the services youve asked for are covered by the price given, so why pay more? If you are in a large area like Tokyo and cant speak any Japanese, a waiter or waitress might take the extra money you happen to leave rather than force themselves to deal with the awkward situation of explaining the concept of no tipping in broken English. Just remind yourself: a price is a price.

Photo by tavallai

4. Chopsticks
Depending on the restaurant you decide upon for that evening, you may be required to use chopsticks. If for some reason you arent too adept with chopsticks, try to learn before passing through immigration. Its really not that hard. One false assumption among many Japanese thats slowly being dispelled by time is the uniqueness of Japan. Japan is an island nation; Japan is the only country that has four seasons; foreigners cant understand Japan; only Japanese can use chopsticks properly. I cannot count the number of times Ive been told I use Japanese chopsticks with skill and grace, despite the fact Ive seen three-year-olds managing just as well. If youre dining with a Japanese, dont be surprised if you receive a look of amazement at your ability to eat like a Japanese.

5. Thresholds
Take off your shoes at the entrance to all homes, and most businesses and hotels. Usually a rack will be provided to store your shoes, and pair of guest slippers will be sitting nearby; many Japanese bring a pair of indoor slippers just in case, though.

Never wear slippers when you need to step onto a tatami mat (used in most Japanese homes and hotels; the standard unit of measurement for area even today), and be careful to remove the toilet slippers waiting for you in the bathroom. It is extremely bad form, for example, to reenter the main room of a house wearing slippers that have been running across dirty linoleum.

6. Masks

Photo by toestubber

SARS is long gone, though I did happen to see a SARS Preparation Kit during my brief stay in a Japanese hospital. Nevertheless, sterilized masks, like the ones youd see in the emergency room, are commonly used by salarymen, office ladies, and municipal workers to protect other people from their germs. Rather sensible when you think about it, as masks do not protect the wearer so much as the ones around him. The reason could be anything from a slight cold to simply being worried about exposing other people; dont let it concern you on your Japanese vacation.

7. Conformity
When groups of high school students in Japan were asked to identify the dangers facing children today, the majority agreed on the number one threat: individualism. Japanese society is focused on the group. Western cultures are focused on the individual. Does this mean that the Japanese are nothing more that worker bees in a vast hive of steel and concrete? Certainly not, but their presentation of such individual qualities are carefully calculated and given in doses. Drawing attention to yourself as an individual is a huge no-no: dont blow your nose in public, try to avoid eating while on the go, and dont speak on your cell phone in crowded public areas like trains or buses.

The main problem with this is that foreigners simply cant avoid standing out; we stick out like sore thumbs no matter how long weve been here, or how much we know about Japanese culture and society. As a result, being in Japan gives foreigners the status of D-level celebrities: youll get glances, shouts for attention, calls to have pictures taken with people, requests for autographs (happened once to me on a southern island), and overall just more awareness of being a stake that sticks out.

8. Bathing

Photo by meganscheminske

Public bathhouses are alive and well in Japan. Sento, or neighborhood bathhouses, can be found from the largest area in Shinjuku to a small town on the island of Shikoku. Onsen, or hot springs, are very popular as weekend excursion resorts. Unlike in western cultures, the Japanese bath is used after you have washed and rinsed, and feel like soaking in extra-hot water for 10, 20, 30 minutes. Its an acquired taste to be sure, but can be very relaxing. If you happen to be invited into a Japanese household, you will be given the honor of using the bath first, usually before dinner. Be extra careful so as to not dirty the water in any way; the sanctity of the ofuro (bath) is of utmost importance. Take the time to visit a sento if you have the opportunity. These are places without barriers, without regard to skin color, age, or language well, they are separated by sex with the exception of some mixed-bathing areas. Lying in the hot water and slowly listening to my heart beat slow down is a time when I feel most attuned to Japanese culture.

9. Speaking English

Japanese will generally assume you are a native English speaker until you prove otherwise.

Japanese will generally assume you are a native English speaker until you prove otherwise. Even during a short visit, youll see: -A group of schoolchildren in neatly pressed Prussian uniforms walking across the intersection, shouting Hello! Hello! Herro! as they assess your foreign features -A random person just walking up to you and asking Where are you from? Friendly? Certainly. But I can see how constant celebrity status might get confusing or frustrating for travelers who dont speak English. Although you may speak some or fluent Japanese, the default language of choice is English. Many Japanese will insist on using their own English language ability, however limited, to converse with foreigners, in spite of the fact that the person on the opposing end may have more knowledge of the local tongue.

10. Safety
Every Japanese person I have met warns me to be safe in my travels, to take care of my belongings. Every foreigner tells me not to worry, nothing can go wrong, nothing will be stolen. This may be based on individual experience, but there are other issues: - The fear of crime in Japan is high, especially among Japanese citizens. - Murders happen. I repeat, murders happen. People are attacked, robbed, assaulted, raped, beaten, and swindled However, Japans low crime rate is evident when you see businessmen who have missed the last train sleeping outside on a park bench, or a group of 5-year-old boys walking by themselves for over a kilometer to make the starting bell at school.

Community Connection

Japan Introduction
Japan has a population of approximately 125 million people packed tightly into a rather small geographic area. The official language in Japan is Japanese. Japanese is spoken only in Japan. The literacy rate in Japan is very close to 100 percent and 95 percent of the Japanese population has a high school education. Japans form of government is parliamentarian democracy under the rule of a constitutional monarch. The Prime Minister is the chief government officer. The dominant religion is Shinto, which is exclusive to Japan. However, the Japanese have no official religion. Culturally, the Japanese tend to be somewhat introverted in their ways. They generally are not receptive to outsiders. When conducting business in Japan relationships and loyalty to the group is critical for success.

Japan Fun Fact

The Japanese tend to be rather direct in their questioning of foreigners. You may be asked personal questions such as how much money do you earn or how large is your house?

Geert Hofstede Analysis for Japan

Hofstede Cultural Scores for Japan

The Geert Hofstede analysis for Japan is dramatically different from other Asian Countries such as Hong Kong, Korea or China. In Japan Masculinity is the highest characteristic. The lowest ranking factor is Individualism, which coincides with their high ranking in Uncertainty Avoidance. Japan is a more collectivist culture that avoids risks and shows little value for personal freedom. More Geert Hofstede Details

Religion in Japan

* WORLD FACTBOOK 2011

Due to the philosophical similarity of Buddhist and Shinto societies, these have been consolidated for the purposes of this study. These countries have the closest correlation with Hofstedes Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), which is the same correlation that the majority of Catholic countries have demonstrated. (See the accompanying article)

Japan Appearance
Those who dress according to their status or position impress the Japanese. Dress to impress. Men should wear dark conservative attire. Business suits are most suitable. Casual dress is never appropriate in a business setting. Shoes should be easy to remove, as you will do so often. Slip-ons are the best choice. Womens dress should be conservative. Little emphasis should be placed on accessories. They should be minimal. Women should not wear pants in a business situation. Japanese men tend to find it offensive. Women should only wear low-heeled shoes to avoid towering over men. A kimono should be wrapped left over right to do otherwise symbolizes death. Remember the Japanese phrase "The nail that sticks up gets hit with the hammer" when considering your choices for attire in Japan. Avoid using large hand gestures, unusual facial expressions and any dramatic movements. The Japanese do not talk with their hands and to do so could distract your host. Avoid the "OK" sign; in Japan it means money. Pointing in not acceptable. Do no blow your nose in public Personal space is valued. Because the Japanese live in such a densely populated area, they value their personal space.

A smile can have double meaning. It can express either joy or displeasure. Use caution with your facial expressions. They can be easily misunderstood. The Japanese are not uncomfortable with silence. They use it to their advantage in many situations. Allow your host to sit in silence.

Japan Behavior
The word for toasting is kampai, pronounced 'kahm-pie'. When toasting the glass is never left unfilled. Drinking is an important part of Japanese culture. It is a way to relieve business stress. Never pour a drink yourself; always allow someone else to do it for you. Most business entertaining is done in restaurants or bars after business hours. Often in karaoke or "hostess bars." Businesswomen should not attend "hostess bars." Let the host order the meal and pay. Business may be discussed at dinner during these events. Japanese rarely entertain in the home. If you are invited to the home of your Japanese host, consider it a great honor and display a tremendous amount of appreciation. If you are invited to a social event, punctuality is not expected. It is the custom to be "fashionably late." If you do take your host out insist upon paying. The Japanese will refuse but insist. They will prefer that you choose a Western-style restaurant when entertain them. Key phrases to learn are "itadakimasu" at the beginning of dinner, and "gochisou-sama-deshita" at the end. It is polite use these phrase and it will show you host that you have enjoyed the meal. "Sumimasen" (excuse-me) is a very useful term to add to your vocabulary along with the phrase "kekko desu" (I've had enough). It is perfectly acceptable to slurp your noodles. Doing so will exhibit your enjoyment of your food. To do otherwise, indicates that your meal was not a pleasant one. Do not openly display money. It is rare to see it given from person to person in Japan. It is important to use an envelope to pass money. In Asia the number 14 is bad luck, because in Japanese it sounds like the word shuh -shuh, which sounds like the word for death.

Tipping is not expected. Gift giving is very important both business and personal gifts - See international business gift giving section. Style is tantamount. The gift itself is of little importance, the ceremony surrounding it is very important. Always wrap gifts. The selection of the wrapping paper is critical. Do not give anything wrapped in white as it symbolizes death. Do not use bright colors or bows to wrap the gift. It is better to have the hotel or the store wrap the gift to ensure that it is appropriate. Do not surprise the recipient with the gift. Give your host some warning during the evening that you intend to give them a present. Give the gift with both hands and accept gifts with hands. Generally, gifts will not be opened in your presence. If your host insist that you open the gift do so gingerly. They take pride in gift wrapping, show that you appreciation the effort. Do not give gifts in odd number or the number four, as odd numbers are bad luck and four sounds like the word for death in Japanese. Gifts should be given at the end of a visit. Do not admire anything belonging to your host too closely. The Japanese strive to please; you may be rewarded for your admiration. The most popular gift giving occasions in Japan are oseibo, which falls at the end of the year and Ochugen which falls during the middle of the year. Good gift ideas include top choice beef, fruit and alcohol such as brandy, quality whiskey and Bourbon along with excellent wines. They also appreciate gifts from high-end department stores like Saks and Neiman Marcus. The Japanese frown on open displays of affection. They do not touch in public. It is highly inappropriate to touch someone of the opposite sex in public.

Japan Communications
In Japan, business cards are called meishi. Japanese give and receive meishi with both hands. It should be printed in your home language on one side and Japanese on the other. Present the card with the Japanese language side up. The card will contain the name and title along with the company name, address and telephone number of the businessman. In Japan, businessmen are call "sarariman." A sarariman who does not have a Take special care in handling cards that are given to you. Do not write on the card. Do not put the card in you pocket or wallet, as either of these actions will be viewed as defacing or disrespecting the business card. Upon receipt of the card, it is important to make a photocopy of the name and title of the individual in your mind. Examine the card carefully as a show of respect. In a business situation, business cannot begin until the meishi exchange process is complete. The customary greeting is the bow. However, some Japanese may greet you with a handshake, albeit a weak one. Do not misinterpret a weak handshake as an indication of character. If you are greeted with a bow, return with a bow as low as the one you received. How low you bow determines the status of the relationship between you and the other individual. When you bow keep your eyes low and your palms flat next to your thighs. The business card should be given after the bow. This is very important to remember. In introductions use the persons last name plus the word san which means Mr. or Ms. The Japanese prefer to use last names. Do not request that they call you by your first name only. If you are uncertain about the pronunciation of a name, ask for assistance. Understand that the Japanese prefer not to use the word no. If you ask a question they may simply respond with a yes but clearly mean no. Understanding this is critical in the negotiation process. In Asia the number 4 is bad luck, because in Japanese it sounds like the word shuh -shuh, which sounds like the word for death.

Business Meeting Etiquette 1. Casual American-style attire is still uncommon in the Japanese business place. You should dress appropriately for the occasion when meeting your counterparts on business. 2. When sitting down to a business meeting with your Asian counterparts, the seating arrangement will be determined by the status of the participants. Do not just sit anywhere; as the guest, you will be directed to the appropriate seat. 3. As a general rule, the highest ranking person from the host side will sit at the head of the table. Then, other people will take their seats starting from the seats closest to him and working to the other end of the table. Those of higher status sit closest to the "head honcho". 4. You should stand at your seat and wait for the top guy to tell you to be seated. Then, when the meeting is finished, wait until he has stood up before standing up yourself. 5. Non-alcoholic drinks will probably be served at the beginning of the meeting and they will be distributed in the order of descending importance of recipients. You may want to wait for the top guy to drink from his glass before starting on yours. 6. Gifts are always appreciated. Consider bringing a small souvenir that represents well your hometown to give to your host. Don't be surprised if your hosts give you something from their country too. If the gift is wrapped, don't open it until you leave. If the gift is not wrapped, make sure to express copious appreciation (whether you like it or not). Ask some questions about the gift to show interest. 7. You may want to take notes during the meeting. This will show that you are interested and will be appreciated by your hosts. However, you should make certain never to write anyone's name in red ink (even your own) and so carry a black or blue pen. 8. Click here for information about Japanese business cards.

Social Interaction
1. Your hosts may bring up the idea of getting together socially later. This may be a sincere invitation to dinner; it may just be polite banter. Do not be offended if an invitation turns out to have been just talk and don't aggressively bug your counterpart about when you can get together. He may not say "no" directly so you might need to read from his body language what he really wants. 2. If you do go out for dinner, keep in mind that "going Dutch" is not normal in Japan. If you're the buyer, you'll likely be in for a free evening of entertainment. If you're the seller... well, if you were a local, you'd probably be picking up the tab. However, it's not quite this simple since your hosts may still insist on paying because you are a visitor in their country. Also, it is normal for the inviting party to pay.

3. In all cases, if your host is planning to bear the dinner expenses, make at least a meek attempt to pay. Don't worry... he won't let you. But even your insincere attempt to pick up the tab will have looked good. And, you can offer to pay for his dinner when he visits your home country. 4. Japanese are unlikely to invite you into their homes. It is normal for dinner meetings to be held inrestaurants. Also, it is common to extend an evening's entertainment by going out to a coffee shop (or a second round of drinking) after the meal. If your host has paid for the meal, you might want to consider being even more pushy about paying for the coffee or drinks. But be careful! In some settings (especially where hostesses are involved), drinks can get very expensive. 5. Japanese are liable to ask you questions that make you uncomfortable, such as your age. You don't have to answer, but at least be gracious about it. They are certainly not trying to be offensive; it's just that some questions you would consider rude back home are not necessarily impolite in the country you are visiting. 6. Japanese love to drink alcohol with and after dinner. If you don't drink... well, that's a strike against you. You should try to drink. But if drinking is completely out of the question, make up an excuse and be ready to explain it several different ways and times. Your hosts may push you to drink and you should be careful not to get angry. 7. If alcohol is served, DO NOT drink from the bottle. You should pour the beverage into a cup or glass provided and then drink. Tipping is not customary in Japan and you don't have to do it. 8. When eating with your hosts, try to eat some of everything and look like you are enjoying the food. If there are certain kinds of food you don't like, it would be helpful to alert your hosts to this before they choose the restaurant or the meal. They'll appreciate hearing that you like their food.