Japan is a country with a long history, well-developed technology industry, and very firmly established traditions. It is a country that is so fully aware of the modern world and yet still retains more traditional values as we know them today. Here six do’s and don’ts for anyone who is intending to travel to Japan to avoid causing offence to the locals.
Japanese culture on manners and respect is still very strong, thus having a basic understanding of social interactions will prevent you from upsetting someone. In this article you will find out basic travel etiquette, specific cultural information, and Japanese customs that every traveler should remember having decided to visit Japan.
The fundamental value system of the members of Japanese culture comprises respect, humility, and harmony. Communication is done out of respect for certain traditions that have for instance been in force in Japan for centuries. When it comes to ordering in a restaurant, buying things or in simple conversation these cultural differences will enable you to conduct yourself effectively.
One of the essential things one needs to learn about the Japanese is that they are so polite and formal. For instance, bowing is an authentic Japanese gesture, and the depth and the time of its performance determine the objective of the fulfilled gesture.
A bow can be slight, a simple acknowledgement of passing, a full bow indicates respect given to those who are older or those one reports to or in situations where formality is required. Such a type of bowing is also linked with Japanese culture and the main orientation toward obedience and subordination.
In addition, the Japanese society is not very supportive of individualism and individual freedom of speech. This means that humility and non aggression must be achieved. Loudness, speaking in a narrow range of topics or emotions, or generally being aggressive might be defined as rude in public domains. Rankine identifies cultural expectations, and once you familiarize yourself with these expectations you will feel right at home and acknowledge the norms of the community as best you can.
Regardless of whether you are just wandering around a rather ancient temple, buying something in a modern district, or riding a metro, travel etiquette is mandatory. It is mandatory for any traveler to respect how organized and clean Japanese people keep their places.
Some learning includes the fact that Japan’s public transport like the train and the buses are well timed and as clean as the train stations. The first key guideline for acceptable behavior when traveling on public means is a function of volume control. It is rude to speak on the phone or to speak loudly while on trains.
Regarding the Japanese conduct of transportation, there is also a strict rule on queueing. Whether at a railway station or before getting on an elevator, the Japanese people will stand in a queue. The norm allows everyone to be treated equally and people who observe this norm expect the same from the visitors. That is particularly the case with areas that are congested, such as Tokyo; one has then to wait behind the line marked for a specific commodity or service.
Moreover, there are some manners in Japan concerning travel and shoes too. As with many houses, temples, and some eateries, always expect to leave your shoes at the door when you visit. Do not wear shoes in these places, though indoor slippers may be made available to you in some places. For instance, one should wear clean socks or put on indoor shoes in case one is expected to be in these types of places.
Meals are taken very seriously in Japan because their food is well developed and food is an essential of interaction. To appreciate Japanese food at their best it is also necessary that one learns the table etiquette and manners in Japan.
Chopsticks are one of the most important things to learn about and one of the first things to know is how to use chopsticks correctly. Using chopsticks is considered rude in Japan if not used correctly or properly on such occasions as eating rice, soup, sashimi or sushi. For instance, one should avoid putting chopsticks vertically into the rice, this is similar to a funeral. And the practice of transferring food from one set of chopsticks to another is also unhygienic as it is inauspicious like the practice of passing cremated remains.
It is more preferred to be served on the plate or bowl of the other individual present there. If you are uncomfortable on how to use chopsticks do not feel ashamed of politely asking the restaurant to provide you with a fork or spoon.
Although these phrases look very simple, they play an essential role in expressing gratitude for the meal in front of the person, or people, who prepared it: Itadakimasu (いただきます) is used before starting the meal, while Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) is said after the meal. Also one is not supposed to talk with their mouth full or make slurping noises while eating. However, some slurping sounds like ramen is more acceptable in Japan than others because it is considered as an indication that the food is delicious.
It is also a shame to tip continuously in Japanese restaurants such as sushi or fine dining restaurants. Bribery is not very common in that society and in most cases it is considered as humiliating. The service that any customer is to receive is excellent in terms of service delivery since the Japanese value service delivery.
In general, interdependence is preferred in Japan, people have their own territory and physical contact is rare even within a family. Today handshakes have evolved but the most acceptable form of greeting is through the bow. Personal contact and proximity should not be made in improper ways or inapplicable situations.
For instance, embracing or touching someone sexually without his/her approval is considered an infringement in Japanese tradition. In the semi-public domain like in the trains, don’t stare, since it could prove an inconvenience to the other people.
Likewise there is modesty and people kiss on the cheek, ordinarily there are no hugs or hand holding or any improper mannerisms. In case you are in the company of a person of the same gender, it is appropriate to either handshake or embrace or stay close but avoid any touching.
Also, material remembrances are an important subject in Japanese etiquette of communication. It is generally acceptable to take a little gift to your visitors’ home even if they are your close neighbor. The actual giving of the gift is a ceremony which should be completed in a certain ceremonious way.
Issues to do with Japanese conversation etiquette are also important in sustaining appropriate communication. You will also note that the Japanese people are highly sensitive and do not like confrontation in particular. One has to be careful while expressing negative thoughts in a RCM because it comes out as embarrassment to the two people involved in the disagreement.
One must easily pay attention to what is being said but also to which things are not being said intentionally. It turns out that in Japanese culture there is a policy of talking ‘around’ an issue so people are more likely to use implicit signs and signals that they do not concur or are uncomfortable with a situation.
Also, every person should be addressed properly by his or her honorific. Moreover, Japanese has progressed in informal and formal ways depending on the age, ranks or affiliations, and the informants. The two most used honorifics include -san which is more neutral and formal to anybody; and -sama which is much more formal and polite.
Awareness of Japanese manners and manners when traveling is what can help any person in Japan. The travelers should respect the country’s social norms, and customs that they evidently adore, owe their existence to respect and harmony.
From eating in restaurants, taking a bus or a train, or meeting Japanese people, your adherence to Japan’s politeness and etiquette would go a long way in developing a good rapport on the part of the Japanese people you will be interacting with.
Using such cultural tips, you will be able to have a better time around Japan and with the traditional manners of the country. Therefore, when preparing for this interesting country, please read about the manners expected of any visitor – observing the etiquettes will definitely make your trip enjoyable.
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