Essential Guide to Japanese Manners and Etiquette

 # Essential Guide to Japanese Manners and Etiquette


## Basic Social Etiquette


### Greetings and Bowing

- Bow when greeting, thanking, apologizing, or saying goodbye

- Bowing depth indicates respect level:

- Slight nod: Casual greeting

- 15-degree bow: Standard greeting

- 30-degree bow: Formal situations

- 45-degree bow: Deep apologies or highest respect

- Say "おはようございます" (Good morning), "こんにちは" (Hello), "こんばんは" (Good evening)

- Add "ございます" for more politeness


### Personal Space and Physical Contact

- Avoid physical contact in public

- Maintain appropriate distance during conversations

- Don't point directly at people

- Limited public displays of affection

- Avoid excessive gesturing while speaking


### Gift-Giving (お中元・お歳暮)

- Common occasions: house visits, returning from trips, seasonal gifts

- Present and receive gifts with both hands

- Don't open gifts immediately unless requested

- Refuse gifts 2-3 times before accepting (ritual modesty)

- Avoid certain numbers (4 and 9) and items (white flowers, sharp objects)


## Home and Visiting Etiquette


### Home Entry

- Always remove shoes at entrance (玄関, genkan)

- Step up from genkan before putting on indoor slippers

- Point shoes toward the exit

- Never wear outdoor shoes inside

- Use special bathroom slippers in toilets


### Guest Behavior

- Bring a small gift when visiting

- Say "お邪魔します" (I'm disturbing you) when entering

- Say "ただいま" when returning home

- Wait to be seated/shown where to sit

- Express gratitude for hospitality


## Dining Etiquette


### Table Manners

- Say "いただきます" before eating

- Say "ごちそうさま" after finishing

- Hold bowls while eating

- Don't stick chopsticks vertically in rice

- Never pass food chopstick-to-chopstick

- Avoid eating while walking

- Slurping noodles is acceptable and shows appreciation


### Chopsticks (箸) Rules

- Don't point with chopsticks

- Don't wave chopsticks around

- Don't cross chopsticks

- Don't spear food

- Use chopstick rest when available

- Use opposite end of chopsticks for sharing food


### Drinking Etiquette

- Pour drinks for others, not yourself

- Hold glass while being served

- Wait for everyone to be served

- Say "乾杯" (cheers) before drinking

- Ensure seniors' glasses stay full

- Never drink alone in group settings


## Business Etiquette


### Business Cards (名刺)

- Exchange cards with both hands

- Present card with text facing recipient

- Study card carefully before putting away

- Never write on cards

- Keep cards in good condition

- Use card holder


### Workplace Behavior

- Punctuality is crucial

- Inform about delays/absences early

- Dress conservatively

- Keep workspace tidy

- Group harmony (和) is important

- Follow proper channels of communication


### Meetings

- Arrive early

- Sit according to rank

- Wait for senior members to speak

- Avoid direct confrontation

- Take notes

- Don't interrupt seniors


## Public Transportation


### Train Etiquette

- Line up properly at marked spots

- Let passengers exit first

- No loud talking or phone calls

- Set phones to silent mode

- Don't eat on regular trains

- Give up priority seats

- Remove backpacks in crowded trains


### Elevator/Escalator

- Wait in line

- Stand on correct side (varies by region)

- Let others exit first

- Don't block walkway


## Communication Style


### Verbal Communication

- Use appropriate honorific language (敬語)

- Avoid direct "no" - use subtle expressions

- Listen without interrupting

- Show understanding with あいづち (nodding, saying はい)

- Apologize frequently for small things

- Express gratitude often


### Non-verbal Communication

- Maintain appropriate eye contact

- Avoid strong emotions in public

- Use gesture of pointing to self by touching nose

- Cover mouth when laughing (especially women)

- Use hand gestures minimally


## Additional Important Points


### Illness/Hygiene

- Wear mask when sick

- Cover mouth when coughing/sneezing

- Hand sanitizer use before meals

- Regular handwashing

- Change into clean indoor clothes at home


### Public Spaces

- Keep voice down in public

- No littering

- Follow recycling rules strictly

- Queue properly

- Don't eat while walking

- Keep streets clean


### Technology Use

- Phone manner mode in public places

- No loud phone conversations on trains

- Step aside for phone calls

- No photos without permission

- Respect privacy


### Seasonal and Traditional Customs

- Remove shoes at temples and shrines

- Proper shrine/temple etiquette

- Participate in seasonal events appropriately

- Respect traditional customs

- Learn basic festival etiquette


## Cultural Sensitivity


### Important Don'ts

- Don't tip (usually considered rude)

- Don't blow nose in public

- Don't point directly at people/things

- Don't walk and eat

- Don't be late

- Don't show tattoos in public baths


### Important Dos

- Show respect for elders

- Be punctual

- Keep promises

- Maintain cleanliness

- Show consideration for others

- Follow local customs


Understanding and following these manners will help foreigners integrate better into Japanese society and avoid uncomfortable situations. Remember that Japanese people are generally understanding of foreigners making mistakes, but showing effort to follow proper etiquette is highly appreciated.

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