Politeness in Japan

Japan is full of incredible places to visit. Today we take you to discover Japanese culture and its codes. As a foreigner in Japan (gaijin), you need to know a few rules of living to avoid being disrespectful. Discover the rules of etiquette to follow during your stay in Japan.

A few rules of politeness to follow in Japan

Politeness, modesty, cleanliness, punctuality and respect for others are the foundations of Japanese etiquette.

Avoid all physical contact with a Japanese person. No kiss or handshake, but a slight bow.
Always use both hands when giving or receiving something, even when handing over money to pay.
The Japanese rarely refuse directly. It's extremely rare to use "no" in Japan. They'll rather say: "I don't think that will be possible".
It's important to be on time, even early.
Avoid the number 4, as it represents death.
Don't say "tchin tchin" when toasting (the Japanese translation is quite vulgar) but rather Kanpai!
Don't blow out candles or incense — put them out with a wave of the hand.

General rules

In the street

For couples, don't kiss in public.
It's forbidden to smoke in the street, except in the areas provided for it.
It's frowned upon to eat while walking in the street.
Avoid looking people straight in the eye

On public transport

On escalators, it's agreed to stand on the left side to let people pass on the right. This rule is reversed in the city of Osaka.
While waiting for the bus or metro, you must respect a single file without jostling.
Turn off your phone's ringer and avoid talking loudly. The first and last metro carriages are generally off-limits to smartphones so as not to harm sick people and pacemaker wearers.
Once on public transport — even if the rule applies everywhere — avoid blowing your nose. Particularly into a cloth handkerchief, which is used to dry your hands after washing them. Sniff! That's perfectly tolerated in public.

At the table

Before starting the meal you must say "itadakimasu", which means 'thank you for the meal'.
If you're eating with several people, the dishes are generally shared. To serve yourself, use the opposite end of your chopsticks so as not to put the "used" part into the food.
Make noise while eating! It's recommended to eat your noodles by slurping them with a well-pronounced noise. This practice cools them down but also shows your appreciation of the dish.

You'll be led to eat with chopsticks. Several unspoken rules govern their use:

Hold your chopsticks in one hand. If you're waiting for food, rest your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or aligned on the table.
Never stick your chopsticks into your bowl of rice — that refers to a funeral tradition.
Don't pass food from one pair of chopsticks to another, also a funeral symbol.
Don't point at someone or something with your chopsticks — that's synonymous with a threat.
Eat the white rice plain; don't put sauce in your bowl of rice.
Don't play with your chopsticks.

In the onsen (Japanese baths)

Wash before entering the bath,
Bathe naked,
If you have tattoos, ask for permission to enter a public bath. Indeed, tattoos are associated with the yakuza, the Japanese mafia, and therefore very frowned upon.

At someone's home

On arriving, greet, thank, compliment and stay modest,
Take off your shoes in the entrance and place them side by side, in a corner, ideally facing the front door,
If your host offers you slippers, wear them — except on the tatami,
Wear another pair of slippers to go to the toilet; a pair dedicated to that room will be at the toilet entrance. So change your indoor shoes when entering and leaving the WC.
Don't walk around in holey socks at your host's,
In a house, never step over someone sitting or lying down.

Giving a gift

Give a gift to your host,
Take care with the wrapping,
Offer it with modesty,
When you're given a gift, it's rude to open it right away — it's a sign of greed and impatience.