Are you about to leave on a holiday for wonderful Japan? You'd better know that the Japanese are very attached to their traditions and good manners are essential. So here's some advice on what to avoid during your vacation in the land of the Rising Sun.
The country of good manners
Do not hug a Japanese. Japanese people do not appreciate effusions, especially in public places, so you should avoid hugging or give kisses on the cheek to a local person, because it would be perceived as out of place. A handshake is preferred.
Do not ignore a greeting. For the Japanese it is good practice to always respond. If for obvious linguistic reasons you are in trouble to reciprocate, answer with "konnichiwa", translated as "hello". If you want to launch yourself into more complex forms, you can try "Ohayo gozaimasu" (good morning) or "Konbanwa" (good evening).
Do not forget to answer a bow. If a Japanese, in a store or restaurant, bows in front of you, you are expected to reciprocate in the same way. Different inclinations are used depending on the type of relationships: 45 degrees in formal situations, for example if you are a guest in a local house, 30 to thank, 15 in case of informal situations. Men should keep their hands at their sides, women in their lap.
Never hand money to a shop-keeper. It is considered rude: it is recommended to leave the banknotes on a small tray that will be offered to you. Similarly, if a Japanese gives you a business card, do not write on it, of at least as long as he or she is present.
Do not dress too flashy. Apart from the teenagers of the Harajuku district in Tokyo, who are famous for their flashy outfits, you'll notice that the Japanese dress rather soberly. Wear comfortable clothes, but trim as well. A shirt or a simple sweater, pants or dark jeans. For women simple dressed and blouses are fine (Japanese women often wear heels, but since you will probably be walking all day, it is better to avoid them). Put on fashionable shoes, but easy to remove: in many restaurants you will be asked to do so.
Do not push in the subway. Yes, the Japanese public transportation is often very crowded and yes, often, you're tight. But good manners, as we said at the beginning, are key to the Japanese. Therefore, no matter what kind of habits you have in your home country, pushing or complaining are frowned upon.
Do not despair if a Japanese doesn't understand English. Especially outside the big cities (but often in these as well), the Japanese do not understand English. In these cases you can try to write a simple sentence in English on a sheet. If this doesn't work either, apologize ( "shitsurei Shimasu") before you get away.
Do not mess with the titles. Titles are very important for the Japanese. The suffix -san added at the end of a last name means "Mr" or "Mrs", but when you turn to professionals such as doctors and teachers, you must use sensei.
Do not blow your nose in public. In Japan this gesture is seen as impolite. If you really cannot resist, at least remember to apologize. The Japanese are very much concerned about hygiene and when they have a cold they wear a mask to avoid spreading germs and infect others.
Clean your hands in restaurants. Since personal hygiene is so important in Japan, besides taking off your shoes, in restaurants you will be offered a small towel. Do not be surprised and do not give it back: it is hot and humid and you are expected to clean your hands with it before eating.
