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Regional Ettiquette - Japan
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The key to avoiding a bad title is to
know something about the culture of the country you're visiting.
One valuable Tip to be taken with care:
When in doubt, watch and imitate what others are doing.
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Alcohol
While you can buy everything from beer to whisky from vending machines
on just about every street, please remember that the legal drinking
age in Japan is 20.
Drinking and driving is strictly punished.
Please keep away from Alcohol while in Japan. This
will keep you away from any trouble.
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Bowing
People in Japan bow a lot.
While visitors are not expected to know the complexities of the bow,
a few tips will help you get on with the Japanese environment.
First, bow from the waist with the arms straight at
your sides. Imitate the bows you receive. There are lots of
rules regarding the depth of bows such as social abstractions that
take decades to learn.
Don't overbow or ignore the greeting. If you are a
bit unsure or slightly puzzled by this for you unusual habits follow
this:
It's better to smile politely and nod your head.
That is better than to be perceived as rude. After a while, you'll
find yourself bowing automatically. |
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Etiquette - Guests
The Japanese are gift givers. If you're invited to
their homes, bring a gift . The hotel's concierge can assist
in this matter if necessary
But such invitations to private homes are very rare, as the
culture tends to entertain in public places.
For any kindness done, be sure to be profusely thankful.
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Language - Spoken
Japanese is a phonetic language, and that makes it easy to learn
some basic phrases. English is generally read and spoken by younger Japanese
people, however, the differences between Japanese and English generally
make conversation very difficult.
Stick with the basics, carry a phrase book, and try to elicit
the help of your concierge for directions and information whenever
possible.
Language - Written
Conveniently, the language has three different written formats:
- kanji
- hiragana
- katakana
Kanji is the most complex and not easily learned.
A basic understanding of hiragana and katakana will be very
useful. Both are phonetic, and a basic understanding of them can
help in translating menus. Of course some restaurants offer English
translations in small print.
Most train stations have the current and upcoming
stations indicated in a combination of kanji, hiragana, and romanji.
Romanji is the Arabic symbol version of the language. |
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Money here Money there
It is considered to be rude to count the change that
has been handed back to you after making a purchase.
This is a culture that prides itself on its honesty.
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
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Hygiene
Western-style restrooms are generally found in larger department
stores and many restaurants.
If you encounter a Japanese-style toilet, remember that you
aim facing the raised hood of the unit.
Here a hot Tip:
Always carry tissues (or toilet paper) with you. Paper towels
are also scarce in restrooms. It's helpful to note that a current
marketing trend involves printing advertisements on small
packages of tissue.
These packages are usually handed out around the major subway
stations and can come in quite handy.
Blowing your nose in public is considered to be bad manners.
You should excuse yourself and go into the restroom.
While the number of public baths in Tokyo has declined,
the custom is still prevalent. Men and women bathe separately
except in outdoor hot springs. You will be guided through the
process, however the ritual is generally the same in all situations:
first, remove your clothing and after discretely covering the front
of your body with your washcloth, proceed to the bath area.
Before actually entering the bath, you must first
wash yourself! The basins and stools are situated near faucets.
Fill the basin with water, sit on the stool, soap down completely,
then rinse off the soap.
Once you are clean, then you may enter the bath. The
water will be very hot so ease in slowly. After a while, relaxation
seeps into your bones and peace enters your soul. |
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Politeness in Public
The Japanese are nothing if not polite. In fact, they are so polite
that varying degrees of politeness are often used to convey
rudeness.
One of the great complexities of the Japanese language
actually involves the many different words that are often
used to communicate the same meaning.
Some words are considered to be far more polite than others.
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Shoes
When, where, why, and how shoes are worn in Japan can be confusing.
A.Japanese homes
Generally, shoes are not worn in Japanese homes, temples,
ryokan, and various other public places. Some restaurants are
also included in this habit.
Your shoes won't be stolen while you're off touring
a temple. Sometimes, slippers will be provided to guests.
These slippers generally fall into two categories:
- house slippers (for walking the halls, but remove
them before walking on tatami)
- bathroom slippers (remove the house slippers,
put on the bathroom slippers, do whatever you're
going to do, remove the bathroom slippers, replace
the house slippers, continue on your way)
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Visiting Cards in Japan
Visiting cards, or business cards, are essential for business travelers.
The meishi are exchanged in small ceremonies whereby the parties
bow and present their cards with both hands to each other.
If you're in a business situation, watch your hosts
for guidance!
The recipient of the card should be able to read the information while
you're presenting the card, so take care to ensure that the printed
information is facing in the correct direction.
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How to Tip
Tipping is not customary in Japan!
Whether in a taxi or restaurant, you pay the price indicated.
Note however, that some establishments may add a service charge
(10% - 15%) to bills, although this is generally limited to higher
priced establishments. |
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