You can imagine that Japan is full of rules and etiquette that can be a challenge to foreigners. But the opposite also happens, some habits that we find rude in our country are normal things in Japan.
In this article we will see 10 rude habits that are common or even part of Japanese culture. Sometimes some issues may be obvious but should be mentioned.
Rude habits that are normal - Food
Loudly calling the waiter – While in the West we raise our hands or look around discreetly to get Japan's attention instead of just yelling at waiter. In Japan it is common for you to say sumimasen (excuse me) until someone comes running to you, otherwise they won't understand your secret signals.
Making noise when eating noodles or soup – In the West it is rude to make noise when eating, in Japan it is natural. Sucking the noodles or soup loudly shows that you are enjoying the food.
Drink straight from the bowl – In the West we don't use bowls, but it's considered quite strange for someone to hold the plate on a table to eat close (at least I've been scolded for that). In Japan it is super common to hold the bowls to drink the broth or finish the dish. In fact bowls are made for that.
Eating sushi with your hands - For westerners the most polite way to eat sushi is with the chopsticks. In Japan, however, it is perfectly normal and acceptable to eat all varieties of sushi with your hands.
Let others pour your drink – Sometimes it is common in Brazil to put our own drink in order not to disturb others, but in Japan it is the opposite, you need to let others serve your drink when you are together with colleagues or friends. Maybe by putting it out for everyone you can help yourself.
Rude Habits in the West and Common in Japan
sleep in activities – It is not such an acceptable habit but it is common to see people sleep at work, at school and especially on the train.
Hold or open doors – While in the West we need to open, hold and close doors, especially for women. In Japan it is not common for this to happen often, even when someone is visiting your home. In fact, opening and closing doors is not related to chivalry in Japan.
Cars pass on the crosswalk with pedestrians passing by – At some large intersections, even with an open pedestrian signal, cars often cross alongside pedestrians, as their signal is also open.
It's normal, but it may seem strange to a tourist, since in Brazil it's forbidden to drive a car while someone is in the crosswalk (although they don't respect it). Some simply stop in the middle of the intersection for pedestrians to pass.
jostling on trains – It is common for you to be pushed or push people inside the trains at peak times. No one will be bothered unless you're a pervert.
weird fashions – In many situations the Japanese wear clothes that would be shameful or wrong in the West. It is common to use fundoshi that looks like underwear, going out in pajamas in the middle of the street to shop in a konbini, not to mention the freedom the Japanese have with fashion, like matching and wearing the same clothes as others or cosplaying.
A lot of things that are weird in the West may be normal in Japan or at least acceptable. If you remember any that didn't appear in this article, be sure to let us know.
