Do you know the etiquette rules of Japan, responsible for developing an educated population? In this article, we will talk exactly about the etiquette rules of Japan also known as Nihon no kihon reigi sahō [日本の基本礼儀作法].
Table of Contents
Business Card in Japan
It is essential in formal introductions for teachers, businesspeople, and even journalists. The meishi [名詞], as it is known in Japanese, must not be missing when meeting and establishing contact with a new person who is relevant to your work.
It is interesting to have your card in Portuguese or English and the back in Japanese, to avoid any type of communication problem. The visitor should always present their card first, and always to the most important person. Always hand it over with the text facing the person receiving it and do this with both hands.
Cell Phones in Japan
On public transport, it is ideal to turn off the phone or leave it on silent. However, it is possible to send messages if it is something more urgent. Inside cinemas, theaters, and hospitals, it is strictly prohibited to leave cell phones on. In the hospital, extra care must be taken to avoid any type of interference with medical equipment.
We have already written an article detailing curiosities about cell phones in Japan. When reading, you will see that many Japanese still prefer flip phones, those that open and close.
Read the article: Cell Phones in Japan – Curiosities and Japanese Models
Elevators in Japan
The hierarchy within an office is highly respected. This is perceived in the arrangement of desks within an office and even inside the elevator. Superiors always stay away from any type of door, and younger or less significant positions stay closer to the entrance and exit of places. The same rule applies to parking vehicles.
The Japanese have certain superstitions regarding numbers. Floors like 4 and 9 are considered fatal because they remind of death and darkness. In some places, elevators do not have the number 4 and 9.
We recommend reading: Japanese Superstitions – Bad Luck and Good Luck in Japan
Boarding the Train
Any type of collective transport in Japan has well-defined and respected rules for boarding and disembarking passengers. The signs are followed strictly, even during peak hours.
As soon as the vehicle opens its doors, wait for all passengers to disembark in the area reserved for entry. Only then board with the other passengers. One curiosity: in Tokyo, when going up a staircase, leave the right side free for those in a hurry. In Osaka, it is usual to leave the left side free.
Making Noise While Eating
If in the West it is important to eat without making any noise, in Asia, to show your satisfaction in savoring a meal, it is ideal to make a lot of noise. Especially when the dish comes with broths, like ramen and soba.
This does not mean you should chew like a fool. You should not chew with your mouth open or anything like that; just when slurping the noodles, you do not need to worry about doing it silently.
Also read: 15 Types of Japanese Noodles
Using Chopsticks in Japan
The hashi, those 2 sticks that are the Japanese utensils, have their specific rules. It is not good to cross them when holding food. The general custom is to hold the rice bowl with your left hand and use your right hand to pick up food with the hashi.
Never stick the hashi into white rice in a chawan (bowl). This gesture has a bad omen meaning for the Japanese, in addition to being impolite. The ideal is to keep the hashi on the small base reserved for it (hashioki) when not in use.
Also read: Hashi – Tips and Rules on How to Use and Hold Chopsticks
Tea Break
In many Japanese homes, green tea, coffee, or black tea is offered, according to the guest’s preference. The Japanese do not drink green tea with sugar or milk. Often, green tea is accompanied by a Japanese sweet.
Also read: Chanoyu – Japanese Tea Ceremony
Dinner Out in Japan
Some restaurants display wax replicas of the dishes they serve in their windows. You can choose from these imitations or from photos on the menu. Tipping is not necessary in Japan.
Taking Off Shoes in Japan
Shoes inside the house are out of the question. Even in the early years of the school period, children leave their shoes in personal lockers and put on slippers or sandals, depending on the establishment.
Therefore, it is good to always have clean shoes inside, and if you are wearing socks, check if they are in good condition. After all, being barefoot is almost inevitable in Japan.
Drinking Sake
Basic premise when drinking with Japanese: your glass will not be empty. Usually, people serve each other, and it is not customary to serve your own glass. The members of the group observe each other’s glasses and serve more as they empty.
Therefore, if you do not want to drink too much, it is ideal to drink very slowly. The Japanese do not only drink sake, but also enjoy beer, wine, and whiskey.
Sitting at the Table
Before the meal, each person says itadakimasu, and afterwards, gochisousama deshita. Both phrases express appreciation for the food. In private homes, several dishes are usually served for each person.
Individual portions are placed for guests on their own plates in a defined position: cooked vegetables in the upper left corner, vegetables with Japanese seasoning in the upper right corner, grilled fish in the center, steamed rice in the lower left corner, Japanese pickles in the center below the fish, soybean soup, and the hashi below everything, closest to the person eating.
Visiting Temples in Japan
Japanese temples and shrines are places to admire nature and also to pray. And, to pray, it is good to follow some rules when visiting Shinto shrines, for example: two bows, two claps, and two bows. This is the correct way to start your thanks and requests to the heavens.
Visiting a Friend
If visiting a friend in the morning, greet them with Ohayou gozaimasu. If it is in the afternoon, with konnichiwa, and in the evening with konbanwa.
The host may respond with ohairi kudasai (please come in), to invite you to enter. Upon entering through the front door, say “ojama shimasu,” which means “Excuse me, I will enter your house.” Before entering, always remember to take off your shoes.
When Visiting an Onsen in Japan
Basic: go to the cabins or rooms to change your clothes and wrap yourself in the appropriate towel. Many people also wear bikinis and swim trunks to feel even more comfortable bathing before entering the onsen.
Unlike sentou (public bath), which are separated for men and women, some onsen, being outdoors and natural pools, accept people of both sexes. You must enter the onsen completely naked. Entry with towels or swimwear is not allowed.
We recommend reading: Onsen – Natural Hot Springs in Japan
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