Japanese habits and customs

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The Japanese have an extensive collection of interesting habits and customs to learn. In this article, we will look at some of these customs. We will mention customs, manners, rules, and random habits. Unfortunately, it is not possible to categorize them in this article; we will only mention the most common ones and important facts you should know.

We also recommend reading:

• What Does Maji Mean in Japanese?
• Watashi, boku, ore – How to say “I” in Japanese?
• List of Japanese Male Names with Meanings

It can be rude to pour your own drink

Instead of you pouring your drink or someone pouring drinks for everyone, eventually someone will notice and fill your glass. Just remember it is a bit rude to fill your own drink;

When drinking with friends, wait for the Kanpai

Drinking before they say Kanpai, a type of toast among friends, is considered rude and undisciplined. This usually happens when drinking Sake and Beer at a gathering, celebration with friends or colleagues;

Shaking hands when doing business

It may be common to shake hands when closing deals, there is no need to bow if you have shaken hands with someone;

Yukata

This garment, besides being popular at summer festivals, is often used as pajamas, especially in hotels and onsens. In some cases, you can have breakfast wearing the yukata. Furthermore, the women’s Yukata should be well secured, in case you are not wearing anything underneath and it opens..;

Slippers

Some bathrooms or other places provide slippers to access certain areas, just remember not to take them out of the place;

Generally, slippers should not be used on tatami floors. In ryokans, slippers are often only used in the hallways;

Also read: Zori – Havaianas or Japanese Sandals?

Trash and Recycling

There are many rules about how to package trash and the collection for recycling that varies according to the municipality. So you must pay close attention to the details to avoid doing it wrong;

Playing with Chopsticks

Use chopsticks only for eating, that’s how the Japanese do it; besides involving hygiene, chopsticks represent many traditions and cultures, playing with them can be disrespectful;

Also read: Chopsticks – Tips and Rules on how to use and hold chopsticks

Pointing with your finger

It is considered threatening in Japan; instead of pointing with fingers, the Japanese usually point in a direction with an open hand. Verbal instructions without gestures are also very common;

Taking a Dirty Bath

In public baths, hotels, and homes, you will encounter a bathtub. In Japan, bathing is seen as a relaxing leisure activity rather than a body cleaning act. The Japanese usually wash themselves in the shower before entering the bathtub, and avoid any soap residue in the bathtub. (Or Ofuro).

Towels in Hot Springs

People bring small towels with them to bathing areas. These are used to lightly clean the body before entering the bath. They are also a tool for modesty to cover small parts of your body when standing. The towels cannot get wet. So they are often used on the head;

We recommend reading: Onsen – Natural Hot Springs of Japan

Oshibori

Many restaurants offer a damp towel called Oshibori, which is used to lightly clean the hands before meals, so you should avoid using it on your face or as a napkin; it is considered rude;

Blowing your nose

Blowing your nose in public is considered rude. People usually go to the bathroom to blow their nose. Sniffling is generally normal;

Touching and Hugging

We know that hugs and back pats are not common among the Japanese. Even lovers tend to avoid physical intimacy in public places. Therefore, avoid hugging or holding the hands of strangers, unless they are holding a sign that says Free Hugs;

Walking while smoking

Walking and smoking is seen as dangerous and reckless for a variety of reasons, the biggest being the idea that you could accidentally burn someone on a crowded street.

Itadakimasu and Gochisosama deshita

Before every meal, you should say Itadakimasu before eating and Gochisosama after finishing the meal; these are important customs that involve various things and meanings.

Both words have several translations such as thank you for the food, I humbly accept the food, I thank God for the food, it was a good meal.

This custom, although it has a bit of spirituality involved, is a cultural practice performed by everyone regardless of belief.

Also read: Itadakimasu and Gochisousama – What is the true meaning?

Names

You should address a person by their last name and use the most common respectful suffix “-san”. Except if you are quite close friends with someone, you may call them by their first name;

We recommend reading: List of Japanese Last Names 200+ Origin and Meanings

Soups

Soups are eaten with a spoon, of course. But there is no problem in picking up a bowl of soup to drink directly from it. This is quite common;

Well, these are just some of the customs and habits related to Japan; in fact, there are thousands of rules and customs related to each item mentioned in this article, such as eating with chopsticks or in the bathroom. This is just another explanatory article because there are thousands of cultural differences and customs that can be found in various articles on this site.