45 Improbable Japanese Ways Of Life That Only Locals Can Fully Appreciate
The way people live in different parts of the world is the result of centuries of local traditions and customs. And a trip to a new part of the world introduces one to a new way of life. Some are challenging, while others are intriguing. In addition to its deep cultural ties, Japan places a premium on personal space, privacy, and deference to others. For the most part, it’s responsible for shaping the nation’s distinctive way of life and culture. Here are a few that may be problematic for visitors from other countries.
Japanese Don’t Invite Friends to Their Home
In any part of the world, it’s a big deal to cross the oceans to see a close friend. And the kindness of this host friend shows how much she is appreciated. It is possible, however, that an invitation to a friend’s family’s home is not included in this gesture of hospitality.
Japanese Don’t Invite Friends To Their Home
In Japan, privacy is prized, and most people prefer to go out with friends to the bar or dinner. In the event that a foreigner is not invited to a friend’s house, they should not be upset.
Don’t Honk in Traffic
Metropolitan areas are common in countries with a high standard of living. And big cities have their share of problems. A common example of this is the gridlock encountered on the way to or from work. Of course, Japan isn’t an outlier.
Don’t Honk In Traffic
There is one thing that you cannot do in Japan: honking in the street. To honk at another car in traffic is considered rude in the other parts of the world, despite the fact that it is commonplace elsewhere. Here, patience is taught to the fullest extent possible. Lovely!
“I Humbly Receive”
In Japan, etiquette is regarded as a serious matter. In addition, the tiniest of details can have a huge impact on the overall experience. Before a meal is an example of this. Respectfully receiving a meal from a host or friend is expected. How is this done?
“I Humbly Receive”
“Itadakimasu” is the most common response. “I humbly receive” is a translation of this phrase. Everyone knows this is a cultural thing, not a religious thing. It’s common to say this phrase with your hands clasped together in a prayerful position.
Vegetarian and Japanese Cuisines
There are a wide variety of cuisines and delicacies in the Japanese culture. There are many different kinds of foods to try, and this is something that visitors and friends from other countries anticipate whenever they come to visit. Dishes, however, do have one constant:
Vegetarian And Japanese Cuisines
In Japan, it is nearly impossible to eat a full meal without consuming some kind of animal product. There is at least some meat or meat sauce in even the most basic fast food items. A vegetarian might have a difficult time with this.
Designated Persons Who Push Others Into Crowded Subway Cars
At rush hour, the subway in Japan is usually packed to the rafters. Most of the time, the car doors can’t close because so many people are trying to get in and make it in time to catch their train home or to work.
Designated Persons Who Push Others Into Crowded Subway Cars
Known as “oshiya” or “pushers” in Japan, they wear white gloves, hats, and masks to hide their identities. Some people are assigned to push other people into crowded subway cars during rush hour. In order to ensure that everyone gets in and no one gets stuck in the doors, these people are employed.
No Help With Others Work
Regardless of where you are from, offering assistance to others is always appreciated. By bringing people together, it facilitates their progress toward their goals. Can one be punished for aiding others? As opposed to other countries, the answer is always “yes” in Japan.
No Help With Others Work
One would think that helping others with their work would be a way to make everyone’s lives a little easier. But in Japan, it’s seen as a sign of ambition when you assist someone in their work. Especially in the workplace, this comes into play. Maintain a friendly demeanor while also being cautious.
A World With No Trash Can
A trash can is a necessity in big cities if they are to stay clean and orderly. But in Japan, you won’t find a trash can. This is due to the country’s tragic past.
A World With No Trash Can
Many people just throw dirt around in haphazard heaps. Workers then remove the debris from the site. For a foreigner, the best course of action is to bring any trash home and dispose of it there. To say that finding a trash can in Japan is difficult is an understatement.
Handshake or a Simple Bow
Bowing is a common greeting in many Asian countries, including Japan, and is seen as a sign of respect. It’s also widely used in the workplace. To an outsider, the handshake may seem like a strange way to greet someone from your own country.
Handshake Or A Simple Bow
To convey cordial regard, it’s common courtesy to shake and bow at the same time. However, only one of these emojis is required. Attempting to do both can be confusing and may convey a lack of respect for the recipient. Isn’t that confusing?
Women Are Paid Less by Default
Japan’s payment system is unbalanced. But even though it’s not a law, women are still paid less than men for the same job. Despite the fact that this is considered unacceptable in many parts of the world, it is accepted in Japan as a matter of course.
Women Are Paid Less By Default
In contrast, in marriage, the opposite is true. In Japanese culture, a married woman is in charge of the family’s finances. In fact, in the Japanese household, husbands give their wives their wages.
To the Bar With the Boss
In Japan, most companies treat their workers like family. They also do a great deal of things together. It’s all part of an effort to strengthen the bonds between coworkers. With the boss, there are many activities that can be done together.
To The Bar With The Boss
There may be difficulties for a visitor from outside the country due to local customs. Going from bar to bar is considered necessary, even if it isn’t the rule. And any employee who refuses to join this group may be viewed as a problem.
Stabbing Foods With Chopsticks
It is not uncommon for Asian countries to have a wide range of cuisines and dishes. While eating most of these foods, you’ll use chopsticks. But there are some meals that are more difficult to enjoy than others.
Stabbing Foods With Chopsticks
It’s tempting to use chopsticks to stab food on a plate when it’s difficult to pick it up. Because it’s lighter, it’s easier to lift and eat. In Japan, however, this is considered offensive and frowned upon. Chopsticks can be learned with practice.
No Extra Pay for an Extra Hour
Japan has a high level of output in manufacturing. As a result, workers are frequently required to work outside of normal business hours. Foreigners, on the other hand, may have a difficult time comprehending a policy in the country.
No Extra Pay For An Extra Hour
Workers in Japan are not compensated for working extra hours. A worker who can fit their schedule into the official working hours is a good thing to have. It’s not worth it to put in any extra effort. Isn’t it difficult?
Respect for Meshi or Business Card
Anywhere in Japan, business cards are a common sight. First-time business partners would hand out a business card to a foreigner. Then again, there are a few essential points to remember.
Respect For Meshi Or Business Card
In Japan, the business card, also known as Meshi, is regarded as a representative of one’s business. So, with both hands and a small bow, the business card is respectfully collected. It is kept in the pocket with care. Anything out of the ordinary is considered offensive and disrespectful.
You Do Not Point Directions in Japan
Although Japan is a more developed country than most, it is not uncommon to find oneself in a difficult situation, particularly when navigating large cities. However, in Japan, pointing directions is dangerous.
You Do Not Point Directions In Japan
According to custom, pointing in a specific direction is considered a threat. If someone new to the country asks for directions, it is best to direct them with the whole hand or with words. Never point the way, but always show the way.
The Nearest to the Elevator Door
In Japan, using an elevator creates a unique set of circumstances. Someone who is new to the country may have difficulty adjusting to this situation. There are a few simple rules to keep in mind when using the elevator.
The Nearest To The Elevator Door
In Japan, the operator of the elevator is the person closest to the door. He assists others by pressing their floor button for them. When they reach their floor, they are usually the last ones to leave, especially if they are in a line behind someone else.
When Using Mobile Phones
In Japan, privacy is taken very seriously. This includes texting and talking on the phone. If you receive a phone call in public, it is expected that you keep your conversation private.
When Using Mobile Phones
One should speak in a low, calm tone when receiving phone calls. In addition, loudspeakers should not be used to receive calls. Passersby find these actions distasteful. In order to keep the conservation private, one must be soft and quiet.
Special Slippers for the Restroom
When visiting someone’s home or a restaurant in Japan, it is not uncommon to see a pair of special slippers in front of the restroom. For the next person, it is expected that you use the provided slippers only in the bathroom and return them exactly where you found them.
Special Slippers For The Restroom
It is frowned upon to fail to return these special restroom slippers to their original position, and it can be quite embarrassing if one walks around outside the restroom without realizing it.
Sieza Sitting Type
In Japan, many people sit in the Sieza position. In order to sit comfortably in this position, one must do so with their feet flat on the floor. Many ceremonies and rituals call for people to sit in this position. Furthermore, non-natives find it difficult to meet this requirement.
Sieza Sitting Type
Seiza’s mastery necessitates a certain amount of adaptability. It’s also possible, however, to cross one’s legs in front. Both of these tasks are difficult. Foreigners have a hard time taking part in traditional ceremonies because of this.
The Automatic Taxi Doors
The use of taxis to transport people from one location to another is a common concept throughout the world. Despite the fact that Japan is no exception, there are some things that a new foreigner in the country should be aware of.
The Automatic Taxi Doors
The doors of most taxis open and close automatically at the touch of a button. A foreigner, especially if they are in a hurry, may have to open or close the door manually. According to Japanese tradition, this is offensive. Allowing the door to open automatically serves the interests of all parties involved.
Avoiding Keigo
The polite and respectful Japanese slang term “keigo” refers to a style of speech. Even though it is difficult to master, foreigners are taught this form of speech in language schools. But there are two issues with Keigo.
Avoiding Keigo
One of the reasons people avoid using this form of speech is because it is difficult to master, and this is seen as offensive. In addition, Keigo’s politeness may encourage one to use it more frequently. Is offensive and confusing when used in a non-essential manner.
Waiting for Karaoke Turns
Karaoke is a popular form of entertainment for groups of friends all over the world. And when a large number of people join in the fun, it can be a lot of fun. However, a foreigner should exercise caution when partaking in this activity.
Waiting For Karaoke Turns
During karaoke games, people choose their favorite songs and sing as loudly as they can. However, joining the karaoke before our turn may appear to be impolite. Allow the person to sing without being interrupted. When it’s our turn, we eagerly participate.
Abstinence from Using the Number 4
In Japan, the number “four” is avoided at all costs because it sounds almost identical to the word “death.” In Western culture, the number “four” is considered unlucky, just as the number “thirteen” is. Giving other people anything in fours is frowned upon because it is thought to be a bad omen.
Abstinence From Using The Number 4
In Japan, it is common to see elevator labels without a fourth floor, as well as floors 40 to 49 in some cases. The fear of the number “four” is referred to as “Tetraphobia.”
Blowing One’s Nose in Public Is Offensive
In Japan, blowing one’s nose in public is considered impolite. Blowing one’s nose, spitting, or performing any other mucus-producing bodily action in public is considered disgusting. If any of these actions must be carried out, the individual must find a way to keep others from becoming observers.
Blowing One’s Nose In Public Is Offensive
As a result, it’s not uncommon to see people sniffing until they reach a private location. If a person needs to blow his or her nose, he or she must do so with the utmost discretion.
Never Go Into a Place With a Dripping Umbrella
Because of the sometimes-unpredictable weather during Japan’s rainy season, many people opt to carry an umbrella everywhere they go. It is considered rude to enter a venue with a wet umbrella when it rains.
Never Go Into A Place With A Dripping Umbrella
As a result, dripping umbrellas are kept in special boxes outside each venue. In the event that an umbrella is accidentally taken by someone else, it is likely to be returned to the same box the following day.
Repeating a Piece of Clothing
As the sun rises in Japan, it is not unusual to see a large number of clothes hanging outside on a drying line before dawn. Laundry is done on a daily basis in Japanese households as a matter of custom. For this reason, it is not acceptable to wear the same piece of clothing twice without laundering it.
Repeating A Piece Of Clothing
It is not uncommon to hear others refer to the people of Japan as perfectionists at times, and this is due to the fact that they are extremely concerned with keeping themselves and their surroundings clean.
Bathing Dirty Is Wrong
After a long day at work, taking a bath is a wonderful way to relax and remove the day’s dirt from your skin. Japan has its own unique way of doing things, though. Furthermore, a foreigner may encounter difficulties with this.
Bathing Dirty Is Wrong
Before stepping into the tub, it is customary to take a shower to ensure that all of the dirt and grime from the body has been removed. Soap should not even be on the skin when bathing. In Japan, taking a bath is more of a way to unwind in the water. Cool!
No Dancing in Night Clubs
Isn’t it strange? Dancing is prohibited in the majority of Japanese nightclubs. In fact, most nightclubs have a sign that says “Please, No Dancing,” and dancing in these places can get you kicked out.
No Dancing In Night Clubs
A 1984 law limits the ability to obtain a dancing license to clubs with a floor area greater than 710 square feet. Because of the high cost of real estate in Japan, it can be difficult and expensive to locate a space with that much usable floor space.
Valentine’s Day in Japan Is Different
Unlike in the West, Japan celebrates two separate Valentine’s Days. The first is on the 14th of February, and the second is on the 14th of March, when gifts are exchanged.
Valentine’s Day In Japan Is Different
The first time, only women give gifts, and the second time, only men do. On the second occasion, men will give gifts to women equal to the value of gifts given by women the first time around. Women are well-known for giving chocolates to men they like, regardless of their sex.
Sleeping On a Stranger’s Shoulder
Individuals in Japan routinely sleep on the shoulders of complete strangers on trains. It is common for people to fall asleep on the train because of the long hours they work and the long distances they travel each day.
Sleeping On A Stranger’s Shoulder
In response to this occurrence, it has become common practice among train commuters to fall asleep on the shoulders of their fellow passengers as they travel to their final destination.
A Gift Must Be Given to a Host
Guests are expected to bring a gift for the host when they are invited to their home. It is reasonable to expect that this gift will be presented in a posh manner.
A Gift Must Be Given To A Host
A gift from a guest is also considered rude if you decline it. In Japan, it is common for the recipient of a gift to initially reject it. Anyone who hosts others in their home alone is exempt from this rule. Accepting a gift when it is offered is a standard practice.
Slurping Noodles Shows You Enjoy the Meal
Slurping noodles is considered polite in Japan, in contrast to some western cultures. An individual’s silence while eating can be taken as an indication that the person isn’t enjoying the meal.
Slurping Noodles Shows You Enjoy The Meal
Slurping is not only considered polite in Japan, but it also aids in the cooling down of a meal that is typically served steaming hot. However, belching at the table is unheard of in Japan, unlike in other Asian countries.
Sleeping in Hotels With Rooms the Size of a Coffin
Since the 1970s, Japanese capsule hotels have become popular. People who missed the last train home or businessmen who just need a place to rest at night use these places frequently.
Sleeping In Hotels With Rooms The Size Of A Coffin
People don’t seem to mind that the rooms are on the small side — about the size of a coffin — because the rates are so low. A nightly rate of $65 gets you a bed in one of these hotels.
Cleaning Your Face With Oshibori
“Oshibori,” a wet towel or piece of cloth, is commonly offered to diners in most Japanese restaurants. These towels are used to wash one’s hands before eating and are kept on a table corner.
Cleaning Your Face With Oshibori
The practice of using them to clean their faces or even as a napkin while they are eating is frowned upon, as it is regarded as inappropriate and even rude.
Avoid Eating While Walking
In Western societies, it is not unusual to see people eat while walking around. Attempting to pull this off in Japan is frowned upon. While eating on a local train or bus is acceptable, it is strictly prohibited on long-distance express trains.
Avoid Eating While Walking
On the contrary, eating an ice cream on the street in Japan is not seen as sloppy or disrespectful. Drinking while standing next to a vending machine is also not considered rude.
Tipping Is Considered Rude
It’s considered rude and degrading in Japan to leave a tip. People in Japan have a strong sense of self-worth and a willingness to put their bodies on the line. As a result, it is not unusual to see someone chasing down another person in order to return a tip.
Tipping Is Considered Rude
Is it possible to give a gratuity to a person who has gone above and beyond the call of duty or who has provided an exceptional service? Giving a small gift instead of a gratuity to someone who has gone above and beyond is more appropriate.
Leaving Work Before the Boss
In many Japanese companies, working as a foreigner presents its own set of challenges. As a result, many workers can find themselves in unwanted situations if they’re not careful. One of the problems is that you have to leave work before your boss does.
Leaving Work Before The Boss
By now, you’ve likely completed your daily tasks and are ready to head home. However, in Japanese culture, it is frowned upon to leave the office ahead of the boss. So, once the boss has finished his work for the day, you can sit back and relax.
Use of Phones in Public
In contrast to Western individualism, the focus in Japanese culture is on the group. Because of this, it is discouraged in Japan to do anything that would draw attention to oneself.
Use Of Phones In Public
In other words, whenever you’re in a public space, whether it’s a train, a bus, or even an indoor mall. When others are nearby, it is considered rude to engage in “loud” private conversations on a mobile phone. It’s common for people to put off long, private phone calls until they get somewhere more private.
Headlights at Intersections
Intersections in the countryside are common in rural areas on both sides of the world’s oceans. However, when traveling around Japan by car, foreigners may need to keep one important point in mind: the Japanese yen.
Headlights At Intersections
When approaching an intersection, it is expected that the driver will turn off his or her headlight in order to assist other road users approaching the intersection from the opposite side. This is something that most people forget to do, and they can end up endangering the lives of other road users.
Pouring of One’s Drink
When attending a dinner party, it is customary for westerners to serve other people’s drinks first before serving one’s own drinks. In Japan, it is considered impolite for a person to pour his or her own beverage.
Pouring Of One’s Drink
In Japan, it is customary for one person to fill the cups of others except for their own, and for another person to do the same for that individual. Everybody waits until someone says “kanpai” (cheers) before they can drink their last swig of beer.
The Soup in the Bowl
A common feature of the Japanese meal is a bowl of soup. One may end up with a bowl of soup even after eating a wide variety of foods. An outsider’s first instinct might be to reach for a spoon in this situation. Not at all!
The Soup In The Bowl
Taking a sip from the bowl rather than slurping from a cup is preferable in this situation. In contrast to drinking with a spoon, this is highly valued in Japanese society. Supper’s ready!
Bowing as a Sign of Respect
Anyone who’s ever been to Japan knows that everyone bows in almost every circumstance. Many people are unaware that there are different types of bows for different types of people, and that bowing in an unintended manner can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect.
Bowing As A Sign Of Respect
If you’re meeting a friend informally, a quick 15-degree bow will do; if you’re meeting a superior formally, such as at work, a slow 30-degree bow may be construed as disrespectful.
Avoid Physical Touches
All over the world, people routinely engage in physical contact with each other, whether it is a simple tap on the shoulder or a hug or kiss with a close friend or family. However, this is not the case in Japan.
Avoid Physical Touches
A foreigner may have a hard time adapting to this country’s customs, like this one. As part of the Japanese way of life, physical contact between strangers, friends, and even lovers is not permitted. Talk but don’t touch.
Unnecessary Use of Chopsticks
The Japanese use chopsticks from time to time. In reality, people avoid using them for any purpose other than eating. Saliva residues are a possibility because they are frequently used for eating. As a result, chopsticks are not used to point or wave over food.
Unnecessary Use Of Chopsticks
Japanese people also regard chopsticks as a cultural artifact that should be treated with reverence and awe. If you are playing with it or using it unnecessarily, you can easily be accused of being disrespectful.
The Use of Direct Speech
Conversations amongst friends or coworkers frequently veer toward contentious or upsetting subjects. In other parts of the world, this situation is usually handled by either tackling it head-on or completely removing oneself from the discussion.
The Use Of Direct Speech
However, in Japan, things are quite different. As a rule, Japanese avoid confrontation by speaking in an indirect manner. This method might be difficult for a foreigner to implement. In order to reveal one’s feelings about the subject matter, hints are dropped in a disguised speech
Christmas Holiday Is for Lovers
Christmas isn’t a widely celebrated holiday in Japan. Like Valentine’s Day in the West, Christmas has become an important part of Japanese culture. Christmas eve is traditionally a romantic time of year for lovers to get together. On December 24, it is customary to take one’s date to a posh restaurant or engage in some other romantic pastime.
Christmas Holiday Is For Lovers
Contrary to popular belief, the exchange of gifts among family members in Japan on Christmas day is rare unless it was previously agreed upon. Romantic gifts are something that is commonplace for lovers to prepare and exchange.