Detailed Explanation of Japanese Etiquette

 

　Table of Contents

1. Greeting Etiquette
2. Dining Etiquette
3. Public Transportation Etiquette
   
4. Behavior in Public Places

Introduction

Japan is a country with numerous unique manners backed by its rich culture and tradition. For visiting travelers, understanding and practicing Japanese etiquette is extremely important for building smooth communication with the locals.

Japanese etiquette is rooted in the spirit of politeness and consideration for others. From everyday greetings to behavior during meals, the use of public transportation, etiquette when visiting, and even the culture of giving and receiving gifts, there are rules for various situations.

This article provides a detailed explanation of the unique manners in Japan, comparing them with those overseas, and introducing the basic rules you should know before your trip.

1. Greeting Etiquette

In Japan, greetings are considered a very important part of the culture. There are specific etiquettes to express respect and gratitude when greeting others. Here, we will explain the Japanese greeting manners that travelers should know.

■ How to Bow

The most common form of greeting in Japan is the "bow." Bowing is widely used to show courtesy and respect to the person you meet. There are three types of bows:

・Eshaku: This is the lightest bow, where you bend your waist at about a 15-degree angle. It is used with friends, acquaintances, and colleagues.
・Keirei: This bow is used in more formal situations, where you bend your waist at about a 30-degree angle. It is often used in business settings or when greeting someone of higher status.
・Saikeirei: This is the deepest bow, where you bend your waist at about a 45-degree angle. It is used to express deep gratitude or apology.

When bowing, it is common to keep your back straight and your gaze downward. The position of the hands is also important; men typically place their hands at their sides, while women place their hands in front of their body.

■ Greeting Words

In Japan, greeting words are also used according to the situation. Here are some basic greeting words:

・"Ohayou gozaimasu": Morning greeting
・"Konnichiwa": Afternoon greeting
・"Konbanwa": Evening greeting
・"Sayonara": Farewell greeting

In addition to these greetings, words of thanks and apologies are also important. For example, "Arigatou gozaimasu" is the polite form of "Arigatou," meaning thank you. "Sumimasen" is used to mean both "excuse me" and "thank you," especially when asking for something or expressing gratitude.

■ Gestures and Body Language

In Japan, physical contact is generally avoided during greetings. While handshakes may be used in business settings, hugs and kisses are uncommon and should be avoided, especially with someone you are meeting for the first time. A light bow or nod can be used to show respect during greetings.

By understanding and practicing these basic manners, your stay in Japan will be smoother and more fulfilling. Respecting Japanese culture and practicing appropriate greetings will also help facilitate smooth communication with the locals.

2. Dining Etiquette

Japanese dining etiquette includes many rules and customs deeply rooted in tradition and culture. Here, we will explain the basic dining manners in Japan that travelers should know.

■ How to Use Chopsticks

Proper use of chopsticks is particularly important in Japanese dining etiquette. Here are some key points to remember:

・Sashi-bashi: Avoid stabbing food with chopsticks.
・Watashi-bashi: Avoid passing food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another. This practice is reminiscent of funeral rituals and is considered inappropriate.
・Tate-bashi: Avoid sticking chopsticks vertically into rice. This also relates to funeral rituals.
・Hashioki: Use a chopstick rest when you need to put your chopsticks down during a meal. If a rest is not available, you can fold the chopstick wrapper to create a makeshift rest.

■ Starting and Finishing a Meal

It is customary to say "Itadakimasu" at the beginning of a meal and "Gochisosama deshita" at the end. These phrases express gratitude for the food and those who prepared it.

■ Shared Dishes

When sharing dishes at places like izakayas, use communal chopsticks or serving utensils to serve yourself. Avoid using your personal chopsticks to take food directly from shared dishes.

■ olding Small Bowls and Dishes

When eating from small bowls or dishes, hold the bowl with one hand and use chopsticks with the other. However, larger plates or bowls should remain on the table while eating.

■ Making Noise

It is generally acceptable, and sometimes encouraged, to make noise when eating soup or noodles (such as ramen or soba) as it shows you are enjoying the meal. However, avoid making noise with other foods or during other parts of the meal.

■ Drinking Etiquette

When drinking alcohol, it is customary to pour drinks for others rather than serving yourself. This act of pouring for each other fosters communication and camaraderie.

■ Post-Meal Etiquette

After finishing a meal, return your used dishes to their original positions and place your chopsticks on the chopstick rest. Don't forget to say "Gochisosama deshita" to express your gratitude for the meal.

By following these basic dining etiquettes, your dining experience in Japan will be more enjoyable, and you will build good relationships with the locals. Respecting Japanese culture and behaving politely at the dining table is important.

3. Public Transportation Etiquette

Japanese public transportation is known for its efficiency and punctuality. However, this is supported by strict manners and etiquette. Here are the manners that foreigners should know when using public transportation in Japan.

■ Lining Up

In Japan, it is very important to line up at train platforms and bus stops. Follow the designated lines and avoid pushing others or cutting in line. When the train or bus arrives, let passengers exit first before boarding.

■ Quietness Inside the Vehicle

Passengers are expected to be quiet inside trains and buses. Avoid speaking loudly and refrain from making phone calls. If you must make a call, keep it brief and speak softly. When listening to music, use headphones and ensure that no sound leaks out.

■ Priority Seats

Japanese public transportation has priority seats for the elderly, pregnant women, disabled individuals, and those with small children. If someone who needs these seats boards, offer your seat to them. Additionally, it is recommended to turn off your phone near priority seats.

■ Handling Luggage

In crowded vehicles, be mindful not to let your luggage inconvenience other passengers. Place large items on your lap, at your feet, or use the overhead racks. Carry backpacks in front of you or hold them, instead of wearing them on your back.

■ Eating and Drinking

Eating and drinking are generally discouraged on short-distance trains and buses. However, it is allowed on Shinkansen (bullet trains) and long-distance buses. When eating, be considerate of smells and noises to avoid disturbing other passengers.

■ Women-Only Cars

During rush hours, some trains have women-only cars. These cars are intended to provide a safe commuting space for women. Men should be careful not to board these cars by mistake, and if they do, they should move to the next car.

By following these basic etiquettes, you can enjoy a comfortable experience on Japanese public transportation and avoid conflicts with locals. Respect Japanese culture and etiquette, and have a great travel experience.

4. Behavior in Public Places

Manners in public places in Japan are based on a culture that values consideration and respect for others. Here are the basic manners to follow when using public spaces in Japan.

■ Disposal of Garbage

In Japan, sorting and proper disposal of garbage are required. Since there are few trash cans in public places, you should take your trash home and dispose of it there or use the trash cans at convenience stores. Avoid littering on the streets.

■ Smoking Etiquette

Smoking in public places in Japan is strictly regulated. Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas, and walking while smoking on the streets or in parks is illegal. If you need to smoke, make sure to use the smoking areas.

■ Lining Up

In Japan, lining up is strictly observed. Whether it's at train platforms, bus stops, or elevators, people are expected to line up and wait their turn. Avoid cutting in line or pushing, and act in an orderly manner.

By following these manners, your stay in Japan will be more comfortable, and you will avoid conflicts with locals. It is important to respect Japanese culture and manners and to behave politely in public places.

Conclusion

Understanding and practicing Japanese manners is a valuable experience for travelers. Japanese culture and tradition are rooted in the spirit of politeness and consideration for others. By following these manners, you can build good relationships with locals and gain a deeper understanding of the culture. Learning manners is more than just following rules; it is an act of showing respect and understanding for the local culture and people, and it broadens the traveler's perspective. By respecting cultural differences and following local customs, you can have a richer and more fulfilling travel experience.

Enjoy all your experiences during your trip by practicing these manners, getting acquainted with the beautiful culture of Japan, and creating wonderful memories. By adhering to Japanese manners, you will have great interactions with locals, making your trip even more special.