Japanese Etiquette Tips, Or How Not to Stand Out As Gaijin
After living in Japan for a while we have started becoming accustomed to the Japanese way of doing things. Japan is one of the most orderly and polite societies you will ever visit. But many local conventions are a lot different from what you may be used to, especially in western countries. To help you fit in better we want to share a few basic Japanese etiquette tips with you to avoid you standing out as a Gaijin!
Of course, our Japanese etiquette tips are not intended to cover every last aspect of public behavior in Japan. We most likely will add more specific posts regarding how to get a train ticket, how to ride the Shinkansen, and many other topics over time. For now these are simply a few tips to help you fit in better. By doing so you will not only have an easier time fitting in, but you will also make a much better impression on your Japanese hosts. Which is what you want, isn’t it?
Don’t get us wrong; you will not get kicked out unless you break the law or commit some other serious offense against Japanese sensibilities. But foreign visitors to Japan, especially those who are visiting for the first time, can inadvertently cause offense without meaning to do so. Hopefully our Japanese etiquette tips will help you make a better first impression.
Basic Japanese Etiquette Tips
A Few Basic Rules
Mindfulness of Others
Let’s start our Japanese etiquette tips with a very basic rule. Japan is a small and very crowded country, which means you will always be surrounded by other people. Therefore you need to be mindful of others at all times. Shouting, screaming, or making other loud noises in public will immediately label you as a Gaijin, or foreigner. So if you are out in public keep your voice down. Exceptions are attending sporting events, especially Sumo or Baseball, two of Japan’s favorite pastimes.
Say Sumimasen
This is one of the most important swords to know in Japan. Our Japanese etiquette tips would not be complete without teaching you to say “Sumimasen” or pardon me. It is the polite way to squeeze through throngs of people, fit into a crowded train or subway, or simply indicate that you are lost and need help.
Wear a Mask in Public
Many people have asked about this, so we included this in our Japanese etiquette tips, In winter influenza can be a problem, especially in northern Japan. And in summer air pollution can be a problem. So many Japanese wear masks when in public, especially in winter. This prevents the spread of germs, plus there are a few other benefits. Don’t worry about makeup or shaving; just slap a mask on and you are set to go.