Following the Rules in Japan

Following the Rules in Japan

Who does not like travelling? A trip to Japan offers an amazing opportunity to experience the culture that is rich in history and deeply rooted in traditions. Personally, I am a big fan of Japan since I have watched the movie Shogun. If you go to such a culturally different country you have to understand the cultural differences.

Politeness and Respect

Bowing is a traditional Japanese greeting, showing respect and gratitude. While it may not always be expected from foreigners, it is a nice gesture to acknowledge.

Pay attention to how you address others in Japan. It is important to use honorifics, such as -san, even if you are on a first-name basis.

Always remove your shoes when entering someone’s home. In some traditional accommodations like ryokans, temples, or even some restaurants they will give you indoor slippers to wear.

Language

Many Japanese people can understand basic English, especially in tourist areas. However, learning a few phrases like “Arigatou” meaning “thank you”, or “Sumimasen” for “excuse me” or “sorry”, will be showing your respect and breaking the ice on many occasions.

Public Spaces

Japanese culture values quiet and respectful behavior in public spaces, such as trains and buses. Loud conversations or phone calls in public are not well seen.

Japanese people are known for their orderly behavior, and waiting in lines is a common practice. In places like train stations or elevators, people will wait in an orderly fashion.

Public trash cans are scarce, so it is important to carry your trash with you until you find a place to dispose of it.

Dining

Unlike many Western cultures, it’s acceptable and even considered polite to slurp noodles in Japan. It shows that you’re enjoying the meal.

Tipping is not a part of Japanese culture, and it can even be seen as rude. Exceptional service is expected as part of the job.

When drinking with others, pour drinks for your companions instead of filling your own glass. It’s considered polite to help others first.

Gift Giving

Giving and receiving gifts is an important part of Japanese culture. When presenting a gift, it is polite to give it with both hands. It is also common to refuse a gift initially, but do not insist; it is a part of the ritual.

If you visit someone or return from a trip, it’s customary to bring back souvenirs (omiyage), often local specialties from the region you visited.

By embracing these cultural differences, you will be able to enjoy a deeper experience in Japan.

Vocabulary

honorifics – titles or words used to show respect or honor, often reflecting social status or formality (zwrot grzecznościowy)

ryokan – a traditional Japanese hotel offering a unique and immersive experience of Japanese culture (tradycyjny japoński hotel)

breaking the ice – initiate conversation to overcome initial awkwardness, especially in social setting, making people more feel more comfortable (przełamać pierwsze lody)

scarce – insufficient for the demand (deficytowy, ograniczony)

dispose of – get rid of something (wyrzucić)

slurp – eat or drink something with a loud sloppy sucking noice (siorbać)

rude – offensively impolite (nieuprzejmy)

souvenirs – something you buy or keep helping you remember a vacation or special event (pamiątka)

insist – persist in doing something (nalegać)

embracing – accept or support a belief, change willingly and enthusiastically (przyjmować)