homework

Making Acquaintances: Do’s and Don’t’s

(Japan)

Do

1. Do bow when meeting someone. If a Japanese person bows to you, an incline of the head in return will usually suffice. The depth, duration and number of bows is something foreigners aren’t expect to understand and are likely to offend the natives if not done perfectly (Walker, 2015).

2. Do burp and slurp. It’s standard practice to slurp them. Slurping noodles is a sign of enjoyment of the meal (McInerney, 2016).

3. Do take your shoes off when entering a home or temple and wear the provided slippers. This also include toilet slippers; however, ensure that your barefeet do not touch the floor. Barefeet or socks are only allowed on tatami (straw mats) (“Behavior and Manners,” n.d.).

4. Do bring a gift. It’s rude when to visit a Japanese home and not bring a little souvenier from your city; something as small as a keychain or candy unique to your home country (“Japan Travel Tips - DOs and DONTs,” 2011).

5. Do show up on time. Punctuality means showing up to your destination five to ten minutes early (Society, N. G., n.d.).

Don’t

1. Do not introduce yourself or extend your hand out first. It is considered impolite, it’s better to wait and be introduced (“Cultural Norms and Traditions in Japan,” n.d.) and wait for the other person to extend their hand out to you to be shaken (Walker, 2015).

2. Do not call attention to yourself. Avoid blowing your nose in public, eating on the go, and speaking on your cell phone in crowded public areas (Wright, 2008).

3. Japanese “Face.” Do not openly criticize, insult, or put anyone on-the-spot. Japan is a collectivistic society, by singling out an individual person, he/she is losing respect (face) in front of their peers (Barton, 2016).

4. Do not rush onboard. Unlike in NYC, in Japan people patiently wait in orderly lines to board trains (Walker, 2015).

5. Do not tip. Leaving a tip is rude and the server might perseiceve that as an insult (“Do’s & Don’ts When Visiting Japan,” 2015).