Japanese Customs and Manners

Bowing

In Japan, people greet by bowing to one another. A bow can range from a small nod of the head
to a deep bend at the waist. A deeper, longer bow indicates sincere respect while a small nod is
more casual and informal. Additionally, bowing with your palms together at chest level is not
customary in Japan. If the greeting takes place on tatami floor (a type of mat), people get on their
knees to bow. Bowing is not only used to greet, but also to thank, apologize, make a request, or
ask someone a favor. Most Japanese do not expect foreigners to know the proper bowing
etiquette. A combination of a bow and shaking hands is usually expected from foreigners.

Gift-giving

Gift giving is a conventional part of Japanese culture. Different types of gifts are given on
depending on the occasion. How the present is wrapped is essential. If not nicely packed, the
present should at least given in a bag, preferably in a bag by the shop the gift was purchased at.
Gifts in sets of four are usually avoided because it is considered an unlucky number in Japanese
superstition. To clarify, the Japanese word for “four” is pronounced the same as the word
"death”. When handing over a present, both the gift giver and recipient use both hands.

Table Manners

The most important table etiquette in Japan is saying customary phrases before and after a meal.
It is traditional for Japanese people to say "itadaki-masu" (meaning “I humbly receive” or “let’s
eat”) before a meal and "gochisou-sama" after a meal.

These phrases not only mean thanks for the food, but also indicate the beginning and the ending
of a meal. If you are eating with Japanese people, try to say these phrases as it is impolite if you
don’t.

One of the fundamental chopsticks etiquettes is not to directly pass food from your chopsticks to
somebody else's chopsticks or vice versa. It's also important not to vertically stick chopstick into
food, especially into a bowl of rice. Additionally, it is not polite to wave your chopsticks above
food dishes or to use your chopsticks to point at somebody. Two people should never pick up the
same food with their chopsticks (i.e. if someone is struggling to pick something up you can't help
them). This reminds the Japanese of a funeral ritual in Japan, it’s utterly morbid.

It is mannerly to lift small bowls of rice or soup when you eat to prevent dropping food. If you
do not receive a soup spoon, it is acceptable to sip soup out of the bowl and eat the solid food
with chopsticks.
It is usual in Japan to make some slurping noises while eating noodles, such as ramen and soba.
It is believed to taste better when making slurping noises.

Shoes

Shoes are never worn in someone's home or on Japanese tatami flooring (mats). It is expected to
take off your shoes in a restaurant, hotel, hot spring resort etc. There will always be a place to put
your shoes. In addition, you will be given slippers to wear. There are often different slippers for
the bathroom. You should never wear the normal slippers into the bathroom (if bathroom
slippers are provided) and vice versa.

Miscellaneous Tips

The Japanese don't have loud public conversations on their mobile phones. People never speak
on the phone in the train or in a shop. Most people refrain from speaking on the phone in the
train or in a shop, and keep their phone on vibrate.

When going out for drinks, it's considered rude to drink before cheers (kampai!).

Since Japan isn't an English speaking country, speak slowly and be patient when speaking
English. It is recommended to learning a few basic words of Japanese.

It is strictly stand left pass right on Tokyo escalators. Due to the Japanese tradition of having two
opposite standards for everything, Osaka is stand right pass left.

Names

How do you use "-san," "-kun" and "-chan" for Japanese people’s names?

The suffix "-san " is a title of respect added to a name. It can be used with both male and female
names, as well as with either surnames or given names. It can also be attached to the name of
titles and occupations.

"-kun" is used to address men who are younger or the same age as the speaker. Usually in
schools or companies, a male might address female inferiors by "-kun”. It can also be attached to
both surnames and given names. It is less polite than "-san" and isn’t used between women or
when addressing one's superiors.

"-chan" is often attached to children's names when calling them by their given names. It can also
be used regarding kinship terms in a childish language.

https://alljapantours.com/about-japan/japanese-customs-and-manners/

Society
Japanese Cultures, Customs and Traditions
Japanese culture has evolved over millennia from the prehistoric Jōmon period to the modern
times.

Lanterns at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto.

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Japanese culture is ancient, diverse, divine, and influences various facets of modern Japan even
today. From diet to festivals, sports to fashion, the culture is ever present both in the country and
afar. Some of the most prominent aspects of Japanese culture are discussed below.

People and Society

Japan is a largely secular society whose people value harmonious relations with others by giving
back, and regard fulfilling the social duty as more vital than personal individuality. Order,
harmony, and self-development are the three vital values that anchor Japanese social relations.
Religious practices also emphasize the importance of harmonious relations with humans and
spiritual beings and the fulfillment of social obligations within family and community. In
Japanese myths, gods exhibit love and anger. That means behavior that results in positive
relations with others is rewarded, and compassion treasured. Japanese children are also taught
that fulfillment comes through associating with others. For interpersonal relationships, the
Japanese also avoid competition and confrontation and exercise self-control when working with
others.

Food and Drink

There are many diverse traditional Japanese cuisines but the most ancient is the Washoku dish,
which has over a 400 year history. In its authentic form it is called Kaiseki, and consists of one
soup dish, one main dish, and two side dishes. In modern day, Washoku comprises of an
appetizer of rapeseed blossoms, salted salmon roe, and shellfish, all with individual dressings,
thin slices of sea bream sashimi, and deep fried monkfish nuggets. Washoku has also been
recorded on the list of UNESCO’s World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, according to Japan
National Tourism Organization. Other traditional Japanese cuisines are sukiyaki, tempura, Sushi,
Sashimi, Yakitori, Tonkatsu, Shabu Shabu, and Soba and Udon.

Arts And Literature

During the early developments of Japanese painting tradition in the 14th century, there was a
heavy Chinese influence in paintings. But after Japan isolated itself from the world from the 17th
to late 19th century, a unique art style began to form. This style had paintings leaning towards
the abstract and naturalistic. This style was evident in individual paintings, scenes of daily life,
religion, plant studies, and animals in order to capture the basic and essential subject
characteristics.

From the early 17th century to date, Japanese authors have produced captivating literature. Early
Japanese literature works were influenced through cultural contact with China, Chinese
literature, and oral traditions adopted and recorded in Chinese written form in early 8th century,
in what was the Nara period. From the Nara Period, Japanese literature evolved to Heian,
Kamakura and Muromachi, Edo, Meiji (1868-1912) periods, when written and spoken language
unification was called for. In this period, literary forms began to widen as Japan opened up to the
rest of the world. When World War II happened, foundations of modern literature were laid and
writers expressed in their works the frustrations of Japan’s defeat in the war.

Music and Dance

Many traditional Japanese dances are characterized by slow gesturing with music
accompaniment. The Bon Odori Japanese dance is performed at summer festivals in every city.
People wear kimonos and dance with gestures and steps to the music. Bon Odori is associated
with Bon Festival held in August to commemorate ancestors.

Nihan Buyo, another traditional Japanese dance, is performed on stage by people wearing
kimonos, with items like Japanese fans and ropes. Nihan Guyo dance is taught by teachers called
Shisho. Noh Mai dance style is performed with background music with lutes and drums, with at
times vocals in between. At times performers wear varying costumes and wear masks, depending
on the story of the dance. Kabuki is one of Japan’s famous and traditional dance dramas and tells
stories about Japanese history, lifestyle and society. Some Japanese traditional musical
instruments are the Shamisen violin, Shakuhatchi flute, biwa lute, koto string instrument, and the
Wadaiko drum.

Sports and Leisure

Besides contemporary sports like soccer and baseball, traditional sports like sumo are also
popular. Sumo dates back to a history spanning over 1,500 years in Japan. Sumo is the de-facto
national sport in the country and is also popular worldwide. Competitors weigh from 100 to 200
kilograms in this sport, which resembles wrestling. Another traditional sport is Kendo, a fencing
style sport where competitors use bamboo swords while wearing protective gears. Judo and
Karate are self defense sports heavily steeped in martial arts, and whose competitors wear
varying belts based on their abilities. Aikido is a less aggressive form of martial arts unlike judo
or karate, ideal for fitness and mental training.

Religion

The earliest Japanese religion is Shinto. Shinto began before the country’s pre-historic period
before the sixth century Common Era, when the country was pre-literate. Its deities were called
"Kami" who were believed to permeate the world through nature like mountains, trees, rivers and
rocks. Worship rituals were also performed to restore harmony with nature. However, newer
religions like Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity that came up in 19th and 20th century
are also common in modern day Japan.

Traditional festivals called matsuri are also practiced in Japan. These festivals are organized by
local communities or temples where they are held, and participants wear matsuri costumes and a
portable shrine called "Mikoshi". Performances like dances and religious rituals are done during
these festivals and have their roots in ancient religions like Shinto.

Traditional Clothing

Wafuku is the general term used to describe all traditional Japanese clothing. For every season,
there are clothes to complement it, and a person’s age and event determines what is worn. The
Kimono, which literally translate to "something one wears", refers to a full-length robe that is
Japan’s most famous traditional clothing for men and women. Nagajuban refers to the clothing
worn beneath the Kimono.

The Haori are short hip to thigh level jackets worn by men and women. The michiyuki is a jacket
worn on top of the kimono robe. The hakama are skirt-like garments won by Japanese men and
women and are also worn with the kimono. During summer or family events, special kimonos
are worn called Yukatas. They are specially intended for informal events. For formal occasions
like weddings, a wedding kimono named Uchikake can be worn by men, while women may wear
the Shiro-maku, a white wedding gown.
Pop Culture

Japanese pop culture includes but is not limited to things like manga, anime, video games,
popular music, and more. Many of the art forms that are popular today have their roots in older
Japanese traditions like the ones discussed above. Like many other countries in the world,
electronic entertainment like television, internet browsing, and social media are very popular in
Japan.

Among young people in Japan, activities such as karaoke, bowling, and cinema are favorite past-
times. It is not unusual for these institutions to stay open for 23 hours, especially in large urban
centers like Tokyo. Japan is very well-known for its video game production, so it comes as no
surprise that video games are also a very popular past-time in the country.

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-culture-of-japan.html