So you want to go to Japan, but do you know the acceptable manners by Japanese standards? These manners are very much different than in other countries. One must know them in order to not offend or embarrass your host and other people around you.

BOWING

Bowing is probably the most well-known Japanese etiquette outside of Japan. Bowing is extremely important in Japan. Even though kids learn to bow at a very young age, companies still provide training for their employees on how to bow.

Basic bows are performed with hands at the sides or at the lap and looking down. The general rule for bowing is that the deeper and longer the bow, the more formal the bow. If the other person bows longer and deeper than expected, it is polite to bow again. This may lead to a series of bows which get lighter and lighter. In heirarchy, an inferior bows deeper, more frequently and longer than a superior. Bows of apology also tend to be deep and frequent, depending on the severity of the offense. In the worst cases, a kneeling bow is offered where the bow is so deep that the forehead touches the floor. This bow is called saikeirei( most respectful bow).

DINING

Meals are usually started with the phrase “Itadakimasu!”. This is said to express gratitude for all those who took part in preparing the food. It is considered polite to clear one’s plate. Picking out food and not eating the rest of the meal prepared for you is considered impolite. Food is normally eaten with chopsticks. There are exceptions such as curry. Slurping soup or noodles is encouraged. According to some, it cools the food and makes it better tasting.

Chopsticks have their own set of rules and etiquette.

• One should never stick their chopsticks upright in their rice bowl because this is reminiscent of incense sticks at a funeral.
• Food should never be passed from chopsticks to chopsticks. This has something once again to do with Japanese funerals as this is how the Japanese treat a deceased person’s remains after cremation.
• Using your chopsticks to move food or plate is considered rude, as is pointing with your chopsticks.
• Spearing food with your chopsticks is also considered rude.
• Licking the chopstick-ends is considered very uncouth.

HOUSE VISITS

It is customary to remove your shoes when visiting someone’s house. It is also considered more polite to wear shoes instead of sandals. This is because one’s bare feet should not touch the slippers offered by the host. It is also common for those who are wearing sandals to have a pair of socks with them. Coats and hats are taken off before the door is opened and they are put back on after the door is closed.

These are the basic etiquette that a person should know while they are in Japan in order to avoid getting embarrassed with awkward situations.

Posted in Food, Japan, Things to do

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 12th, 2008 at 12:01 am and is filed under Food, Japan, Things to do. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.