Japan is a country of diverse customs and culture, while on the other hand, it is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. This is what makes it so unique, the mix of tradition and modernity, that results in a wonderful blend that appeals most to tourists and people belonging to different countries. In this article we will delve into the Japanese culture and customs, to understand what sets this country apart from others.
Japanese Customs and Traditions
Japanese customs are very important, and though they stem from ancient Japanese culture, they are followed to this date, of course with a few adaptations to modern times. We've all heard about important social conventions and customs in Japan. However, it is time to take a look at what these conventions are, and how knowing them will effect the perception of Japanese people for you, as an outsider. Though some customs in Japan are regional, the customs mentioned here are generally and widely accepted all over Japan.
Greetings
Almost everyone is aware that the Japanese way of greeting is bowing. It is such an integral and vital part of Japanese etiquette, that employees of various companies are trained to bow in the right manner. The reason why bows are so important are because they express reverence for the opposite person. As such, the practice of bowing while greeting should not be taken lightly.
Bows are informal and formal. While the general norm for men is to maintain the hands at their sides and bend forward from the waist, for girls it is the same with the hands placed on the lap, with the eyes looking down. Formal bows are deeper than informal bows. A bow is returned with a bow and should normally last only up to 2-3 seconds. Shaking hands, sometimes in combination with a bow, has now become a common practice in Japan, especially with outsiders and tourists. As a tourist, if you are applying this greeting, ensure you bend to the left and not straight, to avoid knocking down the opposite person. Any greeting should portray a dynamism, else it is considered rude.
While speaking to superiors and customers, there are very important rules of politeness that are followed. The Japanese are a cooperative lot, and do not believe in individualism, but conformity. They believe in universal good rather than individual gain. They are never forthright about their opinions, and are rather diplomatic in putting forth any point of view.
Visiting Houses and Hospitality
While visiting someone's house in Japan, where being invited is a big honor, it is polite to remove shoes outside the house so as to avoid soiling the floors inside the house. When shoes are removed they should be pointed outward, facing away from the entrance door. It is important to maintain hygiene of the feet as foot odor is a rude deviation from the norm, and is generally a put-off. If you are wearing open footwear, carrying a pair of white socks to wear while entering the house is necessary, and is a gesture that shows concern for the host's hospitality.
The hosts generally offer slippers to wear inside the house, but ensuring they are clean is the guest's responsibility. A hat or coat is to be removed before the door to the house is opened, while it should be put back on only after the guest has left the premises of the house, and the door to the house has been closed. The norm followed while visiting someone's house is to carry a gift, where going without one is considered impolite. The gift is placed on the paper bag in which it has been bought, and given with both hands, immediately upon entering the living room.
From the host's point of view, a guest should be made comfortable on all accounts. As such, they will always appear to be busy, so that the guest can be at ease, assuming all the work is being taken care of. Also, the guest is given the best of everything, as receiving a guest is as big an honor as being invited to someone's home, among Japanese culture and customs. It is normal to receive a gift in return from the host. The guest may politely refuse to take the gift the first time, but should accept it upon insistence, the second time.
The Art of Eating and Drinking
Eating in Japan requires the knowledge of several customs. It is common to say 'grace' as it is in the western culture, before beginning a meal. This includes thanking the person who prepared the meal. In Japanese restaurants, a rolled hand towel is given to the customers, to wipe hands. Wiping the face or neck with the same towel is not well received. Picking food from the plate while leaving out certain ingredients is rude. Passing food from one pair of chopsticks to another is taboo. Any food to be passed should be placed in the plate of the person taking it.
It is necessary that you clear your plate completely while eating. Slurping is not thought of as uncouth, and is in fact a gesture that shows you are relishing the soup or noodles. Additional and optional ingredients such as soy sauce are taken separately in a small bowl, and pouring too much sauce in the bowl implies greed and wastefulness. Japanese food, including sushi, is dipped in soy sauce before eating, if required. After the meal, a humble thank you is announced in the Japanese language, while joining both hands together. Learning how to use chopsticks before heading to Japan is a wise thing to do, and will be well appreciated among the Japanese people. While making payments, placing money in the hands is avoided, and is placed in a tray that is placed near the cashier. In case, money is to be placed directly in the hands, it should be given and received with both hands as a form of politeness.
Punctuality and Work Ethics
The Japanese are very punctual people, and generally adhere to a predetermined agenda. This punctuality does not only apply to the workplace ethics, but any kind of social engagement. They consider leaving the work place to go home, before the boss, as a rude gesture. They are even apologetic when they leave before other co-workers.
It is important to have knowledge about any culture before you visit the place. It is polite and makes the host appreciative of the fact that you have made an effort to learn about their customs before visiting the place. In the case of Japan, learning Japanese language is an added advantage, though any foreigner there is spoken to in English, unless he is able to prove that he can speak and understand Japanese. The knowledge of Japanese culture and customs, thus, gives us an interesting insight into the coexistence of the rapid economic and technological progress, along with deep rooted customs and traditions.
Japanese Customs and Traditions
Japanese customs are very important, and though they stem from ancient Japanese culture, they are followed to this date, of course with a few adaptations to modern times. We've all heard about important social conventions and customs in Japan. However, it is time to take a look at what these conventions are, and how knowing them will effect the perception of Japanese people for you, as an outsider. Though some customs in Japan are regional, the customs mentioned here are generally and widely accepted all over Japan.
Greetings
Almost everyone is aware that the Japanese way of greeting is bowing. It is such an integral and vital part of Japanese etiquette, that employees of various companies are trained to bow in the right manner. The reason why bows are so important are because they express reverence for the opposite person. As such, the practice of bowing while greeting should not be taken lightly.
Bows are informal and formal. While the general norm for men is to maintain the hands at their sides and bend forward from the waist, for girls it is the same with the hands placed on the lap, with the eyes looking down. Formal bows are deeper than informal bows. A bow is returned with a bow and should normally last only up to 2-3 seconds. Shaking hands, sometimes in combination with a bow, has now become a common practice in Japan, especially with outsiders and tourists. As a tourist, if you are applying this greeting, ensure you bend to the left and not straight, to avoid knocking down the opposite person. Any greeting should portray a dynamism, else it is considered rude.
While speaking to superiors and customers, there are very important rules of politeness that are followed. The Japanese are a cooperative lot, and do not believe in individualism, but conformity. They believe in universal good rather than individual gain. They are never forthright about their opinions, and are rather diplomatic in putting forth any point of view.
Visiting Houses and Hospitality
While visiting someone's house in Japan, where being invited is a big honor, it is polite to remove shoes outside the house so as to avoid soiling the floors inside the house. When shoes are removed they should be pointed outward, facing away from the entrance door. It is important to maintain hygiene of the feet as foot odor is a rude deviation from the norm, and is generally a put-off. If you are wearing open footwear, carrying a pair of white socks to wear while entering the house is necessary, and is a gesture that shows concern for the host's hospitality.
The hosts generally offer slippers to wear inside the house, but ensuring they are clean is the guest's responsibility. A hat or coat is to be removed before the door to the house is opened, while it should be put back on only after the guest has left the premises of the house, and the door to the house has been closed. The norm followed while visiting someone's house is to carry a gift, where going without one is considered impolite. The gift is placed on the paper bag in which it has been bought, and given with both hands, immediately upon entering the living room.
From the host's point of view, a guest should be made comfortable on all accounts. As such, they will always appear to be busy, so that the guest can be at ease, assuming all the work is being taken care of. Also, the guest is given the best of everything, as receiving a guest is as big an honor as being invited to someone's home, among Japanese culture and customs. It is normal to receive a gift in return from the host. The guest may politely refuse to take the gift the first time, but should accept it upon insistence, the second time.
The Art of Eating and Drinking
Eating in Japan requires the knowledge of several customs. It is common to say 'grace' as it is in the western culture, before beginning a meal. This includes thanking the person who prepared the meal. In Japanese restaurants, a rolled hand towel is given to the customers, to wipe hands. Wiping the face or neck with the same towel is not well received. Picking food from the plate while leaving out certain ingredients is rude. Passing food from one pair of chopsticks to another is taboo. Any food to be passed should be placed in the plate of the person taking it.
It is necessary that you clear your plate completely while eating. Slurping is not thought of as uncouth, and is in fact a gesture that shows you are relishing the soup or noodles. Additional and optional ingredients such as soy sauce are taken separately in a small bowl, and pouring too much sauce in the bowl implies greed and wastefulness. Japanese food, including sushi, is dipped in soy sauce before eating, if required. After the meal, a humble thank you is announced in the Japanese language, while joining both hands together. Learning how to use chopsticks before heading to Japan is a wise thing to do, and will be well appreciated among the Japanese people. While making payments, placing money in the hands is avoided, and is placed in a tray that is placed near the cashier. In case, money is to be placed directly in the hands, it should be given and received with both hands as a form of politeness.
Punctuality and Work Ethics
The Japanese are very punctual people, and generally adhere to a predetermined agenda. This punctuality does not only apply to the workplace ethics, but any kind of social engagement. They consider leaving the work place to go home, before the boss, as a rude gesture. They are even apologetic when they leave before other co-workers.
It is important to have knowledge about any culture before you visit the place. It is polite and makes the host appreciative of the fact that you have made an effort to learn about their customs before visiting the place. In the case of Japan, learning Japanese language is an added advantage, though any foreigner there is spoken to in English, unless he is able to prove that he can speak and understand Japanese. The knowledge of Japanese culture and customs, thus, gives us an interesting insight into the coexistence of the rapid economic and technological progress, along with deep rooted customs and traditions.
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