Etiquette
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Saying thank you is good
form in any country. In Japan, it's "Arigato" pronounced "aree-gaw-toe".
If you want to say "Thank you very much", it is "Domo Arigato" pronounced
"doe-moe aree-gaw-toe"
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Japanese say hello, good bye
and express gratitude with a bow instead of a handshake.
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The Japanese generally have
a quiet and peaceful culture.
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The Japanese try not to say
no and they may phrase a "no" response in a manner that may be considered
to be indecisive or unassertive in the United States. This aspect of their
culture helps to keep harmony within the society and should not be
viewed as a weakness. It is appropriate to politely accept this kind
of response as a "no".
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In formal situations, present
business cards right side up with both hands, bowing slightly as you pass
it to the recipient. Here is a
sample
Japanese business card.
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Take off your shoes before entering
a home, a Japanese style inn, a temple or any other place that you notice
to expect this practice. There may be a pair of slippers for you
to change into. In a Japanese home, they may have a special pair of slippers
to be worn only in the rest room. Put these on before you enter the
rest room and take them off as you leave.
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If you are invited to a Japanese
home, bring a small gift from your country if possible. If you would
like to visit a Japanese home during your visit, the
Japan National Tourist Organization has a home
visit program that can help arrange this.
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When dining out with Japanese
friends, the bill is usually split evenly among all parties.
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You do not need to tip for
services including taxies, restaurants and hotels.
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The Japanese sometimes hand
back change in one lump sum. Counting your change infers that
you do not trust the merchant. The Japanese are very conscientious,
hardworking and trustworthy. We did count our money at the money exchange
booths when exchanging dollars for yen but it was always correct.
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The Japanese are extremely hygienic.
In
Tokyo, the people were always clean, groomed and remarkably well dressed.
You may consider this when packing your wardrobe. During the day, we
rarely saw anyone in shorts and a t-shirt. Restaurants sometimes provide
sinks for the customers to wash their hands in, people wear face masks
to protect others when they have a cold, etc... If possible, avoid
blowing your nose in public, spitting, coughing without covering
your mouth, etc... These practices of course are a good idea at home
as well.
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Wash and rinse yourself thoroughly
before entering a Japanese bath.
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Japanese restaurants may give
you a hot or cold wet towel to wash your hands with before a meal.
Sometimes these towel are individually wrapped similar to a wet nap.
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Turn your chopsticks upside
down when taking food from a common bowl to avoid spreading germs, do
not stick your chopsticks into a bowl of rice vertically (so they are pointing
straight up) and leave them there (this means that someone has died),
do not pass food between chopsticks, do not spear foods or push food around
with your chopsticks.
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Most Japanese do not speak English.
People who are familiar often read English better than they can speak it.
It
may be helpful to write down questions.
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