I'm looking for advice from people living/with living experiance in Japan. I've done some research already, but would like to know any tips/things I should be aware of when I move there.
I've lived in Canada my whole life and would also like to know if there is things that would be found offensive in Japan that would not be an issue here? I want to make this experiance as smooth as possible and would love some advice.
2007-09-25 11:57:26 · 5 answers · asked by Rachel Y 1 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
In no particular order...
You should NEVER blow your nose in public. It is considered offensive.
Expect to see people slurping noodle dishes and soup. It is considered sign of enjoying good food, and not doing so is offensive to chefs.
Expect to be stared at often. Japan is a homogeneous country (meaning all same people). Having anything but black hair and light brown skin stands out. If you have brown hair, you are considered BLOND!
Expect to see a lot of people smoking! It is still an accepted practice there.
You should NEVER enter anyone's house with your shoes on. You must take them off at the door step. When you do, straighten them out and put them facing toe OUT.
Public display of affection is not as tolerated as it is in Western countries. Use discretion.
People generally talk quietly. Talking too loud is considered obnoxious and impolite.
Observe the "personal space" rule. If you don't know the person too well, stand about 50cm or further away. Getting too close will make the person uncomfortable.
Shake hands rather than hug. Hugging is not in their custom in public setting.
Let me also tell you that because Japan is so homogeneous, anyone from outside will almost NEVER be accepted as one of their own. This is a big contrast from US and Canada. You will encounter this as you live there for a while. Don't be surprised or be offended. It has nothing to do with people liking you or not liking you. Just accept it. Almost all of them have only lived with people just like them. You are not going to change it all by yourself.
2007-09-25 12:09:34 · answer #1 · answered by tkquestion 7 · 3⤊ 6⤋
OH MY GOD
i love love japan. i go there every summer.
honestly they LOVE foreign looking people. you will feel like a celebrity.
just have fun and dont worry about being rude etc...every body goes through the same thing when going to a new culture. they will think it is cute if you do something wrong.
YOU WILL LOVE LOVE IT~~
2007-09-25 15:52:22 · answer #2 · answered by FAINE 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Check my blog !
2007-09-25 13:23:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
They speak japanese.
Seriously though, I would research japanese culture.
2007-09-25 12:01:26 · answer #4 · answered by Lost Poet 6 · 3⤊ 3⤋
lots of sushi
2007-09-25 12:09:03 · answer #5 · answered by Jennifer 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋