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When in Japan, do as the Japanese do!

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Respect and regard for local traditions and customs can win hearts in a foreign land, and make for a memorable experience before you know it, especially in Japan, where people are extremely polite and follow a standard code of etiquette for almost everything in their daily lives.

From greeting a person, to making a payment or enjoying a drink or meal at an eatery, every move is governed by a set code of conduct, and is expected to be followed by everyone.

Here’s a quick guide to what to expect and how to behave in the Land of the Rising Sun:

Greeting with a bow

Japanese are known all over the world for their polite and reverential manner of greeting — a bow. While you are there, bow to express appreciation, apologies, or simply to return a bow, if you are greeted with one. Remember, receiving a bow from someone of a higher status means returning a bow that is deeper and longer.

Paying at a store — The ubiquitous tray

Japanese don’t pay directly at the cash register for any purchases made. Instead they put the money on the tray that is ubiquitously placed near the cash registers at all grocery, retail or other stores or businesses. It is a breach of etiquette to hold out the money for the cashier to take by hand if there is a tray lying near the cash register.

Giving your business card

It is interesting to know the way Japanese give or accept business cards, or other similar articles or payments (where hand to hand payments are accepted). In line with the formal and cultured way of life, Japanese use both hands to hold a business card or similar articles when giving or accepting one. The manner suggests the other person’s dignity is high enough that only an item meriting such handling would befit that dignity. It is expected to receive the card or article in a similar manner. Careless handling of an item is suggestive of a pointed refusal.

Visiting someone’s house

Japanese regard their homes too humble to entertain guests. Therefore, it is considered a great honour to be invited to someone’s place in Japan. And if you do get a chance, remember to remove your shoes before you enter a home.

Japanese like to keep their indoors clean and stain free from the soil and dust that is carried by the soles of the shoes. Before entering the house, people therefore remove their shoes at the entrance foyer (genkan) and wear slippers (uwabaki). The practice is so religiously followed that you might notice uwabakis lying at your hotel entrance too. It is fine to keep wearing socks in informal situations. There are also separate slippers used when using a bathroom, for reasons of hygiene.

Gifts and gift-giving

As in most cultures, it is considered impolite to go to someone’s house without a gift. And while you trawl the stores for a suitable gift for your host, take a note of what not to give. Clocks, scissors and knives are not considered appropriate gifts as they symbolise time running out and cutting of relationships. Also, do not buy anything that prominently displays numbers such as 4, that suggests death in Japanese culture and also number 9, which is associated with suffering. And lastly, always remember to give it using both hands.

At the table

It is important to show appreciation for food at the table — in local way. Each person at the table says itadakimasu (I shall take it) before eating and gochisosama deshita on finishing the meal as thanks. In private households, various dishes are generally served individually to each person in a set pattern. It is a general practice to hold the rice bowl in the left hand and use the right one to take food with chopsticks.

When drinking, Japanese show their love and concern towards others by serving one another in turn rather than serving by themselves. When in a group people check each other’s glasses and serve more as the drinks are consumed.

— suneeti@khaleejtimes.com