by Roisi Proven

Created on: April 21, 2008

To the people of Japan, etiquette is of the utmost importance. In the western world, if you were to enter someone's home without removing your shoes the worst that would happen would be a slight scolding. However, in Japanese culture this would be akin to social suicide. The Japanese take etiquette both inside and outside of the home very seriously. It is nigh on impossible for someone from outside of the country to fully understand and implement all the different unwritten rules, but there are a few important points to follow that will help you to come across positively in Japanese society.

When you first greet someone in Japan, instead of shaking hands like we do in the West, it is polite to bow instead. However, if you are in a business situation it is quite likely that the person that you are bowing to will also offer you their hand to shake. If the person is senior to you, then the correct way to bow is from the waist, with your back straight, and at around a 45 degree angle. The more senior the person, the deeper a bow should be. If it is a business associate or friend, a slight bow or even just a nod of the head should suffice.

One of the most important rules in the Japanese home, as per the example in the first paragraph, is that no shoes are allowed inside the house. As shoes are worn outside they are seen as dirty and unhygienic, and to wear them inside would be to taint your house. Most Japanese homes have a small porch inside the front door where you must take of your shoes before stepping up into the main part of the house. Also, many homes have special slippers for using in the bathroom. Again this is seen as a way to keep the house clean and hygienic. You must never wear the bathroom slippers outside of the bathroom.

Also, if you are staying at the home of someone in Japan, it is assumed that you will bring a small gift of thanks. Sweets and alcohol are the most common gifts brought into a home. They should be carefully wrapped and presented and any offer of thanks should be politely turned down. Any return gift should be refused at first, but then reluctantly accepted. This may seem like a strange way to accept a gift, but it is considered impolite to accept a gift straight away, as this could be seen to be greedy.

When eating in Japan, whether in public or in someone's home, there are a few basic rules to adhere to. The first is, never to stick your chopsticks upright in your rice, as this is
inviting the dead to join you at the table! Eating noisily is encouraged, as it is a sign that you are enjoying your food. When eating with company, always remember never to pour your own drink. Your eating partner will pour it for you, and you should do the same for them. It is considered rude to pour your own drink.

Although there are many more rules and traditions in Japanese etiquette, it would be impossible to explain them all without writing a lengthy book. However, the above points will hopefully go a long way to help you to show the proper respect in a country where respect is everything.

Learn more about this author, Roisi Proven.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.