social customs in JAPAN

The follow is selection of activities that are not done in public in Japan. Although these behaviors are seen as being rude by Japanese standards you, as a foreigner, should not worry too much about adhering to them as it is not expected of you.


1) It is considered a shameful act to kiss in public.

2) Hugging is considered impolite in Japan, as is any other sort of physical contact.

3) Chewing gum: doing this in front of someone is not excepted, but smoking in front of someone is. It is also considered rude to be the only person eating something.

4) One should always take off their shoes when entering a Japanese house or restaurant (you will most often be supplied with slippers). This is one that foreigners should observe.

5) Of all of the above this may seem the strangest to foreigners: It is considered rude to look into the kitchen of a house that one is visiting.

Posted by ithaa at 4:45 pm