Knowing basic Japanese etiquette can go a long way for you, especially when you are visiting Japan. You can spare embarrassing yourself as well as avoid offending Japanese folks. But before anything else, you must consider that Japanese people are very traditional and are extremely particular about proper manners and hygiene. Here are some basic, but important rules mainly concerning on dining in Japan:
TABLE MANNERS:
- When sitting on the floor and especially during casual occasions, women should position both legs to one side. Men should sit cross-legged. For formal occasions, both men and women are to sit seiza style. This requires one to kneel down and putting one’s weight on both heels. But good news to foreigners because they are not expected to be able to do this for a long time.
- Use the moistened towel offered to you to clean your hands. But don’t use it to wipe your face and neck.
- It is polite to say to the host or restaurant staff “Itadakimasu” (“I gratefully receive”) before eating and “Gochisosama deshita” (“Thank you for the meal”) after eating.
- Wait for the most important person to begin eating before you do.
- üWhen drinking with others, it’s impolite to pour your own drink. The acceptable way is to pour the drink for your companion, and he or she will do the same for you.
- If you do not wish to drink anymore, leave your glass at least half full.
- Slurp your noodles! The Japanese believe it makes the dish taste better.
- Bring the bowl of food to your mouth instead of bending your head towards it. Also use your chopstick to bring the food, be it noodles or rice, from your bowl to your mouth.
- After eating, replace the lids on top of bowls, place your chopsticks back to its holder, and reposition the dishes to their original location before the start of the meal.
- Don’t lick your fingers in front of others.
- Don’t make so much fuss over how your food is prepared or make too many special requests to your host.
- Don’t refuse when your companion offers you a drink.
- Don’t use the end of the chopstick you use to eat when dishing out food to your companions. Instead, use the clean top end.
- Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in your bowl of rice as this is only practiced during funerals.
- Avoid burping; it is simply rude!
SOME GENERAL RULES TO GET YOU BY:
- Always come on time for appointments.
- Using silence is as important as speaking during communication.
- Nod to show you are listening and that you understand.
- Always sit erect with both of your feet on the floor.
- Never enter a house or establishment with your shoes. Use, instead, slippers provided for you. Also, slippers for use in the bathroom should never be used anywhere else.
- Do not blow your nose in front of others. And if you must, do it in private or at least turn away from others. Never use a handkerchief to wipe your nose and then shove it in your pocket for it is considered rude; instead, use tissue paper and discard it after use.
- Don’t enter a shop or café with a dripping umbrella. Have a plastic cover for umbrellas in hand at all times.
- Never eat while standing or walking along the street.
- Don’t point your chopsticks, feet, or fingers at people. Use your hand to point at someone or something.
- Avoid making unnecessary physical and eye contact, or standing too close to a person. Japanese highly value their personal space.
