8 WAYS YOU MIGHT’VE BEEN OFFENDING THE 🇯🇵 PEOPLE

Japan’s charm is in her quirkiness - the extremes of Tokyo’s orderliness and organised chaos (think Shibuya Crossing) is so compelling, but that also stems from a culture that focuses on society much more than others- hence cultural norms are much more rigid in Japan than anywhere else- if you get weird stares, you know you’ve overstepped a boundary! Here are some etiquette tips that you may have not heard about, that’ll definitely help you when you’re in Japan!

- 🚶‍♀️🍦Don’t walk and eat - Even if you’re buying to-go from a vending machine, it’s rude to be walking while eating or drinking. Stop where you are, and finish your food before leaving! I was scolded by my friend for wanting to eat an ice cream while strolling in the park, we finished it in front of the ice cream store instead! 😨

- ♻️Trash and Recycling - For a country that overuses plastic packaging, they have strict rules regarding recycling. Especially when staying in Airbnbs, make sure you separate your trash well or you’ll be pissing off your airbnb hosts! While outside the house, you’ll never find trashcans, so just bring your trash home with you!

- 🔊Making noise past 10pm - this applies even more to airbnbs- Even if you’re in your own home, noise after 10pm will get complaints from your neighbours. That includes talking (even at a normal volume - if you’re staying in apartments) or playing music loudly. Social order in Japan is taken very seriously!

- 🚆Don’t talk on public transport - the trains are more often than not, completely silent. People hang up their calls when they get on the trains, so do the same! Try not to make conversation while on the train, as people prefer the silence! No aunties blasting their K Dramas at full volume in Japan, at least!

- 🍜Don’t linger in restaurants - socialising after a meal is preferred at izakayas and pubs, and especially at small restaurants with bar seats - get your food, eat, and go! Especially when there’s a queue waiting for a seat- it gets pressurising if you take your time.

- 🐲Tattoos are not allowed in onsens, and in capsule hostels with onsens - Tattoos are associated to the Yakuza, so even the smallest ones will get you thrown out of onsens. When I stayed at a capsule hotel, there were signs saying that tattoos were not allowed. So if you’re planning to book a hostel with communal showers, make sure you check if you have a tattoo!

- 📈People will push you inwards on the train - it’s normal! - During peak hours, do not expect your personal space to be respected. You’re going to get packed in like a sardine. Shoulder to back, back to shoulder okay, don’t be a perv and press your entire chest against someone’s back la LMAO

- 📸Photography - ask the guys! - Unfortunately, catcalling is common in Japan, and targeted harrassment of females is quite common. More often than not, if you approach a Japanese woman on the street, even to ask them to help take a photo, they’ll ignore you. So go to a guy for that!

Japan is a city of extremes - and you either conform or you stand out. How else do you explain the strongly countercultural extremes of Harajuku Fashion, or the booming AV industry in such a conservative country? Knowing the culture of the country you’re in is not only just respectful, it’ll make your journey there a more pleasant one. Do you have any other examples of surprising cultural norms in other countries? Share with us below!

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