Don't stand your chopsticks up in your rice like you're a matador. Don't stick them up and leave them there.
Leave that for funerals. :)
--Rad
70
Do not be happy and talk on a bus. Do not listen to earphones if even the slightest sound can be heard by others. No talking on cell phones. Do not think those around you are reasonable people.
--Rad
72
In Italy, people say "chin chin" for "cheers" when drinking. Don't say this in Japan, as it means "penis".
--Koos83
40
Do not pass any food or anything to anyone, from your chopsticks to theirs, ever.
The only appropriate situation is after the body is cremated and you're passing a bone. Someone will tell you which one and when.
--Rad
30
Don't be too direct with your opinions. Even just saying "This is a good idea, but..." and then trailing off, will let them know you really don't like the idea.
--Koos83
20
Do not drive aggressively in Japan. People are not aggressive drivers, and generally very orderly -- so plan on following the rules and being courteous.
--Zoolander
31
Don't put sugar in your green tea. It's like putting sugar in diet coke: it may actually taste okay, but it's considered strange and gross.
--Zoolander
20
It's common for Japanese people to give gifts and say they're not good when they visit you. Don't believe it or be offended.
Ex.: I'm a bad cook, and I didn't have any of the proper ingredients when I threw this together; this is for you.
--Rad
10
Do not eat while walking, it is generally frowned upon. Sit down at a restaurant to eat.
--Zoolander
21
When in public, do not talk loudly, whether in person or on the phone.
--Zoolander
10
Slurp your noodles when you eat, it shows that you like it
--Zee
40
When you take someone's business card, look at it, and treat it with respect, it represents them.
--Nihonjin
30
Upon receiving your meal from the server (or even in someone’s home) it’s polite to say “itadakimasu” which is similar to *saying grace* or being thankful for the food.
--sheisiconic
30
Take your shoes off when you go into a house, with the shoes facing outside.
--Nihonjin
20
Japanese love food as gifts, so if you can bring something from your hometown or home country, they will appreciate it. Wrap it with care: they will notice the quality of wrapping.
--Zoolander
20
It is very important in Japan to queue correctly and orderly for trains. Pay attention to where you are standing, make sure you are in the correct queue.
--Zoolander
20
When you receive a gift from someone, custom is to give them back a gift later that's about half the value of the gift you received.
--Koos83
20
When you enter someone's house, always say "Shitsurei shimasu" or "Ojama shimasu". It literally means "I'm being rude" but it's just a way to acknowledge that you're imposing on their time and space.
--Koos83
20
When you flush the toilet, and the faucet on the top of the toilet runs with water, you can wash your hands there. This is a Japanese way of conserving water and being efficient.
--Zoolander
10
Get a Suica from the ticket office, and then recharge it. You can use this for all forms of public transportation, and all train lines.
--Zoolander
