The Japanese lifestyle has many unique cultural and customary features that may seem strange to people from other countries.
These characteristics, born from a long history and traditions, may come as a surprise to foreigners visiting Japan for the first time.
This article introduces eight unique Japanese lifestyles that are difficult to understand in other countries.
By learning about these characteristics, you will be able to experience Japanese culture more deeply and enjoy the differences in daily life while staying in Japan comfortably.
What Are the Lifestyles That Best Express the Characteristics of Japanese Culture? 8 Concrete Examples
The Japanese lifestyle has its own unique characteristics that reflect its long history and culture.
These are naturally inherited in daily life and deeply rooted in the values and manners of the Japanese people.
They often seem strange to foreigners, but in Japan they are all valued as commonplace customs.
Here we introduce eight lifestyles that best represent Japanese culture and explain in detail the meaning of each custom.
Always Take off Your Shoes When Entering a House
In Japan, it is customary to always take off one's shoes when entering a house.
After removing one's shoes at the entrance, it is common to go indoors in slippers or barefoot.
This is done to prevent dirt from outside from being brought into the house, and is valued in order to keep the house clean.
In addition, Japanese houses often use tatami mats, which are soft flooring materials, and walking on them with shoes can damage them.
For these reasons, it is considered bad manners to wear shoes inside a house, and it is common to see people taking their shoes off in restaurants, temples, and other places.
This may come as a bit of a surprise to foreigners, but in Japan it is a very important part of etiquette.
When entering a house, it is a good idea to take off your shoes at the entrance.
Bowing in Greeting
In Japan, it is common to bow when greeting someone.
Bowing is an important manner to show respect to others. It is used in all aspects of business and daily life.
There are different types of bowing, such as the light “eshaku,” the slightly deeper “keirei,” and the more polite “saikeirei,” which should be used according to the situation and the person you are addressing.
While shaking hands may be the most common greeting for people from other countries, in Japan, bowing is the main way of greeting people.
Bowing is especially important when meeting someone for the first time or in a business setting.
Japanese honorifics may seem very complicated to foreigners.
Complicated Use of Honorific Expressions
Japanese honorifics may seem very complicated to foreigners.
There are three types of honorifics: "sonkei-go" (honorific tense), "kenjo-go" (humble tense), and "teinei-go" (polite tense), which are used differently to show respect to the other person.
Sonkei-go is used to honor the other person, while kenjo-go is used to express oneself in a modest manner.
Teinei-go are used to make the entire conversation more polite.
For example, the word "iku" (going) changes to "irassharu" in sonkei-go, "mairu" in kenjo-go, and "ikimasu" in teinei-go. The difference in usage depends on the relationship with the other party and the situation.
The correct use of honorifics is very important in Japanese society.
It is especially important in business and formal situations.
Using honorifics may be difficult, but even a slight understanding of the basics will help you communicate smoothly in Japan and convey your respect for others.
Onsen and Bath Culture
In Japan, taking a hot spring or bath has long been valued for its relaxation and health benefits.
There are hot springs all over the country, and many people visit them for healing.
Japanese bath culture emphasizes not only washing the body, but also a time to relax the body and mind.
In onsen and sento (public bathhouses), it is customary to first thoroughly wash your body in the shower or washing area before getting into the bathtub.
It is also an important rule not to put towels in the bathtub. Be sure to enjoy the onsen in a clean condition.
Holding Dishes When Eating
In Japan, it is common practice to hold a dish in one's hands when eating.
In particular, it is considered polite to hold the bowl for serving rice and the bowl for miso soup.
This is done to shorten the distance between the table and one's face, to make it easier to eat, and to show one's respect for the meal.
When holding the tableware, the basic rule is to hold the bowl or bowl in one hand and use chopsticks with the other hand.
Eating with the tableware still on the table is considered bad manners and may be considered impolite.
It is also believed that holding the tableware prevents food from spilling and helps maintain good posture.
Culture of Maintaining Quietness in Public Places
In Japan, maintaining quietness in public places is considered an important etiquette.
Especially in shared spaces such as trains, buses, libraries, and elevators, it is common to keep quiet.
The basic rule is to avoid loud talking and talking on cell phones.
In Japan, the “don't bother me spirit” is emphasized to avoid bothering others.
For example, if you receive a call on the train, avoid calling and respond with a message.
Also, be careful about leaking earphones and make sure that others cannot hear you.
Very Detailed Garbage Separation
Garbage separation in Japan is so detailed and thorough that it cannot be found in other countries.
Each region has its own set of rules, and you may be surprised at the level of detail, especially in large cities.
Garbage is divided into burnable garbage, non-burnable garbage, plastic, bottles and cans, PET bottles, etc., and must be disposed of at the specified time on each day of the week.
Separation of plastics and other recyclable resources is especially strict.
The Japanese culture of sorting is more than just a means of environmental protection; it emphasizes responsibility and harmony with the local community.
When each resident sorts trash correctly, society as a whole addresses the garbage problem and encourages recycling.
It is also important to understand the rules of sorting when staying in Japan, as incorrect sorting may result in garbage not being collected by garbage trucks.
Never Leave Doors Open
In Japan, it is considered good manners not to leave doors open.
This is a common practice in homes, stores, offices, and many other places.
Closing doors not only protects privacy, but also means to properly separate spaces.
Doors should be kept closed, especially when air conditioning or heating is in use!
It is important to increase energy efficiency and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
Japanese Common Sense That Is Difficult to Understand Compared to Foreign Cultures
Japan has many unique common practices and customs compared to foreign countries.
These reflect Japanese culture and values, and can be difficult for foreigners to understand.
Here we introduce some common practices in Japan that are difficult to understand compared to foreign cultures and explain their backgrounds.
No Tipping Culture
In Japan, there is no culture of tipping.
In any situation, whether in a restaurant, cab, or hotel, all charges are included in the bill, and there is no need to give additional money.
Even if the service is good, be aware that the person you are tipping may be confused.
Tipping is sometimes given as a sign of appreciation at some luxury inns, but this is the exception.
When staying in Japan, it is best to understand that everything is included in the price, without considering additional payment for services.
Strong Cash Culture
Although cashless payments are gradually becoming more common in Japan, cash payments still persist.
Especially in rural areas and small stores, credit cards and smartphone payments are often not accepted.
Although cashless payment is spreading in convenience stores and large stores, cash is still often used in everyday situations.
24-Hour Convenience Stores and Supermarkets Are Abundant
In Japan, there are a great many convenience stores and supermarkets that are open 24 hours a day, making life more convenient.
Convenience stores, in particular, are everywhere, from urban areas to rural areas, making it easy to buy food, drinks, and daily necessities even late at night.
They are convenient for urgent shopping and late-night meals, and will be of great help to foreign residents on vacation in many situations.
Free Toilets Are the Norm! Few Pay Toilets
In Japan, toilets are available free of charge in most places.
Restrooms in public places such as train stations, parks, commercial facilities, and tourist attractions are basically free and open to the public.
This point may surprise you because in many foreign countries, pay toilets are common.
Particularly in parts of Europe, it is common to pay to use the restroom, but in Japan, there is no need to worry about this.
Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road? Different Traffic Rules
In Japan, cars and bicycles are required by law to drive on the left side of the road.
This may be a little confusing to those from other countries, as driving on the right side of the road is common in many countries.
Not only on roadways, but also on sidewalks, bicycles are required to ride on the left side of the road, and pedestrians need to be careful when crossing the street.
No-Leftovers Culture! It Is Polite to Eat All the Food
In Japan, it is considered polite to eat your entire meal.
The concept of “mottainai” (roughly translates to "mind your wastefulness") is deeply rooted in the Japanese culture, and it is important not to waste food.
This custom shows appreciation for the ingredients and food, and it is good manners to eat as little as possible of what is served, whether in a restaurant or at home.
In some foreign countries, it is considered polite to leave a little bit of food, but in Japan, on the contrary, it may be considered rude to leave food behind.
In Japan, on the contrary, it is considered impolite to leave food behind. Especially when you receive someone's hospitality, you should show your appreciation by eating all the food.
If the amount of food is too much for you to finish, you may want to adjust the portion in advance or try to leave a little bit.
Get a Taste of Japanese Culture!
Japan has a unique lifestyle and culture that can be more comfortable if you understand it.
If you know the manners of eating, behavior in public places, traffic rules, etc. in advance, you will be less likely to be confused when you are there and will enjoy your stay.
By understanding the unique customs of Japan, you will be able to communicate smoothly with the locals.
Please use this information as a reference when you visit Japan and have a wonderful time.
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