The Japanese lifestyle has many unique cultures and customs that may seem strange to people from other countries.
These characteristics, born from a long history and tradition, may come as a surprise to foreigners visiting Japan for the first time.
This article introduces eight lifestyles unique to Japan that are difficult to understand in other countries.
By learning about the features, you will be able to experience Japanese culture more deeply and enjoy the differences in daily life while staying in a comfortable environment.
What is a lifestyle that best represents the characteristics of Japanese culture? Eight specific examples
The Japanese lifestyle has its own unique characteristics that reflect its long history and culture.
These are naturally passed down in daily life and deeply rooted in the values and manners of the Japanese people.
Although they often seem strange to foreigners, they are all valued as commonplace customs in Japan.
Here we introduce eight lifestyles that best describe Japanese culture and explain in detail the meaning of each custom.
Always take off your shoes when entering the house.
In Japan, it is customary to always remove one's shoes when entering a house.
It is common to take off shoes at the entrance and then go indoors in slippers or barefoot.
This is done to keep dirt from outside from being brought into the house and is important to keep the house clean.
In addition, Japanese houses often use tatami mats, a soft flooring material, and walking on them with shoes can damage them.
For these reasons, it is considered bad manners to wear shoes in the house, and it is common to see people removing their shoes in restaurants and temples.
This may come as a bit of a surprise to foreigners, but it is one of the most important manners in Japan.
When entering a house, it is a good idea to take off your shoes at the front door.
Bowing in greeting
In Japan, it is common to bow in greeting.
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 a light "bashaku," a slightly deeper "keirei," and a more polite "zumieirei," which should be used according to the situation and the person you are bowing to.
While a handshake may be the most common greeting for people in other countries, in Japan, bowing is the main way to greet people.
Bowing is especially important in first meetings and business situations.
When bowing, correct your posture and bow lightly to convey politeness to others.
Complicated use of honorifics
Japanese honorifics may seem very complicated to foreigners.
There are three types of honorifics: honorific, humble, and polite, which are used to show respect to others.
Respectful words are words that build up the other person, while humble words are words that understate oneself.
And polite language is used to make the entire conversation polite.
For example, the word "go" changes to "iraru" in honorific language, "sanru" in humble language, and "go" in polite language. 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.
This 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 good manners to wash your body thoroughly in the shower or washing area first before getting into the bathtub.
Another important rule is not to put towels in the bathtub. Be sure to enjoy the hot springs in a clean condition.
Eating with eating utensils when eating
In Japan, it is common to hold the tableware in one's hands when eating.
In particular, it is considered polite to hold the bowl for serving rice and miso soup in the hand.
This is done to shorten the distance between the table and the face, making it easier to eat, and to show that the meal is important to them.
When holding dishes, the basic rule is to hold the bowl or bowl with one hand and use chopsticks with the other hand.
Eating with dishes left 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 quietness in public places
In Japan, maintaining quietness in public places is considered an important manner.
Quiet is common, especially in shared spaces such as trains, buses, libraries, and elevators.
The basic rule is to avoid loud talking and talking on cell phones.
In Japan, the emphasis is on the "no nuisance spirit" of not causing trouble to others.
For example, if you receive a call on the train, avoid the call and respond with a message.
Also, be careful not to leak earphones and ensure that others cannot hear the sound.
Very detailed garbage segregation.
Garbage separation in Japan is so detailed and thorough that it cannot be found in other countries.
Different regions have different rules, and you may be surprised at how detailed they are, especially in large cities.
Garbage is divided into "burnable," "non-burnable," "plastic," "bottles and cans," and "PET bottles," and must be disposed of at the specified time on each day of the week.
In particular, the separation of plastics from other recyclable resources is very strict.
The Japanese culture of sorting is more than just a means of environmental protection; it emphasizes responsibility and harmony with the local community.
By ensuring that each resident sorts trash correctly, society as a whole can address the problem of waste and promote recycling.
In addition, since incorrect separation of garbage may result in it not being collected by garbage trucks, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the rules for separation of garbage when staying in Japan.
Never leave the door open.
In Japan, it is considered good manners not to leave the door open.
It is a common practice in homes, stores, offices, and many other places.
Closing the door not only protects privacy, but also means to properly delineate space.
Keep doors closed, especially when air conditioning or heating is in use!
It is important to improve energy efficiency and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
Japanese Common Sense Difficult to Understand Compared to Foreign Cultures
Japan has many unique common practices and customs compared to other countries.
These reflect Japanese culture and values, which can be difficult for foreigners to understand.
Here, we introduce Japanese common sense, which is difficult to understand compared to foreign cultures, and explain its background.
No tipping culture.
In Japan, there is no culture of tipping.
In any situation, be it a restaurant, cab, or hotel, all charges are included in the bill, and there is no need to give additional money.
Be aware that even if the service is good, they may be confused if you try to tip them.
Tipping is the exception to the rule at some luxury inns as a sign of appreciation.
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
In Japan, cashless payments are gradually becoming more widespread, but 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 retail outlets, cash is still used in many everyday situations.
Plenty of 24-hour convenience stores and supermarkets
In Japan, there are so many 24-hour convenience stores and supermarkets that make life convenient.
Convenience stores, in particular, are everywhere, from urban to rural areas, making it easy to buy food, drinks, and daily necessities even late at night.
It is convenient for urgent shopping and late night meal procurement, which will be helpful in many situations for foreign nationals on vacation.
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 generally open to the public free of charge.
This point may surprise you, as pay toilets are common in many foreign countries.
Especially 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 the wrong way? Different traffic rules.
In Japan, it is a legal requirement that cars and bicycles drive on the left side of the road.
This can be a bit confusing for those from other countries, as right-of-way is common in many countries.
Bicycles are required to ride on the left side of the roadway as well as on sidewalks, and pedestrians should use caution when crossing the street.
A culture of leaving no food behind! It's polite to eat all the food.
In Japan, it is considered polite to eat the entire meal without leaving any leftovers.
The concept of "mottainai," or wastefulness, is deeply rooted in the Japanese people's mindset, 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 at 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 do so.
We show our gratitude by eating everything, especially when we receive someone's hospitality.
If the amount is too much for you to eat, you can try to adjust the amount in advance or leave a little bit for the rest of the meal.
Get a taste of Japanese culture!
Japan has a unique lifestyle and culture, and understanding it will make you more comfortable.
Knowing in advance about dining etiquette, behavior in public places, traffic rules, etc., will make your stay in the country less confusing and more enjoyable.
By understanding the unique customs of Japan, you will be able to communicate smoothly with the locals.
Please refer to them when you visit Japan and have a wonderful time.
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