Subtitles section Play video
-
Japan has given a lot to world, from an ocean full of technology, anime and many more things.
-
The Japanese culture has always remained fascinating to rest of the world.
-
There is only so much to learn and know about their culture.
-
In this video we bring to you 8 Things Which you Shouldn't Do in Japan.
-
And trust us, you would have never expected these!
-
So let's get started.
-
#1.
-
Eating & Drinking while Walking.
-
It's busy Monday morning and you are going to your workplace with a cup of coffee in
-
one hand and fiddling with cellphone from other.
-
Well that is not something you get to see in Japan.
-
Although eating your food stuff while walking isn't illegal, you will definitely invite
-
death stares from people around you.
-
People of Japan are extremely conscious about cleanliness and their surrounding.
-
They generally prefer to buy eatables from the store and eat somewhere there.
-
If someone is getting themselves a drink from the vending machine, they will stand near
-
it and finish drinking.
-
It is part of their culture.
-
Also, will you love it if you accidentally step on someone's dropped food ?
-
#2.
-
Don't play with the chopsticks.
-
Eating from chopsticks can certainly be one of those exotic things to do while in Japan,
-
but there are a variety of things you shouldn't do with chopsticks.
-
First, you should NEVER stick chopsticks upright in the rice bowl.
-
It is actually a funeral ritual where chopsticks are stuck upright in rice to offer the rice
-
to the spirit of the deceased.
-
Secondly, you may not be aware but passing things from chopsticks to chopsticks is complete
-
no-no!
-
It is again a funeral ritual where the bones of the dead are passed in a similar manner.
-
Now who would like to see it happening on a dinning table ?
-
And finally, never ever rub your chopsticks against each other.
-
It may sound like a fun thing to do or may even be helpful in getting rid of splinters,
-
but by doing so in a Japanese restaurant you will be offending the owner because rubbing
-
the chopsticks is like saying "your restaurant is cheap, and so are the chopsticks".
-
#3.
-
Tipping the server.
-
Now this is a reason why you might want to visit a Japanese restaurant often - tipping
-
is not allowed.
-
Customer service is one of the heavily emphasized area of any business in Japan.
-
While tipping is generally not seen as rude, you might unknowingly upset the server because
-
they may think you are trying to assess their service in terms of monetary value.
-
#4.
-
Talking over phone in public transport.
-
Talking over phone while traveling in some form of public transport is often looked down
-
upon in Japan.
-
If you are familiar with the image of crowded Japanese trains, it might even make sense
-
to have such a restriction.
-
It is not uncommon to see labels instructing you to turn off your phone while traveling
-
in public transport.
-
In bullet trains there are designated compartments, in case you really want to answer the incoming
-
call.
-
#5.
-
Blowing your nose in public.
-
We were always told that it is a good habit to blow your nose using handkerchief, but
-
not in Japan where you are not even allowed to blow your nose no matter how runny it is.
-
If you are out in public, you are expected to keep sniffing or find yourself a toilet
-
and then blow your nose.
-
Handkerchief are common but they are just used to wipe off the sweat during summer or
-
to dry hands, because despite having futuristic toilets - Japanese toilets lack any kind of
-
hand drying setup.
-
#6.
-
Being Opinionated.
-
The very reason we are attracted towards Japan is its traditions and culture.
-
In a closely knit society, the only way to remain "cultured" is with harmony.
-
Perhaps this is the reason why being very opinionated is looked down upon in the Japanese
-
culture.
-
If you have a strong opinion about something, people may consider you obnoxious and might
-
even completely avoid you.
-
It is not very common to see people getting into intense debate and arguments, the Japanese
-
philosophy is to avoid conflict at all cost.
-
It can however become annoying when people simply wouldn't express their opinion.
-
#7.
-
Take off your shoes when indoor.
-
It is part of the Japanese tradition, and an important one, to take off your shoes before
-
entering the house.
-
When inside a Japanese home you will notice that there is a small region immediately after
-
the door at slightly lower elevation than rest of the house.
-
It is designed in this way to keep mud and dirt off the house, and it also serves as
-
a indicator that you must remove your shoes there.
-
That region is called "Genkan".
-
For area beyond Genkan, you will be offered a pair of slippers to wear.
-
#8.
-
Tempting to litter in the Absence of Bins.
-
If you are still watching, good job!
-
This is one of the shockers for someone who is in Japan for the first time.
-
Remember how we kept telling you about Japan's obsession with cleanliness?
-
It is quite ironical that despite super clean streets, locating bins on the Japanese streets
-
can become a game of hide and seek.
-
The best way to find a bin is by looking for any convenient store nearby and you would
-
finally be filled with a sense of achievement when you get to throw your trash.
-
Remember, finding a trash bin can be difficult but never give up to the urge of littering!
-
Are you surprised ? Subscribe to our channel to see more such videos.
-
And thanks for watching!