Etiquette – Japan Part II

Happy Friday!

Here’s part II, Japan – Etiquette: 

11. Pouring your own drink

During dinner parties, it is considered rude to pour your own drink. Instead, pour other’s drinks around the table and put the bottle down once you are done serving others. Someone will notice your empty glass then pour you a drink. Also, be sure the spout is not facing the person you are pouring as it is considered bad form.  

12. Eating from common dishes

It’s inappropriate to eat directly from shared dishes. Put it on your plate first. It’s best to collect a few things on your plate before eating.  

13. Paying the check 

In Japan, it’s common to split the check amongst friends, or even on a date. It’s uncommon for restaurants to offer separate checks, so people just figure it out amongst themselves.  

In Business situations, it’s not acceptable to split the check. Usually, the company selling something that pays. When someone pays a check, it is customary to pretend that you want t pay by fighting for the check. This should not be taken seriously. If your customer ends up, paying you’ll have little chance of closing a sale.

14. Pointing 

Pointing is considered somewhat threatening in Japan and is avoided. Instead, people tend to indicate direction with an open hand. Verbal directions without gestures are also prevalent. 

15. Walking and Eating

Walking and eating are seen as sloppy. It’s very common to see people stand or crouch when eating Japanese street food.

16. Elevator Doors

In elevators, the person standing the closest to the buttons operates the elevator doors. This person should help people select their floor if their hands are full or they’re behind someone. The person nearest the door should also be the last to get off when they reach their floor.

17. Cleansing your face with Oshibori

Many restaurants in Japan will provide you with a moist towel known as an oshibori towelette that’s either cool or hot depending on the season. These are used to clean your hands before a meal lightly. It’s mildly rude to clean your face with them or to continue using the oshibori throughout the meal as a napkin.  

18. Direct Speech 

Japanese avoid conflict at all costs, so they adopt an indirect diplomatic way of speaking when they do not want to engage in an uncomfortable topic. The Japanese tend to drop subtle hints about how they feel rather than direct, bold statements. The ability to read such signs is an essential social skill in Japan, which can be annoying if you have limited time to do business. Therefore, patience is a virtue literally.

Did I miss anything? Please let us know in the comments below.  

Sending chillaxing weekend vibes! 💋

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