The Etiquette of Everyday Life in Japan

Japan is a country known for its customs and traditional etiquette. A national story about a famously polite family in feudal Japan has inspired generations of people to practice proper etiquette in their day to day lives. But beyond the do's and don'ts related to how to behave on special occasions and formal ceremonies, how should one go about their daily lives in Japan? Which subtle gestures earned through observation are expected of visitors, and what is the underlying meaning behind them? Read on to learn more about the art of everyday etiquette in Japan.

Respectful greetings

Manners and politeness tie closely to the Japanese language, and the language of everyday greetings are no exception. When entering a home, the visitor should always greet their host, whether they are elderly or in the same age range. "Tadaima," which translated literally means "I'm home," is the polite response in Japanese, while the response to their host should be "Okaerinasai," which means "Welcome back." This exchange is a subtle, respectful way to express appreciation to the person inviting the visitor into their home, and is a phrase rooted in ancient samurai culture.

When greeting people directly, the polite response would be to bow. The deeper the bow, the more respect being shown. Keeping the back straight and hands by the side when bowing is considered polite also. Make sure to not be overwhelmingly submissive in your greeting, as this could feel insincere.

Showing appreciation

Expressing your appreciation to someone is an important part of Japanese etiquette. Every day, visitors, friends and family members alike should demonstrate how thankful they are to their hosts or the people they interact with. "Arigatou gozaimasu," which translates to "Thank you very much," is the phrase for expressing appreciation. For more polite and formal situations, "Arigatou gozaimashita" is one way to say "thank you for what you did for me." Additionally, showing gratitude for a place or favor with a small gift or token of appreciation is greatly appreciated by the receiver.

Table manners

Observing proper table manners is a fundamental part of Japanese culture. Slurping noodles is considered acceptable and is even seen as a sign of appreciation of the food, while having conversations while eating should be kept to a minimum. Additionally, it is wise to wait for all members at the table to be served before starting to eat. As in other cultures, it is also considered rude to leave food on the plate and it is expected that the diner finishes everything they have been served.

Other manners

Passing money to another person with two hands is also considered courteous as it implies humility, so it is recommended to give money and accept money with both hands whenever possible. Similarly, holding one's chopsticks with the right hand is courteous as well. For people who are left handed, it is considered polite to switch their left hand to mimic the position of their right hand when handling chopsticks.
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From the beginning of everyday life in Japan, it is easy to recognize the deeply rooted culture of politeness and etiquette. Following the subtle customs and polite language is essential for making sure that visitors to the country are welcomed and respected. With the above tips in mind, visitors to Japan can be sure to navigate the nation with a level of polite respect that is appropriate for its culture and people.
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