Many Japanese customs come off as unusual to anyone not familiar with Japanese culture.
The island nation of Japan has always awed the outside world with it’s beautiful culture. The Japanese are known for their innovation, advanced technology, dedication and tradition, but what some foreigners don’t completely understand are some unusual Japanese customs.
Never Tip
While tips are widely welcomed most places around the world, in Japan it is rude to tip someone a sum of money. It is preferred that you offer the person you’d like to reward for excellent service a small gift or a token of gratitude.
Oshiya (The Pushers)
If you happen to get on the Tokyo subway during rush hour, you’ll notice the Oshiyas pushing people into the trains. Their main duty is to make sure that everyone gets on and that no one gets cramped by the automatic doors.
A Slipper For The Occasion
In Japan, there’s a slipper for every occasion, literally. Different slippers are for different venues, like museums, restaurants and bathrooms, each have a dedicated set of slippers that are expected to be worn.
Unlucky Number 4
The Japanese word for number four is very close to their word for death. therefore, number four is often avoided, and it is normal to see a building without a fourth floor. This superstition goes as far as it is considered back luck to give someone anything in sets of fours.
Pour Someone Else A Drink
We all know that it is of good manners to pour your company a drink before you pour yourself one. But in Japan, you pour your company drinks and wait until one of them offers to pour you a drink. Otherwise, you just sit there and watch everyone else drink while you go thirsty.
Slurp As Loud As You Can
Chew with your mouth closed!… Not in Japan. It is actually rude to eat quietly according to Japanese customs, as it is see as a sign of you not enjoying your food. You are encouraged to eat as loudly as possible, and if you’re having noodles, slurp them in loud, fast and messy.
