Taboo Japanese Style
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Taboo Japanese Style
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Did you know that in some parts of the world, flashing a thumbs-up is just as bad as sticking up your middle finger? And in Japan, it’s perfectly okay to slurp and make noises while enjoying a meal?
As shown by these examples, what’s considered proper behavior in one country could be considered taboo in another, and as the world continues to shrink, it’s important to understand these cultural differences. In order to help prevent cultural faux pas while traveling abroad, a recent article on Japanese website Matome Naver highlighted things that are considered normal, everyday behavior in Japan, but are taboo in other countries. Let’s take a look at the list!
In Japan, slurping your food, especially soup or ramen, is perfectly acceptable. In fact, it’s considered the proper way to fully enjoy the flavor of ramen. However, in many Western countries, the only noise that should be heard at the dinner table is chitchat and the clanking of silverware.
Taking pictures without asking permission first
Many people are uncomfortable having their picture taken by random strangers. Some are fine being photographed, but would appreciate being asked first instead of being treated like an animal in a zoo. However, Japanese tourists are notorious for taking pictures of people and personal property without asking permission. This problem is so prevalent and Japanese tourists have gotten themselves in trouble while abroad so often that many travel guidebooks in Japan warn potential travelers to ask permission before snapping a photo.
In Japan, if you aren’t at least 10 minutes early, you’re late. However, in other countries, showing up to a party too early could be considered rude to the host who is still preparing for guests. In some countries, the start time of a party could even be considered a general guideline of when to arrive. Many Japanese have learned this unwritten rule the hard way while living abroad, sometimes being the only guest at a party for the first half hour.
In Japan and the Western world, a fully extended thumb is the sign of approval. In the Middle East, and western and southern Africa, however, the thumbs-up sign is used to express distain or contempt, the equivalent of giving the middle finger in Western countries.
In Japan, the shelves of stores are filled with many different flavors of gum and those who need to freshen their breath are free to utilize gum to get the job done. However, even bringing gum into Singapore as a tourist for personal consumption is illegal and violators of this rule must pay a fine.
It’s generally considered bad manners to blow your nose at the dinner table at a restaurant, but okay in other public areas. However, Japanese tourists in England who have blown their nose in public commented that they were met with looks of disgust.
In Japan, sitting in "seiza" (sitting with legs folded under one’s buttocks), is literally translated as “proper sitting.” However, in Korea, sitting in "seiza" is known as the “prisoner sitting style” and is widely considered a way to bring your guests much pain.
Taking off your shoes while sitting in a chair
We’re not sure which country Matome Naver is referring to, but they suggest that sitting in a chair while taking off one’s shoes to be bad manners while abroad. We don’t have any idea which country this action is taboo in. Has anyone heard this before?
Another interesting one. Matome Naver suggests that in the US and Europe it’s impolite to knock on a bathroom stall to check if it is open. They say it’s like saying, “Hurry up and get out!” and shouldn’t be done. Instead, they suggest jiggling the doorknob before entering a bathroom stall.
Eating all of the food on your plate
In Japan, children are encouraged to eat every last scrap of food, including grains of rice, before being excused from the table. But in China, it’s polite to leave some food on your plate as an acknowledgement of the host’s generosity. If all of the food is eaten, it’s a sign to the host that there wasn’t enough.
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In Japan, if you aren’t at least 10 minutes early, you’re late.
I stopped after this line and will read the rest later. This TOTALLY depends upon where you live. It bugs the heck out of me that JT publishes articles that seem to be Tokyo-centric and use them as the basis for EVERYTHING in Japan.
Where I live if you are 10 minutes early some people might look at you if you have three heads and come from a alien planet.
However, Japanese tourists are notorious for taking pictures of people and personal property without asking permission. This problem is so prevalent and Japanese tourists have gotten themselves in trouble while abroad -
FYI NOT just abroad but IN country too! Japanese tourists coming down here to Okinawa often times take pictures in the strangest of places and some folks here get pissed off at them too. I've seen it in mainland as well.
When it comes to taking pictures many times some Japanese folks are down right rude, whether in Japan or outside of Japan.
I think a lot of people need better photography etiquette, not just Japanese people. But, my father-in-law is the typical take pics of everything, everyone, everywhere and I had to remind him a few times in Canada that it may not be appropriate. He started taking pictures of a little girl on a ferry and I told him to stop while I explained to the child's mother what his intentions were. He is in a photography club and thought the movement of wind in the curly hair was beautiful so wanted to capture the moment. The mother then was very open to the pictures afterwards. Sometimes it just takes a simple explination to ease people's minds.
The one about taking off shoes when sitting is unclear how the person is sitting.
I have seen people take off their shoes in order to sit cross-legged or with one leg up, on their chair (a colleague of mine does this). Parents take their kids' shoes off them, before allowing the kids to clamber around and stand on a train or subway seat.
I dont mind Japanese taking my picture in Hawaii.. if they were to ask everyone in front of the camera while taking a scenic photo that would be worse.. I take public candid photos of people and as long as they dont show identifiable faces or embarass the subject.. I put the fun ones on instagram also every cell phone a camera.. when you are in a public place.. you are being filmed all the time by someone or big brother. What bothers me more is 2 Chinese women shouting a conversation at a coffee shop.. the language is course and not pleasant .. what is wrong with these people? I would not touch anything in a bathroom.. can you not look under to see if it is occupied? Leaving food on your plate on purpose is stupid. I have started to slurp my udon but it can be done without being loud.
I wonder if it is rude to look at people in the eyes.. in Hawaii it is acceptable to nod your head in polite acknowledgement if you should make eye contact with someone you pass. I think it is rude how girls will walk by you like you dont exist.
I think it is funny how Japanese cover their mouth when they smile.. I assume it is because Japanese used to have horrible teeth. I like to show my smile.. I smile at everyone it makes me feel good... and some people get the Aloha and smile back.
I think it is more important in an article like this to point out that in America you need to tip 15%, that taking photos of your food is fun but should be done descretely.. that for women when taking pictures making the peace sign and making kawaii face in Hawaii is silly but not rude... better to do shaka which is a thumbs up and little finger extended to say.. all good, aloha, goodbye, great, fine, hello, arigato and peace.
I don't get this title. It's about cultural difference so perhaps the title could reflect that instead if just focusing on Japan?
Pictures... I had my picture taken at a place once and lo and behold about two months later I was walking in the area of the restaurant and my picture was on their sign. I did not agree to that and was not happy about it!! Ask permission folks!
In Japan, if you aren’t at least 10 minutes early, you’re late.
Ever heard of Okinawa time? Late is the norm.
DON'T FORGET; Sneezing in public WITHOUT covering your mouth !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ................Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Well if your feet stink, taking off your shoes is very rude anywhere you go!!!
Humans are Humans, people are people.
All these behavior only applies to some people, but for the perfectionist people, all these things matter.
You see, live like a human not a robot. Don't worry about what people thinks of you, show them who you are and let them accept you when they want to. Don't force yourself to follow rules you don't want. IF they don't like you, don't care, it's their problem not yours lol.
However, in Korea, sitting in “seiza” is known as the “prisoner sitting style” and is widely considered a way to bring your guests much pain.
The Koreans have this one right! Wish Japanese people felt the same way.
It should say, 'did you know that normal behavior anywhere else in the World is Taboo in Japan'
It's generally considered bad manners to blow your nose at the dinner table at a restaurant, but okay in other public areas. However, Japanese tourists in England who have blown their nose in public commented that they were met with looks of disgust.
イギリス人は、鼻をすする音が大嫌い。食事中はもちろんですが、レストランだけでなく、公共の場で鼻をすすると露骨に嫌な顔をされることもあります。
English people don't like the sounds of sniffing. Not only in restaurants, but also in other public places, people will look in obvious distaste at people who sniff (and don't blow their nose.)
The sound if sniffing and snorting is gross. So it the sound if someone swallowing after snorting. Shame the locals haven't figured that out. I come armed with issues to my classes and hand them out. I'm not listening to that all day. It makes for a nice cultural lesson. Same with removing your mask when speaking to someone.
Agree with Goals0. The translation appears to be incorrect.
Folks here sniffle like nobody's business. It's horribly irritating and, well, gross! Not that logical prevails much, but wouldn't it be better to blow your nose once rather than sniffle for 15 minutes? I had a co-worker who would rip out a pack of tissue and shove it in people's faces on the train! Bold, but effective.
Can we have some more thought provoking articles for the more intelligent reader please JT. This is the sort of stuff that appeals to English teachers and the like, all things that seem to get repeated hundreds of times over the years,
DON'T FORGET; Sneezing in public WITHOUT covering your mouth !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
Yep and don't forget yawning, showing everybody what they had for dinner!
I think this list should include the hissing sound most Japanese men make when thinking or pondering something.
I know this happens in other countries as well but I've found it to be moreso here......please stop talking while you are eating something.......its disgusting and people really don't want to see what is getting mulched in your mouth while you chat away. I find it funny that usually the same people who do this will usually cover their mouths as they use a toothpick!!!!!!! And to the older generation of guys.....stop taking leaks on the side of the footpath on the way home from the pub like a stray dog.
I had my picture taken at a place once and lo and behold about two months later I was walking in the area of the restaurant and my picture was on their sign.
This happened to me at the post office. It made me feel wanted.
However, Japanese tourists in England who have blown their nose in public commented that they were met with looks of disgust.
Like the posters above, I would say this is nonsense. A quick honk into a hanky is no problem whatsoever. The looks of disgust come when someone dredges their sinuses with a basso-profundo, snot-gurgling snort. Once, or every ninety seconds, it doesn't matter. It's a filthy, disgusting noise and anyone who can't see that needs a lesson in manners.
This lesson would also cover not gobbing out whatever you've dredged up out onto the pavement where people have to walk.
I think this list should include the hissing sound most Japanese men make when thinking or pondering something.
I hear that just as much from women and it is massively annoying.
Ah, the "taboo lesson". Quite nostalgic for me. I used to teach adult classes, often for students who would be transferring abroad. The lesson about gestures and customs was always an eye-opener and quite fun. In most cases people are tolerant of social faux pas. Being respectful of the places we visit and the people who visit us is most important.
Yawning, sneezing and blowing your nose directly in front of people seems to be some kind of art form here.
However, even bringing gum into Singapore as a tourist for personal consumption is illegal and violators of this rule must pay a fine.
Not true. As a tourist you can bring up to 2 packs for personal consumption. Also, pharmacies sell anti-smoking gum.
However, Japanese tourists in England who have blown their nose in public commented that they were met with looks of disgust.
I'm sorry, but as a Brit born with chronic sinusitis, I know this is not true. No one bothers about people blowing their noses.
It's odd that it's OK in Japan to snort the mucus back into your throat.
I've come across many Japanese people who do this.
And, how come it's OK in Japan to blow your nose and then inspect the "product?" I've seen this done many times.
Another interesting one. Matome Naver suggests that in the US and Europe it’s impolite to knock on a bathroom stall to check if it is open. They say it’s like saying, “Hurry up and get out!” and shouldn’t be done. Instead, they suggest jiggling the doorknob before entering a bathroom stall.
Then why has my American self been teaching my kids to knock politely on stall doors? Oh right because the Americans I know have also been taught that it is the polite thing to do. Who came up with this garbage?
In Japan, if you aren’t at least 10 minutes early, you’re late. However, in other countries, showing up to a party too early could be considered rude to the host who is still preparing for guests. In some countries, the start time of a party could even be considered a general guideline of when to arrive. Many Japanese have learned this unwritten rule the hard way while living abroad, sometimes being the only guest at a party for the first half hour.
Nonsense. This is one of the most persistent myths about Japan but is absolutely not true. Both at work and outside Japanese are routinely late for meetings or gatherings.
Both at work and outside Japanese are routinely late for meetings or gatherings.
AKBfan - hear hear. In places where I've worked, it seems to be part of the pantomime. By arriving late to a meeting, one demonstrates how busy one has been at one's duties, and, by extension how indispensable one is. Similarly, every time there is a work function, with a table reserved from 19:30, say, the "hard workers" make a point of "waiting for an email" until ten minutes after we are supposed to have sat down and started ordering, as though customers cannot possibly conceive of the concept that someone might not be at their desk after office hours.
Then, when the "hard worker" arrives, late and out of breath, we can all congratulate her on her diligence, whereas in other cultures it might be more appropriate to berate her for tardiness and poor time management.
It's generally considered bad manners to blow your nose at the dinner table at a restaurant, but okay in other public areas. However, Japanese tourists in England who have blown their nose in public commented that they were met with looks of disgust.
イギリス人は、鼻をすする音が大嫌い。食事中はもちろんですが、レストランだけでなく、公共の場で鼻をすすると露骨に嫌な顔をされることもあります。
English people don't like the sounds of sniffing. Not only in restaurants, but also in other public places, people will look in obvious distaste at people who sniff (and don't blow their nose.)
The worse part is what follow that in the original:
鼻がむずむずしたときは、 思い切って鼻をかんでしまうのが正解 。街角のいたるところで、ハンカチで鼻をかむイギリス人を目にするはずです。**
So, it actually says to blow your nose.
Japan - The land of the pretend politeness. People are openly rude, and they cover it up with "it's our culture!"
Slurping - something I've never gotten used to here. Terrible manners regardless (even worse for drinks).
Kimokekahuna Hawaii: What bothers me more is 2 Chinese women shouting a conversation at a coffee shop.. the language is course and not pleasant .. what is wrong with these people?
What is wrong with you, posting anti-Chinese and anti-foreigner rants every chance you get?
I think it is rude how girls will walk by you like you dont exist
Really? I can't imagine why they'd do that.
The key one which Bertie hints at is the vacating of the nasal and throat passages by phlegming up and spitting it out. I really couldn't believe I was hearing and seeing this when I first came here - it looks totally gross to these foreign eyes. No wonder Japanese take their shoes off before entering the home!
No Miso: it looks totally gross to these foreign eyes
To mine too but then again, I always have a hard time deciding which I think is worse, expelling it out onto the road or sidewalk or swallowing it. Yuck! I'm feeling queasy just thinking about it.
I've been politely told off - as a "friend" - for making a noise when I blow my nose.
Yet it's OK to make a noise like a cross between a wild boar in heat and a vacuum cleaner snorting back the nasal juices.
>Matome Naver suggests that in the US and Europe it's impolite to knock on a bathroom stall to check if it is open. They say it's like saying, "Hurry up and get out!"
There are times when it's more important to bang on a toilet door than suffer the dire consequences of the alternative.
Matome Naver suggests that in the US and Europe it's impolite to knock on a bathroom stall to check if it is open. They say it's like saying, "Hurry up and get out!"
Whenever someone knocks on the stall door, i
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