| Bowing: | | | | residence guests should take off their shoes at |
| Bowing, known as "ojigi" in Japanese, is one the | | | | the entrance of the house known as the genkan. |
| most common and important forms of nonverbal | | | | Slippers are then provided by the host or |
| communication in Japan. Although sometimes | | | | hostess, and are to be worn for the duration of |
| looked upon as an expression of subservience in | | | | your visit. There are two exceptions to this |
| the West, bowing is an integral part of Japanese | | | | practice. Upon entering a room furnished with a |
| society that is incorporated into every aspect of | | | | tatami floor, slippers are removed, as tatami |
| daily life, from greeting an old friend in the | | | | mats should only be tread upon in socks or bare |
| supermarket, to apologizing to your boss at the | | | | feet. The second exclusion to the rule is when |
| office. In can also be used to express deep felt | | | | you enter the washroom of the home. Slippers |
| gratitude, as a means of saying goodbye, good | | | | are again removed and left outside the door in |
| morning and good night, or as a silent way of | | | | exchange for a pair designated for the bathroom. |
| subtlety acknowledging your embarrassment | | | | Even though most Japanese homes are now |
| when accidentally jostling someone on a crowded | | | | furnished with western style sofas and chairs, |
| train. Ultimately the bow is an expression of | | | | there still may be an occasion when you will be |
| respect for others and of personal humility, and | | | | required to sit on the floor in the traditional |
| techniques vary, from a small nod of the head, to | | | | Japanese fashion, especially in large family |
| bending at the waist at right angles to the floor. | | | | gatherings where meals are often held sitting on |
| The basic protocol of when, where, and how | | | | the tatami floor around a low table. The formal |
| deep to bow are determined by a complex | | | | way of sitting for both men and women is known |
| system based on the relationship with the other | | | | as "seiza", which is basically a kneeling position |
| person, his or her age, rank, and the | | | | where the legs are tucked under as you rest on |
| circumstances of the encounter. For foreigners | | | | knees, legs, and feet. Foreigners however are not |
| who wish to make an impression in regard to | | | | expected to to sit in seiza for long periods of |
| Japanese business associates, it's important to | | | | time, and many Japanese because of their |
| avoid being too casual with the mere nod of the | | | | westernized life styles are no longer attempting |
| head, or unknowingly awkward by bowing deeply | | | | this uncomfortable position as well. Therefore a |
| when its not suitable. Having said this, most | | | | more casual style has been adopted. Men usually |
| Japanese understandthe potential for confusion in | | | | sit cross legged, while women sit on their knees |
| this respect and usually don't expect non | | | | laying both legs to one side. The former position is |
| Japanese to understand the subtleties involved, | | | | considered exclusively male, while the latter is to |
| and therefore will often extend a handshake | | | | be used by women only. Although it is not entirely |
| when meeting foreigners. | | | | necessary and will not be expected, it is also |
| Inside a Japanese Home: | | | | customary in Japan when visiting someone's home |
| All Japanese homes adhere to strict rules in | | | | to bring a small gift known as "temiyage". This |
| regard to removing ones shoes before entering a | | | | does not need to be an extravagant present, |
| house or room, and this is one custom the | | | | something as simple as a bag of fruit or a bottle |
| Japanese will not make allowance for just because | | | | of sake, as more than anything it represents your |
| you are a foreigner. Upon entering a private | | | | appreciation for being invited. |