Spend an exotic holiday in Asia


Visiting the Japanese Home

So, you plan to visit a Japanese home? Well,theirs. Wearing shoes inside a Japanese home
before you do such you must first learn theis considered unclean. If you are not
etiquette in Japanese homes. The Japaneseimmediately provided slippers, you can wear
home culture revolves around three values:your socks inside the house. So make sure you
courtesy, cleanliness, and graciousness.are wearing nice and socks without holes! If
Learning to apply these values whether in theyou are wearing slippers, remember to remove
Japanese context or not benefits you not onlythem as you enter a room with tatami mats on
as you deal with the Japanese - it will allowthe floor, for slippers could damage these
you better dealings and communications withmats. There are special slippers especially
other  people  as  well.designated for the toilet area, so remember
to take off your slippers when entering such.
Courtesy. The first thing you have to do is
greet the family. Bowing slightly as youAs in most Asian countries, it is rude to
greet them would be the best move, forblow your nose in front of other people. It
shaking hands is still an awkward formalityis especially rude to blow your nose in a
in Japan. The lower you bow the more respecthandkerchief and then stuff the handkerchief
you  give.in your pocket afterwards. The Japanese use
paper tissue when doing such. Excuse yourself
If you could bring a small present, do so,if you feel the urge to do this deed to avoid
especially a food souvenir called "omiyage"offending  anyone.
in Japan to delight your hosts and
immediately create a warm atmosphere. It isGraciousness. During mealtimes, the Japanese
preferable to bring local culinarywill offer you to try everything served on
specialties  from  your home town or country.the table. Make sure to amiably try even just
a bite of each of the food. Place your
During conversations, remember to be morechopsticks on a special holder and do not
subtle than usual with your thoughts andstick them up in your rice. As opposed to
emotions. Compared to people in the WesternWestern manners, Japanese slurp noodles. It
culture, the Japanese are more reservedis actually preferred that bowls or plates be
during talks. In Japanese discussions therebrought up the mouth when slurping rather
is what they call the honne (real opinion)than  bending  your  head  towards  it.
and the tatemae (public opinion). In most
situations it is the tatemae that isOf course the Japanese will know and
expressed to not disturb group harmony orunderstand that you are from another culture,
cause any offense. This is why the Japanesebut knowing their traditions before you set
are considered bad at public debates. Dofoot on their door helps your visit to go
avoid interrupting people when they aremore smoothly. Most Japanese families that
speaking or are in the middle of thinking.host visitors of other races are "spoilers",
The Japanese don't mind short periods ofmeaning they want to give you everything you
silence  during  discussions.need in all efforts to please. Hence, always
remember to be gracious and please them in
Cleanliness. Leave your shoes outside thereturn.
door, on the spot where others have left



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