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