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