Japanese etiquette

Never enter a house with your shoes! This is one of the few rules that the Japanese do not tolerate that is broken just because you are a foreigner (a). This rule also applies to some establishments, such as schools and ryokans (traditional inns and hotels). Slippers are normally available at the entrance of these locations. If different slippers are available at the entrance of the bathroom, use them instead of those that are used elsewhere in the house. 

* If you are invited (a) to go to the home of a Japanese family, bring a souvenir or an omiyage (gift, usually food). If you are coming straight from their country or another region of Japan, it is preferable to bring some culinary specialties typical of their country or region.

* Say-jama shimasu (excuse me, sorry to bother) when entering someone's home.

* Some shops, cafes and department stores provide plastic bags for umbrellas on rainy days. Make sure not to enter the wet umbrella or dripping and bagging it.

Avoid blowing your nose in front of others and do not use fabric handkerchiefs for this. Japanese only use paper towels for this. And as in other Asian countries, it is considered rude and unhygienic blow your nose in front of others, even with a handkerchief, and then save it in your pocket (throwing paper on the floor, nor think, gives fine). The Japanese know this Western habit, but it makes them feel uncomfortable.

* Do not eat while standing or walking down the street. Even indoors, you should sit down to eat. The only exceptions are when you eat at street kiosks or take ice cream on the street. This is one of the hardest habits to adapt non-Japanese.

* Do not point your finger, foot or chopsticks (chopsticks to eat) for people. If you have to indicate an object or direction to someone, move your fingers with the palm down, or using a hand with fingers together and thumb folded into the palm of the hand.

* Avoid expressing your opinion in a clear and direct. The Japanese have what they call honnetatemae (public opinion). They often express the latter in most situations not to disturb the harmony of the group. It is a flexible rule and is to agree with the people around you as much as possible. This is why the Japanese are so bad to discuss serious issues in public (including the media). Honne is what you really think but not speak openly, speak or just to your closest friends or family. (True opinion).

* Avoid interrupting people while they are talking or thinking of an answer. The Japanese do not bother with short periods of silence in the middle of a conversation or discussion.

* Avoid fix your eyes on someone else (including men, and especially young women sitting in front of the subway or train).

* Do not talk on a cell phone on the subway or on trains, unless it is clearly permitted. You can however use SMS or emails.

* Japanese present you money on several occasions and the rule says that you should always use a suitable envelope for this, but only half of the Japanese really take the trouble to provide envelopes. Many men do not seem to connect to it, except on formal occasions such as weddings and funerals. Never forget this rule at weddings. Moreover, the number of ballots and the value must always be an odd number or "weird" because there superstitious people who believe the couple may separate if the number can be divided into two