Culture and context
Japanese language and culture are deeply intertwined. The way you speak — not just what you say — communicates respect, social awareness, and professionalism. Understanding these cultural norms will help you avoid embarrassing mistakes and build stronger relationships with Japanese colleagues and contacts.
Politeness levels
Unlike European languages where politeness is mainly expressed through word choice, Japanese builds politeness directly into verb conjugations. Using the wrong level isn't just a grammar mistake — it's a social one. Speaking too casually to a superior is disrespectful; speaking too formally to a friend is cold and distant:
| Level | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Casual | Friends, family | 食べる (taberu) |
| Polite (です/ます) | Standard, strangers | 食べます (tabemasu) |
| Honorific (敬語) | Business, customers | 召し上がります (meshiagarimasu) |
When in doubt, use polite forms.
Bowing
Bowing (お辞儀, ojigi) is the Japanese equivalent of a handshake, but with nuanced degrees. The depth and duration of your bow communicates your respect and the nature of the situation. As a foreigner, you're not expected to master bowing, but making an effort is noticed and appreciated:
- 15° — Casual greeting
- 30° — Standard business
- 45° — Deep apology or respect
Foreigners aren't expected to bow perfectly, but a slight bow is appreciated.
Business cards (名刺, meishi)
Business card exchange (meishi koukan) is a ritual in Japan, not a casual swap. Your card represents you, and how you handle someone else's card shows how you'll treat them. Get this wrong in a business meeting and you've started on the wrong foot:
- Present and receive with both hands
- Read the card carefully
- Don't write on it or put it in your back pocket
- Place it on the table during meetings
Silence and harmony
Japanese communication values what's left unsaid as much as what's said. Westerners often feel uncomfortable with silence and rush to fill it, but in Japan, silence shows you're thinking carefully. Direct confrontation is avoided; preserving group harmony (和, wa) takes priority over individual expression:
- Silence isn't awkward; it shows thoughtfulness
- Direct disagreement is avoided
- "Maybe" or "difficult" often means "no"
- Group harmony (和, wa) is valued
Shoes
The inside/outside distinction is fundamental in Japan. Shoes that touch the street are considered dirty and are never worn inside homes or certain businesses. You'll see a clear step up (genkan) at the entrance — that's where shoes come off. Getting this wrong is a serious faux pas:
Remove shoes when entering:
- Homes (always)
- Traditional restaurants
- Temples
- Some businesses
Slippers are provided. Remove slippers for tatami rooms.
Gift-giving
Gift-giving (おみやげ, omiyage) is an important social ritual in Japan. When visiting someone's home or returning from a trip, bringing a gift shows thoughtfulness. The presentation matters as much as the gift itself — wrapping, handling, and even how you verbally present it all carry meaning:
- Gifts are expected when visiting
- Present with both hands
- Gifts are often not opened immediately
- Common gifts: sweets, regional specialties
- Avoid: sets of 4 (death), 9 (suffering)
Dining etiquette
Japanese dining has its own set of customs that differ significantly from Western norms. Some things that seem polite in the West (like tipping) are actually offensive in Japan, while others (like slurping noodles loudly) are expected. These rules apply in restaurants, business dinners, and home visits:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Say いただきます before eating | Stick chopsticks upright in rice |
| Say ごちそうさま after eating | Pass food chopstick to chopstick |
| Lift small bowls to mouth | Pour your own drink |
| Slurp noodles (shows enjoyment) | Tip at restaurants |
Holidays
Japan has numerous public holidays when businesses close or operate on reduced hours. The New Year period (late December to early January), Golden Week (late April to early May), and Obon (mid-August) are particularly significant — travel is expensive and crowded, and many businesses shut down completely:
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| 正月 (Shōgatsu) | January 1–3 |
| 成人の日 (Coming of Age) | January |
| お盆 (Obon) | August |
| 秋分の日 (Autumn Equinox) | September |
| 天皇誕生日 (Emperor's Birthday) | February 23 |