{"id":56275,"date":"2019-10-21T23:16:17","date_gmt":"2019-10-22T03:16:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/?p=56275"},"modified":"2020-02-18T01:23:48","modified_gmt":"2020-02-18T06:23:48","slug":"things-you-should-never-do-in-japan-t2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/things-you-should-never-do-in-japan-t2\/","title":{"rendered":"29 Things You Should Never Do In Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Source: https:\/\/cloudfront.net<\/p><\/div>\n

Long known as a powerhouse when it comes to economy and technology, Japan has also emerged as one of the top tourist destinations in Asia with its shrines and temples as well as its national parks and countryside. Whether you opt to stay in just a few areas and soak up in its history or discover more of the country via the shinkansen high-speed trains, you won\u2019t fail to get a taste of what makes Japan unique. Not to mention its fantastic cuisine. Known as The Land of the Rising Sun<\/em><\/strong>, Japan has successfully merged and balanced the aspects of modernization and progress by having one of the most advanced societies while still adhering to their rich culture and tradition.<\/h6>\n
As a gaijin, here are the things that you should know and avoid doing beforehand, as the ways of the Japanese might be strange to those from the outside, but it makes perfect sense once you get to know them.\u00a0<\/strong>
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Don\u2019t Forget About Chopstick Etiquette<\/h2>\n
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Source: http:\/\/www.japaniverse.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Using chopsticks when dining can be tricky if you\u2019re not used to it, but not using it expertly can be forgiven. However, doing the following with the chopsticks is not acceptable and considered rude: passing food to someone else\u2019s chopsticks, rubbing the chopsticks together, hitting a bowl with it, using one piece at a time or spearing and stabbing the food with it, using it to point to someone, and resting or sticking them vertically in your bowl of rice or food as this resembles a funeral ritual. If you have to put them down, use the chopstick holder that will be next to your plate. And when sharing dishes, make sure you use the chopsticks to take the food and put it on your own plate before eating it.
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Don\u2019t Be Shy In Slurping When You Eat<\/h2>\n
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Source:
http:\/\/pickupthefork.com<\/p><\/div>\n

When eating Japanese food, don\u2019t hold yourself back from enjoying the food by being embarrassed about slurping, which is considered rude in other countries such as the U.S. In Japan, making unnecessary noises are also rude but slurping food like soup or noodles are perfectly acceptable. Foods with noodles, like ramen, soba, or udon are usually served really hot and are meant to be eaten as such so they can be best appreciated. Because it\u2019s hot, you would have to consume the food together with some air which will create that slurping sound. Soba especially are meant to be slurped noisily when eaten, which is considered the elegant or stylish way to go about it.
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Don\u2019t Forget To Bow Or Nod<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/prontomarketing.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Although the Japanese expect foreigners to extend their hand for a handshake when being introduced or greeting someone, it wouldn\u2019t hurt to adopt their customs particularly when it comes to showing respect. Don\u2019t forget to bow or nod when greeting people, especially if you see them nodding or bowing to you. Longer and deeper bows show respect and are normally done for elders or superiors, while the shorter bow is considered more informal. You will always see this being done when you enter a Japanese restaurant or shop as it shows you their appreciation and respect. Never hesitate to return the favor and do the same.
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Don\u2019t Eat On The Go Or While Walking<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/migrationology.com<\/p><\/div>\n

One of the first things you\u2019ll notice in the streets of Japan is how clean they are. One of the reasons for this is because you will never see the Japanese eating or drinking something while they are walking or on the go as this can contribute to littering. So even if you are in a hurry, resist the urge to eat your food and finish your drink before hurrying along as doing so is a cultural faux pas. Finish what you\u2019re having on the food kiosks or stands or on benches if they are available, or just stand outside the convenience store where you bought your food and finish it there. Regardless, you will always find recycling or trash and garbage bins around these areas so you can throw what needs to be disposed of properly.
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Don\u2019t Step Into A Bathtub Without Showering First<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/www.departures.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Most Japanese homes have a traditional bathtub called a furo, which is usually square in shape and deeper than conventional Western tubs. These are often already filled with hot water and are meant or reserved for relaxing soaks and not for washing or cleaning the body. As such, don\u2019t forget to shower and scrub first in a nearby faucet or shower before stepping in the heated water. This especially applies to public hot springs or baths, known as onsen, since it\u2019s a communal bath. In addition, when soaking in an onsen, make sure that the hair is tied up and kept out of the bath water, never let the towel touch the water, and avoid swimming.
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Don\u2019t Jump Or Skip The Lines<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/cdn.citylab.com<\/p><\/div>\n

The Japanese are very organized and conduct themselves in an orderly manner especially in public. Their adherence to forming lines are ingrained at an early age as this shows cooperation, self-discipline, and respect. This applies to single-file lines to anything that people need to line up for, such as bus stops, vending machines, convenience stores, elevators, and especially in the train platforms. Even in the face of disaster, such as lining up for relief goods, expect that everyone will dutifully line up. So be patient and don\u2019t skip the line regardless how long you think it may be as you will be surprised at the efficiency of their system and how fast those lines move along.
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Don\u2019t Forget The Omiyage<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/raxcdn.com<\/p><\/div>\n

In case you made some close friends in your visit, in Tokyo for example, who know that you\u2019ll be visiting other parts of Japan, such as Osaka, don\u2019t forget to bring back an omiyage for them when you get back, or to your colleagues if you work there. An omiyage is a gift or souvenir that you bring back from a trip, usually edible, that is most representative or the most popular from that area or region. If you are not sure, take time to ask the locals so you will know what those are because your friends in Japan will know what they are and will most likely expect them, and there\u2019s a chance that they might feel disappointed or feel that you are being cheap or insincere by not getting the proper one.
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Avoid Giving In Groups Of Four<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/files.tofugu.com<\/p><\/div>\n

There are a few numbers that are considered unlucky in Japan, and one of the most avoided is the number 4. The reason for that is because the number is sometimes pronounced or sounds like \u201cshi,\u201d which is the Japanese word for death. As a result, you will notice that there are no floors or levels and rooms in buildings like hospitals and hotels that contain the number 4. This also applies to giving gifts, as you should never give things in groups of four, such as four cookies, four packets of snack, or anything that has something to do with the unlucky number. Best to remember this when you buy omiyage for someone.
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Don\u2019t Wear Your Shoes Inside Someone\u2019s Home<\/h2>\n
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Source: http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com<\/p><\/div>\n

The Japanese make it a point to maintain the cleanliness of their homes so before entering one, you will notice that there are shoes lined up at the genkan or the doorway or entranceway. Don\u2019t forget to take yours off too as shoes are considered dirty and may ruin the tatami, or the traditional mat that usually covers the floor in Japanese homes. This practice also applies to public areas like shrines and temples, traditional ryokan hotels, schools, restaurants where customers sit on the floor covered with tatami mats, onsen or bathing facilities, and even some offices or places of business. With this in mind, make sure that you\u2019re wearing presentable socks so it wouldn\u2019t be embarrassing.
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Don\u2019t Worry About Leaving A Tip<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/netdna-ssl.com<\/p><\/div>\n

One of the things that visitors will be glad to know that they are not required to do in Japan is tipping. The Japanese believe that respect, politeness, and excellent service are expected of them, so don\u2019t attempt to give them a tip, as this will most likely insult or offend them. Unlike in other countries like the U.S. where people in the service industry like waiters, bellhops, and taxi drivers welcome or expect tips, paying extra or even rounding off the bill as a form of a tip is not accepted. Even if there are service charges, you can be assured that it is already included in the bill. Leaving your change at a restaurant may well result to you being chased by the waiter to return your change.
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Don\u2019t Think Tattoos Are Welcome In Public Baths Or Hot Springs<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/www.stripes.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Regardless of gender, tattoos are now more common and accepted in society in most countries. It has become an art and is even expected or part of the culture in some parts of the world. However, when you visit Japan and you want to try out their traditional public baths or hot springs called onsen, don\u2019t think that you can just walk into any of them with you all inked up and your tattoos displayed proudly. Either you are refused or gets asked to cover up your tattoos as they are still traditional in this aspect and considers it as taboo. This may have something to do with the stigma of organized crime or yakuza, who are known to have prominent tattoos, but things are changing a bit especially in the larger cities.
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Don\u2019t Expect English To Be Widely Spoken<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/japan-forward.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Even in the larger and more modern cities of Japan like the capital of Tokyo, Yokohama, or Osaka where everything seems highly advanced, especially when it comes to technology, don\u2019t expect for a lot of people to speak English. Though the language is taught in school, this isn\u2019t exactly considered a second language and a lot of people really don\u2019t have a practical use for it in the country. This makes it like an optional skill that is not really necessary. Even in the service industry, only few will converse in English. It is also said that visitors should be the one to adapt to their language and not the other way around. However, things will surely change, at least in Tokyo, as the 2020 Summer Olympics will be held there.
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Don\u2019t Leave Until Your Companion Is Out Of Sight When Parting Ways<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/www.fluentin3months.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Don\u2019t be too anxious or in a hurry to leave when parting ways with the Japanese as this is against their etiquette and their cultural attitude called nagori oshii, which is the way of expressing the reluctance to leave. This is important for building relationships in their society as it shows appreciation and respect, especially in the business place. You will notice this custom in their restaurants, ryokan inns or other establishments where those who work there will bow and watch their customers until they can no longer be seen. This is even done by friends or classmates in a social setting. Doing so is a sign of respect and a way of expressing hospitality.
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Never Pour Yourself A Drink<\/h2>\n
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Source: http:\/\/www.bootsnall.com<\/p><\/div>\n

When socializing with the Japanese, like when having a drink out in bars or restaurants, or in someone\u2019s home and you get to taste some of their excellent whiskey or sake, make sure you remember the Japanese etiquette concerning the pouring of alcohol. You can refill the glass of your companions but don\u2019t make the mistake of pouring a drink for yourself as this is considered a rude gesture. This should be in turn done by one of your companions. Also, when pouring a drink, make sure that you hold the bottle with both hands, no matter what size it is, as this is the custom.
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Don\u2019t Worry About The Umbrella<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/blog.traveloka.com<\/p><\/div>\n

If you are visiting Japan around the month of June or July which would be their rainy season, don\u2019t worry about getting caught in the rain without having your own umbrella as a lot of these can be found free for public use around train stations and even in convenience stores. You just need to return them on the next train station or convenience store after using it. There are also vending machines from Japanese beverage company Dydo that has umbrellas that can be used for free even if you don\u2019t purchase anything. These can then be returned in other Dydo vending machines. If you\u2019re entering an establishment like a restaurant or department store with a wet umbrella, don\u2019t forget to put it in the plastic sleeve that will be provided at the entrance.
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Don\u2019t Call A New Japanese Friend By Their First Name Alone<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/googleapis.com<\/p><\/div>\n

As you will most likely get to make at least a few new Japanese friends, make sure that you know the proper way on how to address them after being introduced. Don\u2019t just address or call them by their last name alone as you should be adding the word \u201csan\u201d as a way of being polite. Family names are more commonly used in Japan, especially in business settings. However, since the Japanese know that Westerners use their first name, it would be common for them to address you by your first name followed by \u201csan.\u201d For younger people like those in school, the boys\u2019 last name is followed by \u201ckun,\u201d while the girls\u2019 are followed by \u201cchan.\u201d
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Never Blow Your Nose In Public<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/s.yimg.com<\/p><\/div>\n

In the unfortunate event that you visit Japan while having a runny nose caused by a nasty cold, make sure that you are able to manage this and keep it in check. Never blow your nose in public, even when the need arises. Instead, you should exert an effort to find a bathroom or restroom so you can blow your nose in private, or if this is not possible, at least find a place where there are no people. You will notice that it\u2019s common for people to wear face or surgical masks, especially during winter, as this means they either have a cold and wants to avoid infecting others by spreading germs, or they don\u2019t want to catch one. These masks are widely available and even comes in different colors and designs.
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Don\u2019t Talk Loudly On The Phone When In Public Transportation<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/japanwalkersea.com<\/p><\/div>\n

As you will most likely be using Japan\u2019s efficient public transportation system when you visit, especially the trains, it is important to note certain manners or behaviors that are expected of commuters. When using their mobile phones, you will notice that the Japanese are very discreet, and in the rare event that you see them talk on their phones, it will be very brief and in hushed tones. Follow this example and don\u2019t speak loudly on your phone in case you need to, and find the designated cars for this as much as possible. In addition, never watch videos or play music on your device without using earphones as this can also disturb the other passengers.
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Don\u2019t Point When In Japan<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/itsyourjapan.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Those who are new to Japan and uninitiated in its rich culture or traditions are quite prone to causing offense as even simple gestures that you are accustomed to doing where you are from can be seen as offensive or rude. One of these is don\u2019t use your finger or your hand to point at someone or something. Although pointing at someone is also considered rude in other cultures, pointing at things or places might not be something that can be easily avoided by tourists or visitors. The best way to go about it is to use your hand to gently wave to what you are trying to show or indicate, and if you are trying to refer to yourself, touch your nose with your forefinger instead of pointing to yourself.
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Never Pour Soy Sauce On Rice<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/www.japanesecooking101.com<\/p><\/div>\n

You will rarely see the Japanese, if at all, pour soy sauce on their rice as they take great pride in the quality of their grain and on how they prepare it. Japanese rice, called japonica, are said to be tastier, and becomes soft and sticky when it gets cooked as compared to other types of rice which becomes drier. As such, don\u2019t pour soy sauce on your rice as it is served exactly as it was intended and you may only cause offense or insult to the person who prepared the food for you. Changing the way it tastes by putting flavoring is like saying that you don\u2019t respect the cooking ability or taste of the person who cooked the food. Think of it like not putting ketchup on your hotdog when you\u2019re in Chicago.
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Do Not Give Or Receive Things With One Hand<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/blog.metatrip.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Don\u2019t hand over or receive things using just one hand as this is considered rude so make an effort to free both hands during these situations. This applies to giving or receiving gifts or other items, regardless how small they are, such as business cards or meishi. Speaking of which, business cards should not be kept right away as they are meant to be examined or looked at for a while to show your appreciation or interest in the person giving the card. Only after a few moments can you keep it, just don\u2019t place it in your back pocket. In addition, never remain seated when accepting a business card from a Japanese.
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Don\u2019t Shake Your Legs When Seating Down<\/h2>\n
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Source: http:\/\/jpninfo.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Some people have a habit of shaking their leg or knee or tapping with their leg when sitting down, and nobody really knows why they do it. But more often than not, this is an unconscious habit. However, when in Japan, avoid doing this as it is considered rude. Their term for the shaking of one\u2019s leg is known as bimbo yusuri, and for them it indicates or means that the person doing it is impatient or nervous about something or lacks self-control, and this can have a negative effect on their social or professional life. You\u2019re unlikely to be told to stop shaking your leg by a Japanese because they tend to avoid conflict and it would be considered embarrassing for the person doing it.
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Never Raise Your Voice Or Lose Your Temper<\/h2>\n
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Source: http:\/\/drnemerovski.com<\/p><\/div>\n

When speaking with someone, make sure that you don\u2019t raise your voice that it can be plainly heard by the people around you as this can be referred to as causing a public disturbance. The Japanese are very serious about saving face and people who raise their voices are seen as embarrassing to them. In the same manner, never lose your temper when you find yourself in a frustrating situation as this is seen as a sign of poor upbringing. The Japanese make it a point to avoid conflict as much as possible as this is another way of losing face in their society. Always remember that harmony is important and saving face is essential.
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Don\u2019t Do These When Paying In A Restaurant<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/www.nippon.com<\/p><\/div>\n

When eating out in restaurants in Japan, don\u2019t pay the bill directly with the waiter like what is usually done in other countries. The waiter may drop off the bill at your table, but never put your money on the table along with it as you should pay the bill on the counter or cashier on your way out. When accepting your change, do not count it as this is considered rude. The Japanese highly value trust and counting your change is seen as a form of distrust and won\u2019t be appreciated. Finally, always pay the exact amount, no need to round off the bill and never leave a tip as this is also considered insulting.
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Don\u2019t Cross Your Legs<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/amazonaws.com<\/p><\/div>\n

When sitting down, especially in formal or business settings, don\u2019t cross your legs as this is considered rude and creates the feeling that you have an attitude and consider yourself important. Crossing your legs may seem natural to you and you don\u2019t mean anything by it except that it\u2019s comfortable for you to do this while sitting but it would be best to keep both legs together on the floor with your back straight and a hand on each knee when sitting down. This posture means that you are attentively listening to the conversation. The Japanese also avoid crossing their legs as it can show the sole of their foot to other people, which is also considered rude.
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Don\u2019t Be Late<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/s.newsweek.com<\/p><\/div>\n

After spending time in Japan, you will notice how much they value respect in any form, and this applies to respecting another person\u2019s time by always being punctual. Never be late in Japan, regardless if it\u2019s for a social function like for dinner or even coffee, and especially not in a business setting as not only is this embarrassing, but this may also dictate how they view you as a professional. This is one of the reasons why they are so precise, and this can plainly be seen on how efficient they operate their public transportation, particularly the trains. In fact, in the rare event that the train or subway gets delayed, the conductor may even provide the reason in writing for you.
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Don\u2019t Forget The Slippers<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/i.ytimg.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Japanese establishments like hotels and restaurants normally provide slippers that are meant to be worn when using the toilet. You will notice that even homes have indoor or house slippers as well as toilet slippers. If you can, bring with you a pair of slippers when visiting someone\u2019s home as shoes are expected to be taken off and slippers to be worn. Don\u2019t use the indoor slippers when going to the toilet as the toilet slippers are there for this very reason. The toilet is viewed as dirty so forgetting to change the toilet slippers for the indoor ones after using them is considered impolite.
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Don\u2019t Block The Way<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/holeinthedonut.com<\/p><\/div>\n

You will notice that people drive on the left side of the road or highway in Japan and this applies to pedestrian walkways as well so when you\u2019re strolling leisurely and taking the sights in, don\u2019t cause unnecessary delays for others by walking on the right side. Pathways or pavements will be usually marked to indicate where people should walk so be mindful of this. Remember that the Japanese don\u2019t like getting late and having people causing delays on their schedule is not appreciated. However, on escalators, the left side is used for standing while the other side is used for those who are in a rush. You run the risk of getting shoved or bumped by people hurrying if you stand on the right.
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Don\u2019t Be Too Frank Or Blunt<\/h2>\n
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Source: https:\/\/livejapan.com<\/p><\/div>\n

When having a conversation with the Japanese don\u2019t be too direct or honest, frank or blunt, especially concerning delicate topics or subjects such as World War II or the practice of whaling. When you are disagreeing with them or turning them down, never be too direct with a flat \u201cNo\u201d or negative response as this will cause them to lose face which is something that they try to avoid. It would be best to reply with non-committal responses like \u201cI will see\u201d or \u201cI will try\u201d in case you\u2019re in this situation. Likewise, they won\u2019t disagree with you directly as a way of being polite. Don\u2019t be too critical or point out mistakes openly as they will most likely take this personally.<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Long known as a powerhouse when it comes to economy and technology, Japan has also emerged as one of the top tourist destinations in Asia with its shrines and temples as well as its national parks and countryside. Whether you opt to stay in just a few areas and soak up in its history or discover more of the country via the shinkansen high-speed trains, you won\u2019t fail to get a taste of what makes Japan unique. Not to mention its fantastic cuisine. Known as The Land of the Rising Sun, Japan has successfully merged and balanced the aspects of <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":56244,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6596],"tags":[992,483,8157,201,13021],"yst_prominent_words":[13017,13010,13012,12759,13006,9972,13019,13016,13011,13013,13008,9498,8833,8858,13009,13007,13018,8811,13015,13014],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56275"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56275"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56275\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56276,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56275\/revisions\/56276"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56244"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56275"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56275"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56275"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awesomejelly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=56275"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}