IRASSHAIMASE!
The Japanese have many customs that might seem unusual by our Western standards. However, once you understand some of them, you will surely agree that they are quite sensible and worth emulating. Here then, is a compilation of some of the more common customs you will encounter during your stay in Japan.
- Tipping
- In a word, the scoop on tipping in Japan is DON'T! Giving a gratuity for services rendered to a customer is not an accepted custom in this country. Pretty neat, huh? Many of us feel guilty at first, leaving a restaurant without placing a couple of bills on the table. Don't worry, the cost of the product or service usually takes care of that. Some Japanese would hurry and catch you to return the money you "forgot" to take with you.
- Irasshaimase (Ee ra shy ma say)
- This is only a word but its proper usage is guided more my custom and propriety, than by mere rules of grammar. This is an extremly formal term which means "welcome". It is used to greet customers when they enter a store or restaurant. It is also used by family members to greet special guests or perhaps first-time guests to their home.
- Please remove your shoes.
- This custom is as old as Japan. Shoes get dirty. Don't track that dirt into the home or office. Leave your shoes at the door and help keep the interior clean. This is the custom in all Japanese homes, many hospitals and small offices, restaurants, etc. If you are expected to remove your shoes, just inside the entryway, you will see other shoes and slippers to wear inside.
- Bowing.
- This custom is not exclusive to Japan but can be found throughout Asia. The bow is a tradtional form of greeting and reinforces the greeting. A bow can also say "thanks", "I'm sorry", or "excuse me" .
- When two individuals meet, the younger or the junior person will usually bow lower than the older or more senior individual, in deference to experience or wisdom. With the growing acceptance of the handshake in Japan, you will often see the two combined, especially when a Japanese person is greeting a foreigner. So be prepared. It is very bad manners not to return a bow. When in doubt, take your que from the other individual. Usually, you will be fine if you return the same level of respect that is presented to you.
