Japan: greetings, food, festivals and working together

Japan at a glance

Japan has about 125 million people spread over four main islands and thousands of smaller ones, from snowy Hokkaido to subtropical Okinawa, where Ryukyuan languages and traditions differ from the mainland. Big-city life in Tokyo or Osaka feels different from a farming village in Tōhoku. What follows describes common habits, and individuals will always depart from them.

Greetings and first meetings

A bow, ojigi, is the traditional greeting, and its depth and length reflect the relationship and setting. Many Japanese people will happily shake hands with visitors, but it is polite to follow their lead. Family name comes first, and -san is added to names of both men and women, as in Tanaka-san.

At business meetings, cards, meishi, are exchanged at the start. Offer yours with both hands, take theirs with both hands, read it, and place it on the table in front of you instead of pocketing it straight away. Useful phrases are hajimemashite, nice to meet you, and yoroshiku onegaishimasu, a phrase asking for good relations from now on.

Etiquette and everyday customs

Shoes come off at the genkan, the entrance of homes, and in many ryokan, temples and some restaurants; slippers are often provided, and toilet slippers are separate. Punctuality is taken seriously, public transport is quiet, and phone calls on trains are discouraged. Rubbish bins can be scarce, so many people carry their litter until they find one.

Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion; good service is part of the price. Gifts are wrapped with care and often offered with a modest remark, and the recipient may decline once before accepting. At an onsen, wash thoroughly before entering the bath and keep your towel out of the water. Policies on tattoos at baths vary, so check ahead.

Food and table manners

Washoku, traditional Japanese food culture, was added to the UNESCO list of intangible heritage in 2013. Rice, miso soup, fish, vegetables and pickles form a classic meal, while regional specialities range from Osaka’s okonomiyaki to Hakata ramen and Okinawa’s distinct cooking. Say itadakimasu before eating and gochisōsama deshita afterwards.

Never stand chopsticks upright in rice or pass food from chopstick to chopstick, because both recall funeral rites. Slurping noodles is accepted. Pour drinks for others and let them pour for you, wait for the toast, kanpai, and pay at the till rather than at the table. Vegetarians should know that dashi, a fish-based stock, appears in many dishes, so ask clearly.

Major celebrations

The year turns around the seasons. Shōgatsu is the New Year, with shrine visits and shared food, Tanabata pairs a star legend with paper wishes, Obon welcomes ancestral spirits in summer, and hanami gathers friends and colleagues under the cherry blossoms in spring.

• Shōgatsu: Japanese New Year
• Tanabata: the star festival
• Obon: welcoming the ancestors home
• Hanami: cherry blossom viewing

On 15 November, Shichi-Go-San marks family milestones with a visit to a shrine. National holidays such as Golden Week at the turn of April and May shape travel and business calendars, so plan around them.

• Shichi-Go-San: a family milestone

Weddings

A Japanese wedding may follow Shinto rites at a shrine or a chapel ceremony in Western style, and the marriage becomes legal through registration at a local office. Our guest’s guide to a Japanese wedding covers the goshūgi gift envelope, dress and the timing of the day.

• How to attend a Japanese wedding: a guest’s guide

Working or studying with people from Japan

Decisions are often reached by building consensus before a meeting, a practice called nemawashi, so the meeting itself may confirm what colleagues have already discussed. Communication can be indirect: a response such as that would be difficult often means no. Ask open questions, allow pauses and check understanding in writing afterwards.

Seniority shapes language, with honorific speech, keigo, used towards clients and superiors, and in schools and clubs the senpai and kōhai relationship pairs older and younger members. Reporting progress early and often, known as hōrensō, is valued. After-work drinks, nomikai, are a chance to bond but are not compulsory, and you may decline politely.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to bow when I meet someone in Japan?

Visitors are not expected to bow perfectly. A slight nod or bow with a smile is welcome, and if someone offers a handshake, you can accept it.

Is tipping expected?

No. Service is included, and leaving money on the table can cause confusion. A sincere thank you is enough.

Can I eat while walking?

In many places it is considered impolite, especially in crowded streets and on public transport. Eat near the stall or at a designated spot.

What should I do with a business card?

Receive it with both hands, read it, and keep it visible on the table during the meeting. Store it respectfully afterwards.