Japanese Manners Flashcards
Bowing
3 Types of Bowing
-
Eshaku: a slight bow, used to greet or apologize to someone
- Occasion: greeting neighbour or accidentally bumping into someone in a crowd
2.** Keirei:** polite bow, commonly used in formal or business settings
- Occasion: job interview, audition, or at a reception
-
Saikeirei: most respectful & polite bow, used to show deep appreciation and to offer a sincere apology
- Occasion: apologizing to a supervisor, client, or customer
Bowing
Tejime
(Rythmic Hand Clapping)
Occasions: performed at end of a significant event
- to bring occasion to a harmonious and lively close
1. Ippon-jime: three rounds of three claps, followed by a single clap - (3-3-3-1)
2. Sandbon-jime:three sets of Ippon-jime, totaling three rounds of 3-3-3-1
Eating & Drinking
Seating Arrangement
Kamiza: “honorary seat” in room or gathering - typically reserved for higher status or authority
- furthest from entrance or in a place of prominence to signify respect
Shimoza: “lower seat” - assigned to individuals of lower status/rank
- located closer to entrance or in a less prominent position - reflecting hierarchy in social interactions
Eating & Drinking
Expressions used Before & After Meals
Beginning the Meal: “itadakimasu” = “I gratefully receive”
- Starting the meal early: “Osaki ni itadakimasu” = I’ll start first, if that’s okay”
Ending the Meal: “gochisoosama deshita” = “thank you for the feast”
Eating & Drinking
Eating from Bowls
Small bowls should be lifted close to your mouth
**Larger dishes **should remain on the table.
Eating & Drinking
Chopstick Manners
Mayoibashi: Moving chopsticks over bowls while deciding what to eat.
Yosebashi: Using chopsticks to pull or shift bowls.
Tatakibashi: Making noise by hitting bowls or plates.
Watashibashi: Resting chopsticks on the edge of a bowl or plate.
Sagurabashi: Searching for items within a bowl.
**Neburibashi: **Licking the ends of chopsticks.
Tatebashi: Sticking chopsticks upright in rice.
**Chigiribashi: **Using chopsticks like knives and forks.
Sashibashi: Stabbing food with chopsticks.
Utsushibashi: Transferring food from one pair of chopsticks to another.
Namidabashi: Picking up food and letting it drip
Very poor etiquettes in Japan!
Tatebashi: Sticking chopsticks upright in rice.
- Associated with funerals, where chopsticks are placed upright in rice as an offering to the deceased.
**Utsushibashi: **Transferring food from one pair of chopsticks to another.
- Associated with a funeral custom where family members use chopsticks to pass the bones of the deceased during cremation
Eating & Drinking
Drinking Manners
Waiting: Wait for everyone to have a drink and raise their glasses for a toast, typically saying “kampai,” before starting to drink.
Pouring: Pour drinks for one another instead of filling your own glass, and regularly check your friends’ cups to refill them as needed
Sipping: If someone offers to refill your drink, take a sip from your glass before presenting it to them.
Behavior: While becoming visibly drunk is inappropriate in formal restaurants, it is generally acceptable in casual settings like izakaya, provided you don’t disturb other guests.
House Visiting
Temiyage
Bringing a small gift, as a token of appreciation
- usually small snacks or sweets
- no rules, but wrap nicely (many Japanese stores offer wrapping service)
House Visiting
Genkan
**Shoes: **
Remove your shoes at the entrance, genkan.
- Flip over the shoes so that the toe end is facing the door!
**Socks: **
It’s polite to wear socks (or stockings) when you enter.
House Visiting
Toilet & Leaving
Toilet Etiquette:
When using the restroom, wear the provided toilet slippers.
Departure Cues:
Japan is considered a high-context culture→ understanding nonverbal cues is crucial.
- Japanese hosts might not directly indicate when it’s time for guests to leave, often hinting instead. (Need to read the atmosphere)
- (In Kyoto, when hosts want to suggest that their guests should leave, they may ask, “Would you like some ochazuke?” This phrase is actually a polite way of implying, “It’s about time for you to go home.”)
Bathing Manners
Onsen vs Sento
Onsen:
- Uses warm, mineral-rich water that springs from underground.
- Has health benefits, and certain sources are particularly popular for their specific therapeutic effects.
(E.g. Sulfur springs are said to have benefits for ‘skin diseases,’ ‘diabetes,’ ‘high blood pressure,’ and ‘arteriosclerosis.’)
Purpose:
- Many people visit for relaxation and therapeutic reasons.
- Often located in beautiful natural settings that can be enjoyed.
Sento:
- Mainly uses tap water, and the water in the bathtub is heated.
- It does not contain the natural mineral components found in hot springs.
Purpose:
- Place for everyday bathing
- Social space where local residents can interact.
Bathing Manners
Bathing Manners
Full Nudity and Tattoos
- Most onsens require full nudity.
- Guests with tattoos are often prohibited from entering
- (Recently, some onsens have started offering options for modest travelers. Some are more lenient with tattoos)
Changing Room:
- Place your clothes and belongings in the basket provided in the changing room.
- Keep your bath towel in the basket.
- Use a small towel(hand towel) to cover your modesty while moving to the bathing area.
Washing Your Body:
- Before entering the onsen, wash your body first - located at the edge of the bathing area.
- Sit on a small stool to wash yourself
- Use the provided shower or small bucket for washing.
- Ensure that no soap residue remains before entering the onsen.
In the Bathtub:
- Avoid letting your towel touch the onsen water.
- Place the towel on the edge of the tub - Alternatively, balance the towel on your head while soaking.
Before Going Back to the Changing Room:
Pat yourself dry with a small towel before returning to the changing room.
