Japanese Manners 101 - Some CRUCIAL Basics
April 7th, 2009
Japanese manners are not something to take lightly… do the wrong thing and you will likely be mischaracterized. In this video we cover:
- Shoe and slipper rules
- Basic ohashi (chopstick) rules
- Tipping while in Japan
- A funny story
Thanks to Stephanie for the idea! Ganbatte and enjoy! Bonus footage of Aaron doing the “Hula.”
Great, keep it coming.
I make lots of mistakes. What things can you say if you know you did something rude and want to acknowledge it?
Did you say Stephanie was from japansoc.com?
Stephanie is me, kanmuri on Japansoc
Thanks for taking my ideas.
The music is the same they use in my Spanish class podcasts XD.
Great manners melting-pot lesson
@Peter
Hey Peter, you if you want to acknowledge (and apologize for) something you did that was rude, you might say something like:
“Gomenasai, shitsurei shimashita.”
Gomenasai = I am sorry
shitsurei shimashita = excuse me (lit. I have been rude)
Hope this helps!
Thanks, I suppose I was hopeing for something shorter to reduce attension to the infraction.
On another point. I was talking to my grandmother and she asked how you ask/call for help/assistance when in trouble in Japan. I don’t know why I haven’t asked before.
Thanks guys. Take it easy. I hope to be in Japan by Autumn so I may start the accelerator soon.
@Peter
Hi Peter! You could use something like “a, sumimasen” (meaning “excuse me” and sounds like ah, sue me mah sen) or gomenasai (”sorry,” sounds like go men asai) to alleviate any immediate tension.
As for asking for help, there are a couple of ways to do this depending on how dire the situation is.
For example, if you just need some quick directions or want to ask a favor of someone, you could lead-in with “sumimasen” as well.
If the situation is dire and you need help NOW (because you are injured or something), you would want to say something like “taskete!” or “taskete kudasai!” Taskete = help (but in a fairly serious way).
It might be worth reviewing and sharing the free 5-day course with your grandmother before she goes. It will make her life easier
Also, Japanese Accelerator v2 is coming out soon, we’ll be sure to let you know when it’s available.
Ganbate! (good luck)
Aaron
What kind of beers were you guys drinking? Looks like you’re having fun. Great video - the taxi had me cracking up!
I was told by an old Japanese guy that instead of giving money to the cab driver as a ‘tip’. You should hand him the money and tell him to go buy smokes or coffee with it instead. They don’t get offended when you put it that way.
Wow, great blog! I lived in Japan when I was 4 and am told I spoke Japanese. Now I’m leaning the language for the second time.
You should mention the beers you’re drinking. Maybe you can recommend a good sake.
Since this is a warts-and-all blog, maybe you can talk about something I recently read about. Apparently some businesses ban non-Japanese. How is this legal? Did you guys ever run into this?
I like your videos, very fun! I’ve also heard that it is rude to cross your legs or point the bottom of your foot at someone in Japan…although I’m not sure how offensive that considered to be…
Just an idea for another episode, you could mention some random things to be prepared for when first coming to Japan (like lack of trash cans…grr..or the quadruple wrapping of anything you buy…the strange jello soda out of vending machines…or my favorite, japanese style toilets or the ’special’ toilets with heaters and sound effects). I’d like to hear what interesting/strange things you came across while in Japan.
Our beer varies, but the popular ones so far are Sapporo, Kona Longboard (Kona Brewing Company), and Henry Weinhard’s (Private Reserve).
Great tip about the taxi drivers! I’ll keep that in mind.
@John Need
Hi John, thanks for the comment! I think we’ll try to make it a point to mention our drinks from here on out.
Since Japan is a much more homogeneous society, it is a lot easier to find examples of blatant discrimination. I have not personally experienced any of that magnitude, but have heard stories. I’m sure any gaijin (foreigner) who has lived in Japan for more than a few years has probably run into it in some way or another.
@Deb
Hey Deb, thanks for the ideas! I have a bunch of short videos of things that are ‘unusual’ or different about Japan. We’re planning to put these into an episode or travel course of some type in the future. Keep an eye out!
that funny story with the cab driver was hilarious
I love slurping noodles!
I vote for xtra bonus footage of aaron doing tahitian dancing, or even the haka!
Props guys!!!
who says white boys can’t dance? hehe….
enjoying the video blogs, and the funny bits
in between
Another sorta funeral related ohashi taboo I came upon is, DO NOT stick your chopsticks into foods, it relates to the incense used when paying respects to a person who has passed away.
I just happened upon this site today. I love it. Keep it up!!! I can’t express my excitement towards finally having an enjoyable cultural reference to check out.
I laughed so hard at that story. Ah! I’m always so worried that I’ll offend someone when/if I ever get to Japan! Thanks for the video though ^.^
Kev: Okay, when aaron was talking about seating arrangements, if you’re just eating dinner with your family do you put the husband, the wife, then the kids?
Ps. The story about the chopsticks was hilarious.