Japanese Food: The Basics

The typical Japanese meal consists of a bowl of rice (gohan), a bowl of miso soup (miso shiru),
pickled vegetables (tsukemono) and fish or meat. While rice is the staple food, several kinds of
noodles (udon, soba and ramen) are cheap and very popular for light meals. As an island nation,
the Japanese take great pride in their seafood. A wide variety of fish, squid, octopus, eel, and
shellfish appear in all kinds of dishes from sushi to tempura.

Rice

Sticky, short-grained rice is the staple food in Japan. Uncooked rice is called kome.

Seafood & Meat

Japanese people consume a lot more fish than is typical in western countries and this is said to be
a major factor in the country's relatively low rate of heart disease.

Greetings, etiquette, etc.

Bowing

In the Japanese bow, the bower expresses appreciation and respect to the person being bowed to
by bending at the waist. This is a gesture widely used in tandem with greetings like "ohayo
gozaimasu" (good morning) and "konnichi wa" (hello, good afternoon) as well as words of
gratitude or apology. Bows can generally be classified into three types depending on the deepness
of the waist bend. The most casual bow is the "eshaku" bow. In this bow, the waist is generally
bent at about a 15 degree angle. It is common to lightly dip the head and give an "eshaku" bow
when exchanging a casual greeting or passing by someone of a higher social status. Of course
using words by themselves is sufficient, but if you add an eshaku bow while saying "arigato"
(thank you) to someone who has shown you kindness, your feeling of gratitude will come across
as incredibly more heartfelt. The bow generally used in business interactions is the "keirei" bow.
In this bow, the torso is lowered to about 30 degrees. It is used when entering and leaving reception
rooms and meeting rooms and when greeting customers. The "saikeirei" bow, the most polite bow,
consists of lowering the torso about 45 degrees. It is used to express feelings of deep gratitude or
apology.

Clasping hands ("gassho")

The gesture of bringing the palms of both hands together in front of your chest area is called
"gassho." This custom originally comes from Buddhism, but in modern Japan it is used frequently
in etiquette before and after eating. Before eating, it is custom to start the meal by doing gassho
while saying "itadakimasu." "Itadakimasu" is a polite word that means "receive" or "accept (a gift
or item)," and expresses a feeling of gratitude towards the food and the person who prepared it.

Bye-bye!

Japanese does have the word "sayonara" for "good-bye," but the word "bye-bye" is also used
frequently. It has a more casual nuance, and is used between friends and children. In the West, it
is customary to lift up your hand with the palm facing outwards and open and shut the hand
repeatedly, but the custom of Japan is slightly different. In Japan, people generally wave the open
palm to the left and right. When waving to someone far away, the arm is generally lifted high to
be more visible and waved to the right and left in a wide movement. However, the eshaku bow is
more common when saying good-bye.

Cell phone etiquette

The penetration rate for cell phones has reached about 90% in Japan, and owning one is generally
considered necessary. This means that etiquette in public places is considered very important. It is
good to be particularly careful of the following things when in Japan.
You should switch your phone to "manner mode" in quiet places like hotel lobbies and

restaurants to avoid bothering people around you.

You should switch your phone to "manner mode" when inside a Shinkansen (bullet train) and

trains and avoid talking on the phone. If you absolutely need to talk on the phone, it is best to get
off at a station and talk on the station platform. Also, you are expected to turn the phone completely
off when near the priority seats to avoid problems with pace makers, etc.

Turn off the power at places like theatres, movie theatres, and museums.

Always turn off the power in restricted areas like airports and hospitals.

Don't talk on the phone while driving. This is prohibited and punishable by the law.

9. Garbage Disorder

Most neighborhoods in Japan have a common garbage drop off point. There are numerous rules
on how to package your garbage and recycling for pickup that vary by your municipality. For
example, it's a common requirement that you should wash and crush your recyclable plastics.

A neighborhood volunteer makes sure that everyone follows the rules. These people tend to be
feared and are known to go on wild power trips. If you're not diligent in your garbage disposal
they may become highly critical of your garbage packing skills. The neighborhood garbage chief
is usually well connected to the local gossip circuit.

10. Playing With Chopsticks

Chopsticks should be used as little as possible. That is to say that people avoid using them for
anything other than eating. This includes using them to point at things or hovering them over dishes
as you consider what to eat. Chopsticks may have your saliva on the ends so they should be flung
around in the air as little as possible. Beyond that they are a cultural item that demand some respect,
using them as a toy can be considered disrespectful.
11. Pointing
Pointing is considered somewhat threatening in Japan and is avoided. Instead people tend to
indicate direction with an open hand. Verbal directions without gestures are also very common.

12. Bathing Dirty

In Japan, bathing is seen as a relaxing leisure activity rather than an act of cleansing the body.
People completely shower with soap before entering a bath. They go to great lengths to avoid
getting any soap or soap residue in the bath water. The same convention applies to both home
baths and public hot springs.

13. Hot Spring Towels

People bring small towels with them into the bathing areas of Japanese hot spring. These are used
to clean the body before entering the bath. They are also a tool of modesty that can be hide small
parts of your body as you walk around.

These towels aren't permitted to enter the onsen water. You're also expected to take it with you
from the shower area. This can be a bit of a dilemma. The usual solution is to put it on your head.

14. Cleaning Your Face With Oshibori

Many restaurants in Japan will provide you with a moist towel known as an oshibori that's either
cool or hot depending on the season. These are used to lightly clean your hands before a meal. It's
mildly rude to clean your face with them or to continue using the oshibori throughout the meal as
a napkin.

15. Honking

Due to a lack of space it's common for cars in Japan to block busy roads to quickly perform errands
or even to talk on the phone.

Japanese drivers are remarkably patient and usually resist the urge to honk out of irritation. Brief
honks and light flashing is most often used in friendly gestures such as warning someone that their
lights are off at night.

16. Direct Speech

The Japanese are generally indirect about uncomfortable topics and avoid conflict where possible.
Directly challenging someone in a way that might embarrass them is a bad idea. The Japanese tend
to drop subtle hints about how they feel rather than direct, bold statements. The ability to read such
hints is an important social skill in Japan.

17. Cheers
Drinking before kanpai, the Japanese word for cheers is considered self centered and undisciplined.

When drinking in a group, people will wait for all drinks to arrive for a round of cheers. It's
considered classy for everyone to order the same drink on the first round, typically beer or sake.

18. Touch
The Japanese don't use physical touch such as hugs and back-slapping much and are generally
uncomfortable with such gestures from friends. Lovers also tend to avoid physical intimacy in
public places.

Exceptions exist and some people are open to hugs but the default assumption should be that people
aren't comfortable with it.

19. Avoiding Keigo

Keigo is the polite level of speech in Japanese language. It includes different levels of respectful
and humble speech that are difficult to master, even for the Japanese.

It's easy to get lazy about Keigo, although this can be considered quite rude. I once had a Japanese
coworker who always switched to English in situations requiring keigo. This irritated his elders in
the company.

Strangely, many foreigners are taught keigo phrases before informal speech in Japanese schools.
As a result, many foreigners tend to over use keigo in situations that don't require it. For example,
when speaking to a waitress as a customer. This ends up sounding weird.

20. Eager Chopsticks

If someone is picking up something from a common dish, give them some space. It's bad form for
two people to grab from the same dish at the same time.

JAPAN GUIDE
Welcome to our guide to Japan. This is useful for anyone researching Japanese culture, customs,
manners, etiquette, values and wanting to understand the people better. You may be going to Japan
 on business, for a visit or even hosting Japanese colleagues or clients in your own country.
Remember this is only a very basic level introduction and is not meant to stereotype all Japanese
people you may meet!

We also provide Japanese Cultural Awareness Training for those taking things a bit more
seriously!

Facts and Statistics

Location: Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan/East
Sea, east of the Korean Peninsula.
Capital: Tokyo
Population: 127,103,388 (2014 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: Japanese 99%, others 1% (Korean 511,262, Chinese 244,241, Brazilian
182,232, Filipino 89,851, other 237,914)
Religions: observe both Shinto and Buddhist 84%, other 16% (including Christian 0.7%)
The Japanese Language

Japanese is the sixth most spoken language in the world, with over 99% percent of the country's
population using it. Amazingly, the language is spoken in scarcely any region outside Japan.

The origin of the Japanese language has many theories in reference to it, some believe it is similar
to the Altaic languages, namely Turkish or Mongolian. It is recognized and acknowledged to be
close in syntax to the Korean language.

Dialects are used in areas, particularly in Kyoto and Osaka, but standard Japanese, based on the
speech of Tokyo, has become more popular through the use of television, radio and movies.

JAPANESE SOCIETY & CULTURE

The Japanese and 'Face'

Saving face is crucial in Japanese society.

 The Japanese believe that turning down someone's request causes embarrassment and loss of face
to the other person.
If the request cannot be agreed to, they will say, 'it's inconvenient' or 'it's under consideration'.
Face is a mark of personal dignity and means having high status with one's peers.
The Japanese will try never to do anything to cause loss of face.
Therefore, they do not openly criticize, insult, or put anyone on-the-spot.
Face can be lost, taken away, or earned through praise and thanks.
Harmony in Japanese Society

Harmony is the key value in Japanese society.

Harmony is the guiding philosophy for the Japanese in family and business settings and in society
as a whole.
Japanese children are taught to act harmoniously and cooperatively with others from the time they
go to pre-school.
The Japanese educational system emphasizes the interdependence of all people, and Japanese
children are not raised to be independent but rather to work together.
This need for harmonious relationships between people is reflected in much Japanese behaviour.
They place great emphasis on politeness, personal responsibility and working together for the
universal, rather than the individual, good.
They present facts that might be disagreeable in a gentle and indirect fashion.
They see working in harmony as the crucial ingredient for working productively.
Japanese Non-Verbal Communication

Since the Japanese strive for harmony and are group dependent, they rely on facial expression,
tone of voice and posture to tell them what someone feels.
They often trust non-verbal messages more than the spoken word as words can have several
meanings.
The context in which something is said affects the meaning of the words. Therefore, it is imperative
to understand the situation to fully appreciate the response.
Frowning while someone is speaking is interpreted as a sign of disagreement.
Most Japanese maintain an impassive expression when speaking.
 Expressions to watch out for include inhaling through clenched teeth, tilting the head, scratching
the back of the head, and scratching the eyebrow.
Non-verbal communication is so vital that there is a book for 'gaijins' (foreigners) on how to
interpret the signs!
It is considered disrespectful to stare into another person's eyes, particularly those of a person who
is senior to you because of age or status.
In crowded situations the Japanese avoid eye contact to give themselves privacy.
Japanese Hierarchy

The Japanese are very conscious of age and status.

Everyone has a distinct place in the hierarchy, be it the family unit, the extended family, a social
or a business situation.
At school children learn to address other students as senior to them ('senpai') or junior to them
('kohai').
The oldest person in a group is always revered and honoured. In a social situation, they will be
served first and their drinks will be poured for them.
Etiquette & Customs in Japan
Meeting Etiquette

Greetings in Japan are very formal and ritualized.

It is important to show the correct amount of respect and deference to someone based upon their
status relative to your own.
If at all possible, wait to be introduced.
It can be seen as impolite to introduce yourself, even in a large gathering.
While foreigners are expected to shake hands, the traditional form of greeting is the bow. How far
you bow depends upon your relationship to the other person as well as the
situation. The deeper you bow, the more respect you show.
A foreign visitor ('gaijin') may bow the head slightly, since no one expects foreigners to generally
understand the subtle nuances of bowing.
 Gift Giving Etiquette

Gift-giving is highly ritualistic and meaningful.

The ceremony of presenting the gift and the way it is wrapped is as important--sometimes more
important--than the gift itself.
Gifts are given for many occasions.
The gift need not be expensive, but take great care to ask someone who understands the culture to
help you decide what type of gift to give.
Good quality chocolates or small cakes are good ideas.
Do not give lilies, camellias or lotus blossoms as they are associated with funerals.Do not give
white flowers of any kind as they are associated with funerals.
Do not give potted plants as they encourage sickness, although a bonsai tree is a
ways acceptable.
Give items in odd numbers, but not 9.
If you buy the gift in Japan, have it wrapped.
Pastel colours are the best choices for wrapping paper.
Gifts are not opened when received.
Dining Etiquette

On the rare occasion you are invited to a Japanese house:

Remove your shoes before entering and put on the slippers left at the doorway.
Leave your shoes pointing away from the doorway you are about to walk through.
Arrive on time or no more than 5 minutes late if invited for dinner.
If invited to a large social gathering, arriving a little bit later than the invitation is acceptable,
although punctuality is always appreciated.
Unless you have been told the event is casual, dress as if you were going into the office.
If you must go to the toilet, put on the toilet slippers and remove them when you are finished.
Watch your Table Manners!

Wait to be told where to sit. There is a protocol to be followed.

 The honoured guest or the eldest person will be seated in the centre of the table the furthest from
the door.
The honoured guest or the eldest is the first person to begin eating.
Never point your chopsticks.
It will yield tremendous dividends if you learn to use chopsticks.
Do not pierce your food with chopsticks.
Chopsticks should be returned to the chopstick rest after every few bites and when you drink or
stop to speak.
Do not cross your chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick rest.
Place bones on the side of your plate.
Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something is and even to make a face if
you do not like the taste.
Don't be surprised if your Japanese colleagues slurp their noodles and soup.
Mixing other food with rice is usually not done. You eat a bit of one and then a bit of the other,
but they should never be mixed together as you do in many Western countries.
If you do not want anything more to drink, do not finish what is in your glass. An empty glass is
an invitation for someone to serve you more.
When you have finished eating, place your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or on the table. Do not
place your chopsticks across the top of your bowl.
If you leave a small amount of rice in your bowl, you will be given more. To signify that you do
not want more rice, finish every grain in your bowl.
It is acceptable to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
Conversation at the table is generally subdued. The Japanese like to savour their food.
Business Etiquette and Protocol in Japan
Understanding of Foreign Ways

Japanese understand that it is very difficult for foreigners to work in Japan.

They will not expect you to speak or read Japanese, or be conversant with their strict cultural
nuances and protocol.
Mistakes are allowed as long as genuine respect is shown at all times.
 They will usually try to help you but often feel embarrassment at their own lack of understanding
or English language ability.
Relationships & Communication

The Japanese prefer to do business on the basis of personal relationships.

In general, being introduced or recommended by someone who already has a good relationship
with the company is extremely helpful as it allows the Japanese to know how to place you in a
hierarchy relative to themselves.
One way to build and maintain relationships is with greetings / seasonal cards.
It is important to be a good correspondent as the Japanese hold this in high esteem.
Business Meeting Etiquette

Appointments are required and, whenever possible, should be made several weeks in advance.
It is best to telephone for an appointment rather than send a letter, fax or email.
Punctuality is important. Arrive on time for meetings and expect your Japanese colleagues will do
the same.
Since this is a group society, even if you think you will be meeting one person, be prepared for a
group meeting.
The most senior Japanese person will be seated furthest from the door, with the rest of the people
in descending rank until the most junior person is seated closest to the door.
It may take several meetings for your Japanese counterparts to become comfortable with you and
be able to conduct business with you.
This initial getting to know you time is crucial to laying the foundation for a successful
relationship.
You may be awarded a small amount of business as a trial to see if you meet your commitments.
If you respond quickly and with excellent service, you prove your ability and trustworthiness.
Never refuse a request, no matter how difficult or non- profitable it may appear. The Japanese are
looking for a long-term relationship.
Always provide a package of literature about your company including articles and client
testimonials.
 Always give a small gift, as a token of your esteem, and present it to the most senior person at the
end of the meeting. Your Japanese contact can advise you on where to find something appropriate.
Business Negotiation

The Japanese are non-confrontational.

They have a difficult time saying 'no', so you must be vigilant at observing their non-verbal
communication.
It is best to phrase questions so that they can answer yes. For example, do you disagree with this?
Group decision-making and consensus are important.
Written contracts are required.
The Japanese often remain silent for long periods of time. Be patient and try to work out if your
Japanese colleagues have understood what was said.
Japanese prefer broad agreements and mutual understanding so that when problems arise they can
be handled flexibly.
Using a Japanese lawyer is seen as a gesture of goodwill. Note that Japanese lawyers are quite
different from Western lawyers as they are much more functionary.
Never lose your temper or raise your voice during negotiations.
Some Japanese close their eyes when they want to listen intently.
The Japanese seldom grant concession. They expect both parties to come to the table with their
best offer.
The Japanese do not see contracts as final agreements so they can be renegotiated.
Dress Etiquette

Business attire is conservative.

Men should wear dark-coloured, conservative business suits.
Women should dress conservatively.
Business Cards

Business cards are exchanged constantly and with great ceremony.

Invest in quality cards.
Always keep your business cards in pristine condition.
 Treat the business card you receive as you would the person.
You may be given a business card that is only in Japanese.
It is wise to have one side of your business card translated into Japanese.
Give your business card with the Japanese side facing the recipient.
Make sure your business card includes your title, so your Japanese colleagues know your status
within your organization.
Business cards are given and received with two hands and a slight bow.
Examine any business card you receive very carefully.
During a meeting, place the business cards on the table in front of you in the order people are
seated.
When the meeting is over, put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio.