Why do the Japanese find tipping offensive, and what should you avoid doing to prevent insulting the people of the Land of the Rising Sun? Read on the “Mandry Club” website.
A country with a rich culture filled with strict behavioral norms—that’s Japan. The disciplined Japanese adore rules, follow them themselves, and expect the same from guests. Breaking them can lead to misunderstandings and even offend the locals. “Mandry” explains what you definitely shouldn’t do in Japan.
1. Don’t talk on the phone on public transport
The Japanese respect personal space and the comfort of others, so talking on the phone on trains, subway cars, and buses is not accepted here. Loud conversations distract other passengers and create the chaos that the quiet and modest Japanese dislike so much.
Furthermore, eating and drinking beverages (with the exception of water) is not customary on city public transport. This is tied to consideration for others: drinks and food can slip from hands and soil other passengers. On long-distance trains, such as the Shinkansen, eating and drinking is entirely acceptable—special tables are provided for this purpose.
2. Do not try to cut in line
In Japan, it’s hard to imagine a local bypassing others to squeeze to the front of a queue. Respect and order are above all else here. So be attentive. If you see a neatly formed line of people in front of an establishment, a subway car door, or anywhere else, join the queue behind the last person. Don’t stand just anywhere.
3. Do not hand banknotes directly to a person
If you are paying with cash, place the banknotes in the special tray at the cash register. Such a gesture is a symbol of respect for the person to whom you are handing the money. It is also a way to avoid direct hand contact, which in Japan is considered too personal or an intrusive act.
If there is no tray and you simply need to hand money to someone, extend it using both hands, holding the banknote by its corners with both hands—this is a polite alternative to a hand-to-hand transfer.
4. Do not leave a tip
In Western countries, tipping is considered one of the ways to motivate employees. The better you work and the more satisfied the customer, the larger the tip you receive. In Japan, however, such motivation is not needed.
It is customary here for workers to always give their absolute best, without expecting additional reward. For them, this is part of professionalism, and the offer of a tip can be perceived as an insult and a hint that the service was provided for the sake of extra payment or was simply poor.
5. Do not visit hot springs in clothing
For the Japanese, visiting an onsen (Japanese: 温泉, hot springs) is a true cultural tradition, not just a way to wash. Certain behavioral rules exist here too, which are important to follow. One of them is to be completely naked.
The main reason for this is tied to hygiene and the Shinto concept of purity. Before entering the communal hot water pool, visitors undress and wash thoroughly. Swimsuits or underwear are considered here to be a source of water contamination, as sweat and traces of soap can remain on them. Moreover, any clothing is perceived as something that violates the ritual purity of the spring.
6. Do not walk on the escalator
Historically, in most regions of Japan (particularly in Tokyo), the practice developed of standing on the left side of the escalator, leaving the right side free for those in a hurry. In Osaka and Nara, it is the opposite. However, today the authorities and railway companies are actively urging people to abandon this habit for safety reasons.
The current rule: stand on both sides and hold the handrail. Walking or running on the escalator is officially prohibited, as it leads to injuries. If you see locals standing on the left out of habit—do not disrupt the general flow, but remember the safety recommendation.
7. Do not stick chopsticks into food
If you are not using your chopsticks for eating, place them on the plate or on a special holder nearby. If there is no holder, use a napkin.
Chopsticks sticking vertically out of food are associated with funerals. During the ritual, a bowl of rice with chopsticks stuck vertically into it is placed on an altar in front of the deceased’s photograph. Therefore, such an action under normal circumstances evokes unpleasant associations and is perceived as disrespectful.
You also shouldn’t pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks. Such an action recalls another Japanese funeral rite: the transfer of a cremated person’s bones into a special urn using chopsticks. This rite is performed by the family members of the deceased. It sounds unusual, but it is one of the ancient traditions.
