File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
So guys, some friends and I are planning a trip to Japan our summer break (Ausfag here, so December-February).

Pretty much the only things I'm desperate to know is how NOT to come across as some Pig-disgusting foreigner, short of having full knowledge of the language of course.
>> Anonymous
If you like anime, do not tell anyone you like anime. Try to gain an understanding of the rail system ahead of time, they'll be impressed you can find your way around. Eat what the locals eat without any hesitation. Be polite to a fault, as they think we are barbarians.
>> Anonymous
>>39479
You can show an interest in anime just don't make it look like you have an obsession. Be polite.
>> Anonymous
Copypasta:

# Business cards should be given and accepted with both hands. It is expected that the cards will immediately be inspected and admired, then placed on the table in front of the receiver for the duration of the meeting. After the meeting, cards should be stored respectfully and should never be placed in a back pocket. You should not write on a business card. If you want to be taken seriously at a business meeting, you must have business cards. When you get them out, they should be in a card holder - not just taken out of your pocket.
# It is a faux pas to accept a gift when it is first offered and the giver is expected to offer it multiple times (usually 3 times). Gifts are generally not opened in the giver's presence.
# In greeting or thanking another person, it may be insulting if the person of lower status does not bow appropriately lower than the other person. However, foreigners are rarely expected to bow. The level and duration of the bow depends on status, age and other factors. It is a subtle art best left to the native Japanese (and even they find it challenging at times).
# Pouring soy sauce onto rice is considered unusual.
# It is less common to pour one's own drink in a social setting. Generally an individual will offer to pour a companion's drink and the companion, in return, will pour the individual's drink. Although if one of you is drinking from a bottle to glass and the other one is drinking just from a glass, it is fine to pour yourself because otherwise you will be in for a long wait.
# Blowing one's nose in public is a faux pas. Also, the Japanese do not use their handkerchief for hanakuso, which literally translates as "nose shit".
# For women, not wearing cosmetics or a brassiere may be seen as unprofessional or expressive of disregard for the situation.
>> Anonymous
# Although people around the world strive not to lose their tempers, expressing outward anger, annoyance or losing one's temper is an especially embarrassing loss of face in Japan.
# A smile or laughter from a Japanese person may mean that they are feeling nervous or uncomfortable, and not necessarily happy.
# "Hai" means "yes" in Japanese, but in a meeting or discussion it is often used to mean "Yes, I have heard you". Don't mistake this for agreement with your point of view.
# It is very bad manners to be late in Japan. If you have an appointment then aim to be early because you can almost guarantee that the Japanese person you are meeting will be early.
# It is rude to not send a postcard for Japanese New Year to someone who sent you one. Sending such a postcard to someone who suffered a death in the family during the past year is a faux pas.
# Tipping is considered rude and is rarely done in Japan except in certain cases, such as tipping your surgeon for an operation, when visiting a high class Ryokan, or when dealing with house movers. Consult the locals to be sure what is appropriate. If you can’t be bothered to wait for change, it is okay to tell a taxi driver to keep it.
>> Anonymous
# Cash is a standard gift for weddings and for children at New Year. It is always given in a special envelope or packet (which you can buy at any convenience store). There will be a standard amount to give at a wedding - ask someone else how much to give.
# When beckoning someone with a hand gesture, the hand is held flat with palm down, and fingers flexed toward the ground. To crook one or more fingers in the air is an obscene gesture.
# It is a faux pas to point directly at someone. Instead, extend fingers outward with your palm up (as if carrying a tray) and gesture toward the person.
# If using a toothpick, one should cover the mouth with the other hand. This comes from a Buddhist belief that showing any bone, including teeth, is dirty.

Especially take heed of the tipping and hand gestures points.
>> Anonymous
Oh yeah, when using chopsticks (if you know how) rest them on the chopstick rest when you put them down. It is rude to put them on/in the bowl so they stick out, as it is a reference to death (two incense sticks in an incense burner).

If you don't know how, either learn before you go or stay out the pool.
>> Anonymous
>>39494
Not to be rude, but how the hell is one supposed to remember all that?
>> Anonymous
>>39496

Japan's a complex place. Just forget the ones you won't need (like the business ones if you aren't doing any there) and remember them as best as you can. You have to expect a few slip-ups, but if you read them they may trigger a flag in your mind, should the situation arise.
>> Anonymous
>>39496
Study. Unless you want to be rude.
>> Anonymous
You'll be rude in any case as someone who doesn't speak Japanese. But that also means you are mostly pardoned because you are a foreigner who can't be expected to fully understand all the unwritten rules.

In general:
Don't be loud in public, especially in public transit. Just be polite and considerate. It is okay to apologise for not speaking Japanese and "being a bother" (even if you are just another paying customer). You could learn a bit of basic Japanese so you can at least say "I'm sorry, I don't speak Japanese, can you speak English?".
>> Anonymous
>>39496
Every country has rules for polite social engagement. You are just more familiar with the Western rules.
>> Anonymous
remember to hug people if they're helpful, OP.
>> Anonymous
>>39515

o_O
>> Anonymous
Like in India it is considered poor manner not to burp loudly after a meal, to show your appreciation of to the cook.
>> Anonymous
>>39491
Business cards: If you receive more than one, make sure you check them during the meeting. They love that. (I know this because it was commented on when I visited Gonzo -the anime company- when I was there last year)

>>39493
Toothpicks: This is a weird one, because you'll see almost EVERYONE picking their teeth with their mouths open. So open you can see the dangly bit at the back of the mouth.
>> Anonymous
If a Japanese schoolgirl smiles in a 45 degree arc of you, it's an invitation for you to feel her up. Seriously, they live it.

Because you are a Westerner, they may pretend to resist at first. This is part fo the game, and you will be considered barbaric if you stop.
>> Anonymous
>>39701
QET
>> Anonymous
>>39701
you know, i was interested in this thread,
and then i remembere that you guys can't be trusted.

Also this could almost be true. The japanese are cray
>> Anonymous
Do NOT get drunk on the streets or take the Yamanote line.
>> Anonymous
Avoid doing this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K03QNhBw3-k
>> Anonymous
My japanese teacher and other people have said not to eat while you're walking. Unless you want to look like a prick...

Rosetta is an alright program for Japanese learning. You can't take a first year intensive course before you go? I've finished the first two years of college Japanese and I'm weary of my skills when I leave to Japan for school for a year this fall (september, Americafag). If I see any white Aussiefags, I'll say hello to my fellow anon... ZOMG FROBIDDEN!
>> Anonymous
>>39873
whats wrong with that? pretty cool guys
>> Anonymous
>>39879

Where are you going in Japan? Because it sounds awfully similar to myself.
>> Anonymous
>>39939
Sophia University for the 2008-2009 academic year.
>> Anonymous
>>39949
GTFO, animal.
>> Anonymous
hahaha_oh_wow.jpg
>> Anonymous
>>39479
fuck what the slant eyes think of you, fuck their women and laugh
>> Anonymous
>>39949
Japan already is in the 2008-2009 academic year since April.