Question:
I read on the internet that in japan you should never eat on the go, blow your nose in public and don't talk on your phone in public places. Why is that? I'm just wondering/curious. The reason why i'm asking is i know someone in japan and we keep in touch every now and then and i thought i'd look up some things about japan. From what i've read it's a really cool country and i'd love to go there some day!! What other things do foreigner's need to know when visiting japan and can you explain why that is. Also how long does it take for a parcel to get to japan from ireland. I'm guessing 5 days. I'd like to get the parcel over even quicker, maybe 2 days if possible. Also would i be able to send brown bread (home made) and jam. Is there restrictions about certain foods being allowed to enter into another country. The person in japan liked the bread and the jam when they were here and i'd like to send them over some that's why i need the parcel to get to them as soon as possible so the bread will still be fresh enough to eat. I've send over sweets/chocolates before and that was fine. Thanks.
Answer:
Eating whilst walking - This is something you -do- see now. However, the popular view is that you should enjoy your food and appreciate it. If you're hurrying whilst stuffing a chocolate bar into your mouth, you can't be appreciating it. It's all about respect for food. If you need to eat while on the go, take a seat and a few minutes to properly appreciate what you're eating. Also, if you're walking whilst eating, there's a possibility of spilling food, either on yourself, the street, or people around you. This isn't being respectful of your environment or other people.
Additionally, you must consider the way that Japanese people present food. They often take painstaking measures to present it. For example, wrapping, etc. Just scarfing it down outside the shop ignores all that. If you take it home, you can fully appreciate the effort put into its outward appearance. It may seem odd, but spend a few weeks in Japan, and you'll start to understand the culture of presentation. It has utmost importance.
Blowing your nose - It is not the end of the world if you absolutely have to blow your nose in public. However, it is much, much better, to polite excuse yourself to the bathroom and blow your nose to your heart's content there. Japanese people often dab at their nose with a tissue when they have a cold. It was a bit frustrating for me at first, but you do get used to it. Also, packets of tissues are handed out everywhere (integral to advertising campaigns), so try to stick to those. A handkerchief a bit unseemly and you should definitely not blow your nose in public on one of those!
Putting aside that it's just a bit gross - even in the UK, I really try to avoid doing it - there is also supposedly some history to it. The rumour is that in Meiji times (a period of great political upheaval in contemporary Japan) it was said that diseases were more likely to be passed on through the use of unclean handkerchiefs. Consider that in Europe, spitting was also regarded in this way. In Japan, spitting was only deemed to be an unseemly action by the Meiji government some time later.
Talking on your phone in a public place - Well, this is both true and not true. You'll see a lot of young people talking on their phone now, but businessmen do it too. However, it's far more popular to mail, or text. Many people, young and old, spend inordinate amounts of time messaging people. You should not talk on your phone on public transport - in fact, make SURE your phone is on silent. It is nothing short of embarrassing when someone's phone goes off on the train. Don't talk lously with your friends either. It is better to text quietly and to murmur to your friend if you have anything necessary to say. At night, it is often a little noisier, so you can probably have a chat with a friend, on a Tokyo train, for example.
More etiquette basics -
- Take your shoes off in the genkan (entrance hall) of someone's house. Do NOT wear your shoes inside the house. It's considered rude and unclean. You will be given slippers if they are available. Most Japanese houses have guest slippers for this purpose.
-Never stick your chopsticks upright in food. It's something that is done at funerals.
- Be as modest as possible
- Learn to bow. Nothing dramatic. A little nod of the head will suffice.
- Learn the word sumimasen (soo-mee-ma-sen). It's perpetually useful. If you need help, always use it first. If you want to get past, use it. If you want to apologise, use it. If you want to greet someone, you can even use it then!
-Taking a bath. Always use the shower first. Be completely clean before you even step into the bath - it is for relaxing, not cleaning yourself (no bubbles!). Also, do not empty the bathwater. It is likely that other family members will need to use it after you, and refilling the bath us a huge waste.
And here's one of the most important tips - learn to ask for help. Japanese people are amongst the most courteous and polite in the world. It is likely they'll already appreciate that you're unclear on Japanese customs, and they'll be only too happy to help you out, providing that you're polite and humble about it. Don't get too stressed about doing things perfectly.
I would not recommend sending bread. If anything happens to delay the post, your friend could end up with a very mouldy package. In regards to jam, check regulations of the mail service you want to use. For example, the Royal Mail website is very explicit about what you can and cannot send. You can send food through the post, but you must declare it. Anything potentially dangerous cannot be sent. You could also use an express mail service,such as FedEx or DHL. But as I say, restrictions differ, as do costs. Get your information and check with your friend before you post anything. It's better to send long-lasting treats like tea, or sweets. I find they are always appreciated :)
I hope all of this information helps. Good luck!
