10 Habits Of Japanese People Demystified
- 6 years ago
Here are 10 Japanese habits Americans don’t understand.
The people of Japan are often regarded as being incredibly focused, industrious, and polite, but that doesn't mean the culture is without its quirks.
Here are 10 Japanese habits that many Americans find unique.
Number 10. The taboo on public nose blowing. Rather than pulling out a tissue and relieving the congestion, it is considered preferable that one sniffle until able to get to a private space. Further, the use of a handkerchief or other non-disposable wipe is deemed disgusting.
Number 9. Being shoved into a subway car. Commutes during busy hours are particularly brutal in Tokyo. As space is limited and demand is high, stations employ 'pushers.' It is their job to pack trains as tightly as possible by literally shoving passengers into the cars.
Number 8. Toilet slippers. Guests are expected to swap their shoes for slippers upon entering a home, and again when using the restroom. A pair of specially marked ones is usually kept in the bathroom. The use of them is both mandatory in and exclusive to the space.
Number 7. Slurping is encouraged. In the US making such noises while eating soup is considered rude, but in Japan not making them is deemed offensive. Consuming noodles and broth in silence sends the message that the food is not enjoyable.
Number 6. Canned food restaurants. The popular chain is called Mr. Kanso, and its patrons have their pick of hundreds of items ranging from French salad to bear curry. The food is eaten cold, straight from the metal container, and with plastic utensils.
Number 5. Celebrating Christmas at KFC. What started as a marketing campaign 4 decades ago has turned into full-fledged cultural tradition. Demand at the outlets is so great the restaurant recommends food orders be placed 2 months ahead of time.
Number 4. The fear of the number 4. The digit is to be entirely avoided due its similarity with the Japanese word meaning death. Things tend to not be bought or given in quantities of 4, people refuse to live on a 4th floor, and product names rarely include the numeral. Of course, Americans know the true harbinger of doom is the number 13.
Number 3. The obsession with perfect fruit. In Japan, there are fruit boutiques. Items on offer tend to be flawless examples of their kind, meticulously cultivated and lavishly displayed. A single, perfect apple can run in excess of $20, while a square watermelon will set a person back about $200.
Number 2. Not eating or drinking while walking. People do down edibles while on public streets and sidewalks, but tend to remain standing still – and often crowded around a vending machine - while doing so.
Number 1. The deep, deep love of KitKat bars. The candy's popularity stems from the similarity between its name and the phrase 'kitto katsu' which translates roughly into 'you shall surely win.' Nestle has certainly stepped up in meeting consumer demand, launching hundreds unique flavors including wasabi and green tea.
Which Japanese habit do you find most interesting?
The people of Japan are often regarded as being incredibly focused, industrious, and polite, but that doesn't mean the culture is without its quirks.
Here are 10 Japanese habits that many Americans find unique.
Number 10. The taboo on public nose blowing. Rather than pulling out a tissue and relieving the congestion, it is considered preferable that one sniffle until able to get to a private space. Further, the use of a handkerchief or other non-disposable wipe is deemed disgusting.
Number 9. Being shoved into a subway car. Commutes during busy hours are particularly brutal in Tokyo. As space is limited and demand is high, stations employ 'pushers.' It is their job to pack trains as tightly as possible by literally shoving passengers into the cars.
Number 8. Toilet slippers. Guests are expected to swap their shoes for slippers upon entering a home, and again when using the restroom. A pair of specially marked ones is usually kept in the bathroom. The use of them is both mandatory in and exclusive to the space.
Number 7. Slurping is encouraged. In the US making such noises while eating soup is considered rude, but in Japan not making them is deemed offensive. Consuming noodles and broth in silence sends the message that the food is not enjoyable.
Number 6. Canned food restaurants. The popular chain is called Mr. Kanso, and its patrons have their pick of hundreds of items ranging from French salad to bear curry. The food is eaten cold, straight from the metal container, and with plastic utensils.
Number 5. Celebrating Christmas at KFC. What started as a marketing campaign 4 decades ago has turned into full-fledged cultural tradition. Demand at the outlets is so great the restaurant recommends food orders be placed 2 months ahead of time.
Number 4. The fear of the number 4. The digit is to be entirely avoided due its similarity with the Japanese word meaning death. Things tend to not be bought or given in quantities of 4, people refuse to live on a 4th floor, and product names rarely include the numeral. Of course, Americans know the true harbinger of doom is the number 13.
Number 3. The obsession with perfect fruit. In Japan, there are fruit boutiques. Items on offer tend to be flawless examples of their kind, meticulously cultivated and lavishly displayed. A single, perfect apple can run in excess of $20, while a square watermelon will set a person back about $200.
Number 2. Not eating or drinking while walking. People do down edibles while on public streets and sidewalks, but tend to remain standing still – and often crowded around a vending machine - while doing so.
Number 1. The deep, deep love of KitKat bars. The candy's popularity stems from the similarity between its name and the phrase 'kitto katsu' which translates roughly into 'you shall surely win.' Nestle has certainly stepped up in meeting consumer demand, launching hundreds unique flavors including wasabi and green tea.
Which Japanese habit do you find most interesting?