SITI AYEESHA - SECTION A (13/2/2018)

TIPS LIVING IN JAPAN

Learning and staying in a foreign country can be a great experience but it can also be daunting if you are unaware of the culture. Japan is one of the most culturally interesting places for all visitors. It has a rich and intriguing history and is a society that is bound by etiquette, or rules of behaviour. That is why foreigners should know these and the do's and don'ts. Here are a few main tips to survive in Japan:

• Firstly, Do get used to taking your shoes off when you enter a house or restaurant, particularly outside of Tokyo. The floor in traditional Japanese houses are covered with tatami mats and with very little furniture and most house are still in such tradition. These mats are used to sit on and also to sleep on instead on chairs and beds. That is why shoes must be taken off before coming into the house to prevent the tatami mats become dirty. but there are slippers provided to be used in the house.

• Next, unlike the western culture, there is no custom of tipping in Japan. So, do not give tips and leaving a little extra cash on the table at a restaurant will often result in a waiter chasing you down the street to give it back.

• Lastly when using chopsticks, do not leave it upright in a bowl of rice as thss action is a reminiscent of rituals associated with funerals. Avoid also playing with your chopsticks like drumming on the table or waving it to get the waiter's attention as these are considered as bad manners  

These few tips would help especially for students as they are likely to adapt to the new culture and make new friends. Visitors should not be afraid with the unique culture because Japan is warm and welcoming and the Japanese do appreciate visitors that make an effort to understand their culture.