What NOT to do when in Japan:
1. Keep your shoes on while indoors. In nearly every home and
many businesses, shoes are removed at the entrance and slippers are provided.
2. Wear toilet slippers elsewhere in the house. Special slippers are
available just for use in the toilet room. Don't make the mistake of wearing
them elsewhere.
3. Blow your nose in public. Even though small packages of tissues are
handed out in train stations, they are Not for blowing noses. They are for
wiping sweat and drying hands. Sniff, snort or mouth breathe, but don't blow!
4. Pick your teeth with your mouth open. Toothpicks are provided in nearly
all restaurants, but it is considered impolite to use them unless you cover your
mouth with one hand and clean your teeth with the other.
5. Forget to bow. The art of bowing when meeting or leaving is a skill to
master. You will be forgiven for bowing too low or not low enough, but you will
be considered uncultured if you don't bow at all.
6. Forget to exchange business cards. If you are doing business with the
Japanese, the formal exchange of meishi or business cards is an important
part of every introduction. Hand yours to your counterpart with the writing
facing them. And bow.
7. Pour your own drink. It is customary to let someone else pour your
drink. And you must remember to take your turn pouring theirs.
8. Refuse to take part in the karaoke. Everyone does it, whether
they can carry a tune or not. And you are expected to as well.
9. Refuse the alcohol. All business parties feature drinking. Develop an
"allergy" if need be, but outright refusal is considered bad form.
10. Fail to attend a social occasion with business associates. You only
have to stay for a few minutes and greet the most important people (the bosses)
but you must make an appearance.