10 Things should not do in Japan (with reasons) 恥かくで

Introduction

Every single society has norms of each own. An old Japanese saying put it: “In a society stranger to you, behave on the norms it has.” The following is the list of the things should not do in Japan. Depending on many reasons, these behaviors considered vulgar or coarse in our society. I have no intention to criticize anyone. I just do not want my qualified readers humiliated or insulted. In addition to it, such deeds would devastate ” the ideal Japan” in your mind.

I’m sure, of course, some Japanese people do them. Remember, all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had, old sport. 合掌

Worst #1 Eating and drinking while walking

The worst thing to do. Eating and drinking without sitting is the most vulgar. With this behavior, you are considered uncivilized. Emergency is exception. For example, it is acceptable to drink something to avoid heat illness in summer time.

Besides don’t visit places and take bus with a cup of drink. A bottled one with a cup is o.k. because you don’t make a mess.

Worst #2 Sitting anywhere you want

Do not sit anywhere you want: Ground, stairsteps, something like steps (in shrines, temples, stores, and other places) , and so on. Emergency is exception. For example, when you feel ill, sit on the ground and ask for a help.

Sitting on a ground or steps is very rude. Besides, when we see people sit on a place don’t belong to them, we find it is a dangerous place to be avoided. We live in a society where grandma with cane goes to grocery store around 22:00 all alone.

Worst #3 Cutting in line

We usually wait in line to do something: To take bus, to buy something, ETCETRA. Make sure people wait in line(s).

This is so rude because we detest those who pursuit their interest without considering the others’. This is the reason why Japanese people wait in line for food in evacuation center. I heard the foxes in a fox zoo wait in line to drink water these days.

Worst #4 Putting luggage on seats or aisle

On train or bus, if you find a vacant seat, it is for other passengers. The luggage on aisle prevents passengers from going through the isle.

I can’t understand why some people do this. I suppose we learn this in kindergarten or elementary school days.

Worst #5 Talking loud in public place

Don’t talk loud in shrine, temple, restaurant, train, buses, etc. because it brings people around you inconvenience and annoyance. We feel it very bothersome. Behave yourself as though you were in the Waldorf Astoria.

Casual places, like Ramen restaurant or Izakaya, are exceptions.Of course there always is a limit.

Worst #6 Talking on phone in public

Don’t talk loud in shrine, temple, restaurant, train, buses, etc., due to the same reason as #4.

Put your phone on silent. Enjoy video or music with earphones. We love calmness and order.

Worst #7 Don’t leave garbage behind

Don’t leave garbage behind though there aren’t lots of trash cans/ boxes in public. In our society, even 3 years-old kids understand this.We keep places, especially public ones, clean. In order to achieve this goal, we don’t have things turn into trash when outing.

Worst #8 Taking photo of meal

Thanks to the social medias magnifiques, people loves to take photos of their meal. In our society, that’s the way savages are.  I guess it could be acceptable in a restaurant for tourists. I strictly don’t recommend this. It’s so rude and vulgar though lots of people do.

Traditionally, we eat something quietly showing gratitude to foot itself, nature that gave to us, and people engaged in. To boast about food and drink is so rude and reveals how vulgar you are though this idea is diluted and weakened these days.

Worst #9 Eating something before payment

It is illegal to eat something before payment in stores. If you pay the price after eating, it is illegal and you will be arrested.

Worst #10 Smoking in public

Smoking in public is so annoying. Besides, smoking in some places are illegal.

Conclusion

Do not;