During my first days in Japan finding out that I didn’t need to tip at a restaurant was a pleasant surprise. The service was unbelievable—polite manners with a wonderful smile gave the experience a ceremonious feel about it. It’s not…
One interesting, and for some foreigners, a bit exasperating issue when living in Japan is whether blowing your nose in public is an uncouth thing to do. The custom with how the Japanese deal with a runny nose or a…
In western culture, you can expect a swift dart of the eyes from your mother if you stare at a stranger. Staring is considered impolite and is frowned upon in our society. But is this a universal principle we share?…
The Japanese have a well-deserved reputation for being a polite people, and Japan is a nation where following proper etiquette is not only expected of its citizens, but to a certain extent, its visitors as well. Removing one’s shoes before…
When walking in Japanese streets, the first thing you’ll notice besides its impressive architecture is the sight of clothes hanging on almost all balconies. While a majority of washing machines in Japan have drier settings, most locals prefer air drying…
Breakfast is known around the world by many names, but it remains simply the first meal of the day wherever you are. In Western culture, the egg, bacon, and a piece of toasted bread are common. In the eastern part…
Japanese culture is very polite, refined, and intricate. The Japanese are a people that value tradition, cleanliness, and politeness, but many cultures around the world find different manners polite or impolite and can vary greatly. In fact, some things we…
Different cultures around the world all have their interpretations of appropriate dress and the associated colors for a variety of situations, incorporated into their culture and traditions. This can make it difficult to avoid accidentally offending by wearing or displaying…
Japan, famous for its bullet trains, is considered one of the most dog-friendly nations in Asia. However, many tourists often wonder if pet owners can travel with their dogs on trains in Japan. Luckily, many train companies allow pet owners…
Smiling in Japan, especially at strangers, is perceived differently than it is in the US. Is smiling in Japan rude, taboo, or perfectly friendly? While it is not rude to smile in Japan, it may be off-putting. Casually smiling at…
