6:17 first time I saw that on my first visit to Japan in 1995, I was impressed at the fact that people did that and nothing got stolen. 29 years later and this still puts a smile on my face. Japan, please don't change! 🥰😊
@@JapanwithNao While shopping for a suitcase in a Kyoto department store in 2003, I put my less than one week old digital camera down on a shelf in the suitcase area to move and try out out some of the displays. My friend and I bought a couple of suitcases to transport our extra scuba gear down to Okinawa for holidays and we were pretty much in a rush leaving the mall when putting on our seat belts in the mall parking lot I realise I don't have the digital camera with me. Ugh, suddenly the mood was down because it had been over 45 minutes since I put the camera down and I figured, oh well but I walked all the way back to the suitcase area which was nearly a ten minute walk, BIG mall. I walked right to the shelf where I remember putting the camera down and it was still there. Then I felt kind of weird just picking up the camera and walking away with it because how would other people know it was mine? 😅
Haha, that happens a lot here in Japan😉 It's not important who the owner is, though! If it's not yours (got or bought), there is just no reason even to touch it😂
Thank you for watching and telling me about that😉 I didn't know that is the norm in the world tbh...I mean I've seen so many foreigners wearing it in Japan while eating, so...😂
@@JapanwithNao A long time ago, in the west, like here in the states; it was seen as bad manners to wear a hat inside someone's home or establishments. Even nowadays, elderly people will automatically remove their hat (mostly men) when entering a place, especially if they plan to stay for some time.
Thank you for the rules. I find that I do a lot of these things in America, the country I've lived in my whole life, because I want others to be comfortable.
The train behavior is important. No matter where a visitor is from, act correctly on trains. Visitors too often don't understand how much Japan is not a casual destination or like where foreigners come from. If you want that there are other places. Japan is amazing but definitely about its culture. It fully operates on its culture. If you are interested in that and follow the norms its a very rewarding place to visit. Partner with its culture instead of having main character syndrome about yourself. It matters now because of over tourism.
Yes, Japan is a bit tricky, and the society is heavily linked with the culture😃 But I don't wanna travelers to feel something reluctant because of that. As far as you have a kind heart and care for others, there is nothing special things needed to enjoy here😊
5:39 is just common sense to keep the area you use clean and tidy. It shows respect to those you are with and those you are visiting EVEN if that is a business you are at like a restaurant. I really wish everyone would grasp that part of common sense when they in Japan and anywhere they go on this planet.
@@JapanwithNao Haha, I am guilty of that too especially the sink facet and mirror. I don't want the next person going in there thinking I am a total pig.
Hat etiquette goes back to the Middle Ages - it’s nothing new and not specific to Japan. It’s still standard practice taught in militaries around the world. I was also raised to take off my hat indoors in any environment.
@@negakurai You are definitely right about hat etiquette being an old tradition! But maybe some societies have retained the rules more strictly than others? In the US, where I live, younger generations don't seem to care much if someone is wearing a hat indoors in a place like a casual restaurant, but this video implies that this would be regarded as rude in Japan.
Most important rule: #13 (wear bags other way), or else it's impossible to fit everybody into those trains. Hardest rule to follow: #12 (no eating while walking), sometimes it's hard to find a bench to sit on. I broke this rule too many times during my trip last year, including bringing my food on a train and having people stare at me 😅 Favourite rule: #9 (bag on chair means occupied), because it assures you that nobody will steal.
Interesting about oshibori. I learned by watching other Japanese that wiping face and hands was normal. But this was 35 years ago, things might have changed. Or it was just a Kansai thing.
I know in Canada it's considered rude to have a hat on at the table. It is more generational tho as you see younger men wearing them because it completes their outfit.
Its actually even dwelling or establishment. Hats should be outdoors only. You can see some of those culture way back in medieval tines how people remove their cap when they enter
Glad I am not bald so I do not need to worry about hats. In the US not everywhere but many people do leave a sweater, hat or some other inexpensive item to try to save a spot. As far as busy restaurants go it is similar in the US although they would probably be more direct, usually thought you have more time at a booth or table.
These are always interesting to watch as a Dane, but for a different reason than many other Westerners. Most of these unspoken rules are also applicable here. Especially the two principles that you pointed out. The biggest difference is how confrontational people will be about those rules here. While usually Japanese people might endure in silence and give you the stare of disapproval, people can and will openly and loudly confront you about them here. The most obvious case of this is the bike lanes here. I have seen tourist walk on bike paths and not only will you be cursed at but you could also get rammed into by a bike (on purpose), sure only assholes do that but no one will defend you
Thank you for watching and sharing things in the country😊 Please don't crash into a bike on purpose...😂 It's so funny, though! As you said, we Japanese are really patient in terms of following rules. That's why Japanese people feel so uncomfortable to people who break the manners😆
Very informative video! The only one that I'd feel uncomfortable with as a foreigner is the not eating/drinking while walking. As a tourist, sometimes you have a very busy schedule to fit things in. While I'd be happy not doing it, I would have thought Japanese businesses would prefer us to purchase something and eat/drink as we go, rather than not getting anything at all. Do you think it would be reasonable to eat drink only outside in less busy places (parks and things)? As said, more than happy to follow advice here, it would probably just mean we spend a bit less on things.
Thank you for watching😉 I think your point is understandable, but I guess there are some people who complain about stores or restaurants if there are many people who eating while walking too so... It really depends on the place 😆 I can feel somehow, whether it's ok to do so or not depends on the area, but it could be hard for people who don't grow up here, I believe😲 So, in the end, what I can say is it really depends on the place.😅
@@JapanwithNao Thanks for the tip! I'll look around to see what Japanese people are doing in specific areas and follow their lead. I'd obviously love to try lots of delicious goodies but first and foremost I want to be respectful
Unspoken Rule #67: If you are a woman over a certain age, let's say 25-28 yrs old, then wear calf-length skirts or pants as opposed to shorts that do not cover your knees. If you wear shorts, other women of that age and older will give you mildly critical looks. If you cover your legs, the middle aged ladies will often smile in a friendly way as they pass you by. It's probably not such a big deal, but in Europe, it is common for middle aged women to wear thigh length baggy shorts in summer to keep cool, but it seems that this is not the social norm in Japan.
So many tourists and immigrants nowadays after COVID, especially from certain countries, really do not give a damn about any of these rules. And unfortunately Japanese in general do not confront them or do anything about it. Japan needs to impose harsher punishments or stricter entry visas.
Thank you for watching😉 That's becoming a popular topic in Japan. Many people ask the government to deal with it asap but we all know all governments move so late😂
I might take a fall or winter trip to Japan in a year - I've never traveled from the US but the worst possible thing is to offend your hosts! I wish these simple, polite customs were the same everywhere. Too many people are disrespectful of others.
the bit around 7:00 of claiming your seat in a cafe is actually considered very rude in many cultures. I had the opposite reaction you had while in Japan the first time I saw this behaviour. I thought that person was so rude until I realised it is a normalised behaviour here. just a cultural difference.
If all people followed Japanese rules, the world would be a nicer place. The more I learn about Japan, the more I am convinced that your civilization is superior.
IMO you should leave your restaurant table dirty so that the staff can clearly see where it needs to be cleaned and sanitized. Nobody wants to sit down and inadvertently touch your invisible germs.
Of course the entire table is cleaned after each customer leaves. By tidying up your visible mess, you’re showing respect to others instead of to yourself.
Which unspoken rule do you think is the most important to know in Japan? Thank you for watching😚
#1 is...don't disturb the Wa.
6:17 first time I saw that on my first visit to Japan in 1995, I was impressed at the fact that people did that and nothing got stolen. 29 years later and this still puts a smile on my face. Japan, please don't change! 🥰😊
Thank you for watching😃 I left my wallet on my bicycle basket twice, but none of them got stolen😘 Lucky! Haha
@@JapanwithNao While shopping for a suitcase in a Kyoto department store in 2003, I put my less than one week old digital camera down on a shelf in the suitcase area to move and try out out some of the displays. My friend and I bought a couple of suitcases to transport our extra scuba gear down to Okinawa for holidays and we were pretty much in a rush leaving the mall when putting on our seat belts in the mall parking lot I realise I don't have the digital camera with me. Ugh, suddenly the mood was down because it had been over 45 minutes since I put the camera down and I figured, oh well but I walked all the way back to the suitcase area which was nearly a ten minute walk, BIG mall. I walked right to the shelf where I remember putting the camera down and it was still there. Then I felt kind of weird just picking up the camera and walking away with it because how would other people know it was mine? 😅
Haha, that happens a lot here in Japan😉 It's not important who the owner is, though!
If it's not yours (got or bought), there is just no reason even to touch it😂
Headwear etiquette is also in western etiquette of old. Most people just ignore now
Thank you for watching and telling me about that😉
I didn't know that is the norm in the world tbh...I mean I've seen so many foreigners wearing it in Japan while eating, so...😂
For us it was that bombs don't fall inside so you should take off your hat
I can’t stand to see it, especially people wearing a hat or cap in the house, are they expecting rain? I’m a snob
@@JapanwithNao A long time ago, in the west, like here in the states; it was seen as bad manners to wear a hat inside someone's home or establishments. Even nowadays, elderly people will automatically remove their hat (mostly men) when entering a place, especially if they plan to stay for some time.
Thank you for the rules. I find that I do a lot of these things in America, the country I've lived in my whole life, because I want others to be comfortable.
Thank you for watching😘
That's great and I believe you are kind😎
Amazing cultural norms in Japan
Thank you for watching😘
The train behavior is important. No matter where a visitor is from, act correctly on trains. Visitors too often don't understand how much Japan is not a casual destination or like where foreigners come from. If you want that there are other places. Japan is amazing but definitely about its culture. It fully operates on its culture. If you are interested in that and follow the norms its a very rewarding place to visit. Partner with its culture instead of having main character syndrome about yourself. It matters now because of over tourism.
Yes, Japan is a bit tricky, and the society is heavily linked with the culture😃 But I don't wanna travelers to feel something reluctant because of that. As far as you have a kind heart and care for others, there is nothing special things needed to enjoy here😊
@@JapanwithNao You say it much better than me! Many thanks for your wisdom and supporting us.
5:39 is just common sense to keep the area you use clean and tidy. It shows respect to those you are with and those you are visiting EVEN if that is a business you are at like a restaurant. I really wish everyone would grasp that part of common sense when they in Japan and anywhere they go on this planet.
Yeah, but Japanese even sometimes tidy public toilets a bit sometimes after using them😂
@@JapanwithNao Haha, I am guilty of that too especially the sink facet and mirror. I don't want the next person going in there thinking I am a total pig.
I wish some of these were rules in the US too!
Thank you for watching😉 If it's a good thing, it will be through the other parts of the world someday😆
Thank you for this information. It helps make better visitors.
Thank you for watching😉
Thank you, this video was very informative.
Thank you for watching😘
Thank you! I didn't know the rule about not wearing caps in restaurants. I will make sure to take my cap off on my next trip!
Thank you for watching😉 welcome! I hope you enjoy next trip too😘
Hat etiquette goes back to the Middle Ages - it’s nothing new and not specific to Japan. It’s still standard practice taught in militaries around the world. I was also raised to take off my hat indoors in any environment.
@@negakurai You are definitely right about hat etiquette being an old tradition! But maybe some societies have retained the rules more strictly than others? In the US, where I live, younger generations don't seem to care much if someone is wearing a hat indoors in a place like a casual restaurant, but this video implies that this would be regarded as rude in Japan.
Imagine just sucking as a human being. Common courtesy everywhere including NA. Be better.
Most important rule: #13 (wear bags other way), or else it's impossible to fit everybody into those trains.
Hardest rule to follow: #12 (no eating while walking), sometimes it's hard to find a bench to sit on. I broke this rule too many times during my trip last year, including bringing my food on a train and having people stare at me 😅
Favourite rule: #9 (bag on chair means occupied), because it assures you that nobody will steal.
Thank you for watching😘 I can imagine many people gazed at you😂
I hope your favorite rule will be seen in the future in Japan too😊
Nao 👋 my intercultural skills are increasing day by day! 😊Thanks
Thank you for watching again😉 I'm sure you are ready to travel to Japan😊
I hope you have a great days here!
@@JapanwithNaoI am here!
Wow finally😉 If you have a question, feel free to come here😊
@JapanwithNao Yes, I would like to know about the huricane. Do you have a link?
Interesting about oshibori. I learned by watching other Japanese that wiping face and hands was normal. But this was 35 years ago, things might have changed. Or it was just a Kansai thing.
Thank you for watching😉
It's controversial... you can actually wipe your face, but....😲 haha
I know in Canada it's considered rude to have a hat on at the table. It is more generational tho as you see younger men wearing them because it completes their outfit.
It's similar in Japan then😎 Thank you for watching and telling me about your country😃
Its actually even dwelling or establishment. Hats should be outdoors only. You can see some of those culture way back in medieval tines how people remove their cap when they enter
Glad I am not bald so I do not need to worry about hats. In the US not everywhere but many people do leave a sweater, hat or some other inexpensive item to try to save a spot. As far as busy restaurants go it is similar in the US although they would probably be more direct, usually thought you have more time at a booth or table.
Thank you for watching again😃 Japanese people meanwhile put anything...even sometimes wallet..😂
These are always interesting to watch as a Dane, but for a different reason than many other Westerners. Most of these unspoken rules are also applicable here. Especially the two principles that you pointed out. The biggest difference is how confrontational people will be about those rules here. While usually Japanese people might endure in silence and give you the stare of disapproval, people can and will openly and loudly confront you about them here. The most obvious case of this is the bike lanes here. I have seen tourist walk on bike paths and not only will you be cursed at but you could also get rammed into by a bike (on purpose), sure only assholes do that but no one will defend you
Thank you for watching and sharing things in the country😊
Please don't crash into a bike on purpose...😂 It's so funny, though!
As you said, we Japanese are really patient in terms of following rules. That's why Japanese people feel so uncomfortable to people who break the manners😆
Very informative video!
The only one that I'd feel uncomfortable with as a foreigner is the not eating/drinking while walking. As a tourist, sometimes you have a very busy schedule to fit things in.
While I'd be happy not doing it, I would have thought Japanese businesses would prefer us to purchase something and eat/drink as we go, rather than not getting anything at all.
Do you think it would be reasonable to eat drink only outside in less busy places (parks and things)?
As said, more than happy to follow advice here, it would probably just mean we spend a bit less on things.
Thank you for watching😉
I think your point is understandable, but I guess there are some people who complain about stores or restaurants if there are many people who eating while walking too so...
It really depends on the place 😆
I can feel somehow, whether it's ok to do so or not depends on the area, but it could be hard for people who don't grow up here, I believe😲
So, in the end, what I can say is it really depends on the place.😅
@@JapanwithNao Thanks for the tip! I'll look around to see what Japanese people are doing in specific areas and follow their lead. I'd obviously love to try lots of delicious goodies but first and foremost I want to be respectful
@notheories9012 Thank you for watching😉 We are appreciated your effort😘
Some of these are supposed to be common courtesy in north america. But theres people eho are extremely rude and will leave a mess wherever they go
Yeah I knew that through my subscribers told me like you😁 Thank you for watching😘
Unspoken Rule #67: If you are a woman over a certain age, let's say 25-28 yrs old, then wear calf-length skirts or pants as opposed to shorts that do not cover your knees. If you wear shorts, other women of that age and older will give you mildly critical looks. If you cover your legs, the middle aged ladies will often smile in a friendly way as they pass you by. It's probably not such a big deal, but in Europe, it is common for middle aged women to wear thigh length baggy shorts in summer to keep cool, but it seems that this is not the social norm in Japan.
Gonna ignore ageist and sexist norms
@finite934 Thank you for watching😉 Thigh length baggy shorts are not popular among Japanese women I believe too😂
So many tourists and immigrants nowadays after COVID, especially from certain countries, really do not give a damn about any of these rules. And unfortunately Japanese in general do not confront them or do anything about it. Japan needs to impose harsher punishments or stricter entry visas.
Thank you for watching😉 That's becoming a popular topic in Japan. Many people ask the government to deal with it asap but we all know all governments move so late😂
yes, so many garbage foreigners coming to Japan now
I might take a fall or winter trip to Japan in a year - I've never traveled from the US but the worst possible thing is to offend your hosts! I wish these simple, polite customs were the same everywhere. Too many people are disrespectful of others.
Thank you for watching😉 We hope you have a good trip in Japan later😘
来月日本に行きます。楽しみにしています。南北海道アイロンマンジャパンというトライアスロンをしに行きます。レース中に食べても大丈夫ですか？頑張ります！今年日本語をちょっと勉強しているけど、
まだ下手です。心配します。I want to be polite!
トライアスロン！大変そうですね！無理のないように頑張って完走してくださいね！
レース中の飲食は大会で禁止されてなければ大丈夫な気がしますね(食べた後のゴミさえ捨てなければ）
日本語、かなり上手いと思いますよ！自信もって、これからも勉強頑張ってください！Thank you for watching😘
@@JapanwithNao ありがとうございます。はい。分かりました。Thank you for the great videos!
the bit around 7:00 of claiming your seat in a cafe is actually considered very rude in many cultures. I had the opposite reaction you had while in Japan the first time I saw this behaviour. I thought that person was so rude until I realised it is a normalised behaviour here. just a cultural difference.
Taking off your cap is common courtesy everywhere tbh. They just don't care.
Yeah I knew that these days. Many foreign tourists made me think it's ok in the world 😂 Thank you for watching and telling me😉
If all people followed Japanese rules, the world would be a nicer place. The more I learn about Japan, the more I am convinced that your civilization is superior.
I would never leave my things unattended in North America, the EU or the UK 🤣
You can leave at most places in Japan😂 But please don't do that.haha
Thank you for watching😉
7:00 in Germany if you want to reserve something.
The ultimate method is to bring a towel and reserve your space with a towel.
Noone will fight that
Thank you for watching and telling me about Germany😉 If a towel is fine, other things like a bag are also fine though😎
🇯🇵🎌🇯🇵
Thank you for watching 🇯🇵
Japan has my face sweaty like crazy. I hope they don't mind too much, if I wipe my face
Thank you for watching😉 Yeah...this kind of super hot summer....I know that😂
You need to slow your speech down or move to a room with less echo
Thank you for watching and your advice😘
IMO you should leave your restaurant table dirty so that the staff can clearly see where it needs to be cleaned and sanitized. Nobody wants to sit down and inadvertently touch your invisible germs.
Thank you for watching😉 I understand your opinion!
I believe Japanese staff clean the table whether someone used it or not though😂
Of course the entire table is cleaned after each customer leaves. By tidying up your visible mess, you’re showing respect to others instead of to yourself.
This video needs subtitles, if you know what I mean.
Thank you for watching😉 I put it but it somehow takes time to be introduced...
Sorry for your inconvenience🙌