×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Japan | What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Japan? | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Hanami Festival in Kyoto, Japan

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Japan?

Answer this Question

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

We asked people in Japan if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting Japan. It is important to be respectful of the Japanese culture and to avoid making any offensive gestures or comments. It is also important to be aware of the Japanese customs and etiquette, such as bowing when greeting someone, taking off your shoes when entering a home or temple, and not pointing with your chopsticks. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the Japanese language and to avoid speaking loudly in public. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the Japanese culture and to avoid taking pictures of people without their permission," wrote a member who made the move to Japan.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

"A few grammatical errors come to mind. Woman is "onna no hito" rather than just "onna" and if you say just onna it is referring to their vaginas. Also, I said "Watashi wa sensei wo tabemashita" instead of "Watachi wa sensei to tabemashita." The difference: "I ate a teacher" instead of "I ate with a teacher"," explained one expat living in Tomobe, Japan.

Please login to continue reading this article.

Not a member? Join Today (it's free).

Other Questions:

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Japan?

If you live in Japan, newcomers to Japan would love to hear your answer to this question.

If your answer relates to a specific city or town in Japan, please include the name of the city/town below:


About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Hanami Festival in Kyoto, Japan
AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides