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Japan | What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Japan? | Expat Exchange
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Daikanyama, Tokyo

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

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William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

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!...

"Yes, verbalizing my anger and frustration against lawyers and judges who told me you are not married what are you still doing in japan go home!!," wrote a member who made the move to Tokyo, Japan.

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"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.

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Other Questions:

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

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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.

Daikanyama, Tokyo

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William Russell
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