8 TABOOS NOT TO BREAK WHEN IN JAPAN

[yuiyoshida]

1. Walk on the wrong side
Even though greater Tokyo is one of the most-densely populated urban centers in the world, here, crowds are orderly. Pedestrians on wide sidewalks follow the unspoken rule of staying to the left almost as strictly as cars do. On Tokyo escalators, the rule becomes still more complicated: you need to stand on the left and walk on the right this time. Don’t you dare stand in the walking lane and walk in the standing lane, or you risk being trampled by a crowd or remorseless pedestrians.

2. Call a sexual organ by its actual name
Saying the name of genitals out loud, especially the female one, is one of the most serious Japanese no-nos. Instead, a Japanese person will imply the nether regions by saying “asoko,” which literally means “there” and is generally understood — no creepy winking necessary.

This taboo is so strong that a Japanese artist was recently arrested on obscenity charges for selling and distributing the design files to make 3D-printed models of her vulva. She was told that she was not allowed to use the word “manko” (a casual word for vagina), which brings up a point of caution: With a preponderance of female Japanese names ending in “ko” as well as other common words such as “hanko” (seal), new Japanese speakers must be careful to avoid an unfortunate slip of the tongue, such as “Have you seen manko?” That will not end well.

3. Be tactile
If you think some physical contact is a good way for people to connect, you may be considered a “hentai” (weirdo). In Japan, you are always expected to bow, especially toward those who are older or superior to you. Unlike Westerners, Japanese people do not share their germs when greeting others — no handshakes and, of course, no cheek kisses!

4. Leave a tip
Don’t even think about tipping in Japan! Tipping just creates confusion. If you leave extra money behind, no matter how much, don’t be surprised if your waiter chases you down the street to return it.

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http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/8-taboos-break-japan/