Proper Way Academy

Forgot someone’s name? 🤨

It’s ok to ask it again. Just say “Excuse me, can you remind me of your name?” Instead of: “Excuse me, I forgot your name”.

By saying “forgot” you might make them feel unimportant.

With the Tokyo Olympics taking place, I thought it would be fun to share some Japanese etiquette manners and rules.

🇯🇵 It’s not good enough to arrive just on time; you’re expected to arrive earlier than the appointment time.

🇯🇵 You will hardly see any trash on the streets and even less trash cans. People usually keep it with them until they find one or arrive home.

🇯🇵 In public places, you’re expected not to make loud noises. Put your cell phone in silent mode when you are in public transportation.

🇯🇵 When you’re eating at a Japanese cuisine restaurant, try to use chopsticks. If you don’t have the confidence to use chopsticks well, you can still ask a waiter for forks and knives.

🇯🇵 Don’t play with your chopsticks, never stick them vertically in your rice bowl and never use them to pass a piece of food to someone else’s chopsticks directly.

🇯🇵 Slurping is ok while eating soup and noodles such as ramen, udon, and soba. It shows that you’re enjoying your food.

🇯🇵 Pour drinks for everyone else first, and then they will pour your drink in return.

🇯🇵 Never try to tip at a Restaurant. If you really enjoyed the food or service, a smile should be enough.

🇯🇵 Bow politely; bend your head and back in a straight line when you meet someone, thank someone, or say goodbye.

🇯🇵 When you greet Japanese people, just bow or shake hands. Do not hug or kiss.

🇯🇵 When visiting someone’s house, bring a gift for the host, preferably nicely wrapped.

🇯🇵 Japanese people never wear shoes inside of a house. If you’re invited to someone’s home as a guest, you may be offered a pair of slippers.

PS: I’m the one wearing the green jacket when we visited Japan back a while ago.😉 I must return soon !!! If you have never been there, I highly suggest you go there one day. It is one of my favorite countries and cultures in the world.