Some cultural nuances in the traditional Japanese culture

Respect

The culture is based deeply on respect, whether it be business or casual friends. One way to show respect is through formal greeting, where one bows their heads. When visiting someone’s house, it is respectful to say “sumimasen” or excuse me to enter the person’s house.

“Enryo”

When Japanese people host guests, they often bring out tea or little snacks. It may be considered rude if when they ask you just say okay or yes and start garfing it down. Most Japanese will enryo initially meaning hesitate or say no thank you, but if they insist you are to go ahead and eat, again by saying excuse me. I never got this part of the culture. Perhaps because I am Japanese American and rather outspoken. Usually when I say no I mean no and when I say yes I mean yes. It keeps it clear.

When in Japan eat like a Japanese

Rude to say you hate something even though you can. The best way to avoid eating foods that you can’t stand is to say you’re allergic.

Learn the basic language

This can be interpreted as being open to learning about the Japanese culture.

Gift giving

The number four is considered bad because four in Japanese is “shi” which also means death. When you give someone something in fours, it is considered a bad omen. Another aspect has to do with giving knives as gifts, whether it be birthdays or weddings.