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Japan is a land of history and mystery. It has a very strong cultural heritage with distinct traditions and practices. Here are some suggestions on dealing with common situations you will experience while living in Japan.

Manners
Japan is a very polite society and knowing proper manners is important in interacting with Japanese people. People are generally very courteous and helpful. Knowing proper manners can help maintain good relationships with Japanese people and avoid embarrassing situations. The following are some typical Japanese mannerisms.

Speaking and greeting
Greeting is mostly done by bowing. The more formal the situation, the deeper the bow and the longer the bow is held. Shaking of hands is rarely ever used as a greeting except occasionally in business situations. Close friends may just wave or nod to each other.

Speaking is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things of which to be aware: First, talking with your hands on your hips, in your pockets, or your arms folded in front of you can come across as rude. As you are talking, Japanese usually say little words like “Hai”, or “Un”. While these words roughly translate to “yes”, this does not necessarily mean they agree with your opinion or what you’re saying. It just means they are paying attention and following the conversation. If asked a (deep) question, Japanese may look around and remain silent for awhile. This usually just means they are processing the conversation and thinking a lot, not that they are bored or trying to avoid the question.

Finally, Japanese are not a very direct people. They rarely answer “No” directly to a question. For example, if you invite your Japanese friend somewhere or ask their opinion on something, you may hear such responses as “Muzukashii” (“It would be difficult…”), “Chotto…” (“Well…”), or “Tabun” (“Maybe”). These are almost always indirect refusals.

Relationships
As opposed to Western culture, there is little physical touch involved between people. Whereas you might hug your family or friends in Western culture, this is not done in Japanese culture. Young Japanese women don’t even greet their friends this way (although they might jump up and down and maybe grab hands).

Even married couples do not usually kiss, hug, or even hold hands when outside of the home. Men of Western culture who may hug close female friends in their own country must also be careful not to hug or touch female Japanese friends. This, or even excessive attention will most likely convey the sense of romantic interest on the man’s part. Even if it’s not true, it’s best avoided.

At A Home
You probably won’t have many chances to go to a Japanese home, but if you do there are a few things to be expected. First of all, when Japanese enter a guest’s home, they say “O-jama shimasu” (“Sorry to bother you”). They usually also take some type of dessert and/or drink as a complimentary gift for being invited.

Japanese don’t wear outside shoes in the house, so they take them off in the entrance-way. Make sure to have nice, clean socks on for when your shoes come off. The may have house slippers to wear inside. The bathroom may have its own pair of slippers for when you go in there. You will most likely sit on floor cushions (za-buton) because the host probably won’t have a table or couch to gather around. Make sure not to put your feet up on tables or desks, and never use them for pointing.

Be sure to thank your hosts for their hospitality (you can say “O-sewa ni narimashita”) and don’t overstay your welcome.

Bathing
Bathing in Japan is a very popular way to relax. Either in the home, (resort) hotel, or public bath houses (Sent?), there are rules and etiquette to be followed. As opposed to Western culture, the bathroom is just that: the bath room. The toilet and wash/sink are always separate. In public, they bathe together (although men [男] and women [女] are separate). Be sure to wash yourself thoroughly before getting into the bath and not in it. You do this “sitting” style at the faucets off to the side. The bathtubs are strictly for soaking.

In Public
There are many unspoken rules when out in public in Japan. Here are some suggestions of which to be aware in certain scenarios.

Eating & Drinking
In general, Japanese people don’t eat or drink in public (contrary to how logical it would be for such a fast-paced society). People definitely do not eat or drink on public transportation. It’s also uncommon, but not so impolite, to eat/drink while walking or riding a bike. If you do, just be sure to do it somewhat discreetly. Chewing gum can also be seen as rude, especially if you chomp it. Lastly, public drunkenness is more widely accepted than in the West, so don’t be surprised to see drunken businessmen stumbling down the street or onto the train after a long day of work.

Japanese eat mostly with chopsticks, so raising a bowl close to your mouth to eat is OK to do. “Shoveling” food into your mouth is also all right. Make sure not to stick your chopsticks vertically into any food (especially rice) to rest them. This is considered bad luck even if you don’t believe the superstition, it will still make you look rude and inconsiderate. The Japanese also eat a lot of noodles and soups, but it is common and not rude to slurp either of them. It is not polite, however, to belch after meals.

Hygiene
Personal hygiene in Japan should be kept personal! Many people have handkerchiefs, but they are not used to blow your nose. They are used for wiping sweat or wiping your hands after washing them. Always use tissue to blow your nose. Japanese don’t usually blow their nose in front of others. If you need to do so, turn away and do it as discreetly as possible. Some people will even leave the room. Also, as much as possible, do not put a used tissue in your pocket or bag; doing so is considered dirty. Throw it away as soon as you are able (although there are not many public trash cans). There is no Japanese response to a sneeze, so just learn to let them go.

If you ever need to use a toothpick after a meal, be sure to do this discreetly as well. Cover the toothpick and your mouth as much as possible.

Be warned that paper products are not very plentiful in Japan. Some (few) public restrooms may not have toilet paper, so be sure to take some tissues with you just in case. Also, bathrooms do not have paper towels to dry your hands. They will either have an air dryer, or nothing at all, so have a rag or handkerchief ready. Restaurants do not usually nave napkins either, but using chopsticks reduces the need for them. It’s still a good idea to bring some tissues with you to a restaurant to use in place of napkins.

Transportation
Trains and subways are the most common forms of public transportation in Japan. Although there is a concept of a boarding line, most people don’t follow it, so don’t be surprised if people cut in front of you. It’s all right to do it as long as it’s neither blatant nor rude. It is considered rude to talk on your cell phone or even to have it ring, so be sure to turn the ringer volume off. It is all right, however, to use your phone to send emails, etc. If you are talking with your friends, be sure not to be excessively loud. Japan has many people, so expect to sit or stand tightly next to strangers. When sitting, be sure to keep your legs and any belongings close to the seat so people don’t trip over them.

Taxis are also common, but are really high class compared to Western taxis. Most of them have cloth-covered seats and are kept very clean. The main thing to remember about taxis is that most of them have automatic doors, so if you hail one, don’t open the door yourself; the driver will do it for you. Likewise, when exiting at your destination, it will again be opened for you.

Punctuality
Japan is a very punctual society. It has some of the (if not the) best public transportation systems in the world. The buses and trains are on down-to-the-minute schedules. The people are also very punctual. If you plan on meeting someone, it’s a good idea to show up a few minutes early. Especially if you are going to some type of meeting, or getting together with associates, make sure to be 5-10 minutes early. Making people wait is seen as inconsiderate. Even clerks at stores will apologize for “making you wait in line” when you check out. Time tables are pretty by-the-book, so make sure you are ahead of time to present yourself as eager and polite.

Dress
Most Japanese people dress fairly conservatively. Men usually wear business attire, and young guys wear modest casual clothes. Women typically wear blouses and semi-formal slacks, and young women wear trendy blouses and/or t-shirts, and jeans or full-skirts. Japanese people rarely wear shorts, even in the hot, humid summers; it’s not taboo, it’s just not usual. Even when playing sports, they more often than not take sport clothes to change into. Foreigners are more able to get away with wearing shorts in public. As long as the clothing is not too extreme, it’s probably suitable to wear out in public.

Safety
Japan is a very safe country in which to live. There is very little crime and it is illegal for anyone other than law enforcement to have guns. Even in the biggest cities, there is very little crime. There are police boxes, or k?ban (交番) on “every” corner to assist you if you need help. It is very safe to even walk downtown or ride subways late at night with no worry. The people are very kind and polite, and quick to help, so even the most intimidating looking person is probably very kind.

Of course, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Women shouldn’t walk alone at night, and should always secure their purse whether walking or riding a bicycle. An easy, rising crime is for a scooter-riding thief to snatch a purse and ride off. Most bicycles have a basket on the front, so secure any items in the basket so they cannot be grabbed out as you’re riding by.

Honour to one’s family (name) is a very big deal to Japanese people, so getting in trouble with the law is dishonouring to the family. Most Japanese, therefore, will not want to start trouble. Even if they get angered, they will not easily show it.

Vowel Pronunciation:      a as in father
i as in taxi                        u as in tune
e as in bed                      o as is joke

Meeting people
Hajimemashite (Nice to meet you)

Watashi wa <your name> desu. (My name is _______)

D?zo yoroshiku (onegai-shimasu) (Lit. “Please treat me favourably”)

O-namae wa? (What is your name)

Greetings
Ohay? Gozaimasu. (Good morning)

Konnichi wa. (Good day/afternoon)

Komban wa. (Good evening)

O-yasumi nasai. (Good night)

O-tsukare sama desu. (When leaving work “Thanks for working hard”)

Say?nara. (Good bye)

Mata aimash? / ne. (See you later)

O-genki desu ka? (How are you, lit. “Are you well?”)

Itte kimasu. (I’m leaving [and coming back])

Itte rasshai. (Go and come back said in response to previous)

Tadaima. (I’m back)

O-kaeri nasai. (Welcome back said in response to previous)

Ki o tsukete. (Be careful/Take care)

Conversation

[Eigo ga] Wakarimasu ka? (Do you understand [English]?)

Wakarimasu / Wakarimasen. (I understand / I don’t understand)

Hai / Iie (Yes / No)

Sumimasen. (Excuse me / Pardon / I’m sorry)

[D?mo] Arigat? Gozaimasu. (Thank you very much)

D? Itashimashite. (You’re welcome)

Gomen nasai. (I’m sorry)

M? ichi-do itte kudasai. (Please say that once more).

Motto yukkuri itte kudasai. (Please say that more slowly

Omedet? Gozaimasu. (Congratulations)

Chotto Matte. (Wait a moment)

Japanese World and Religious Views
1. All religions are the same different paths but the same destination. Religion is essentially a personal quest or journey that cannot and should not be clearly defined, therefore seeking after truth is not important.

2. Weak people need something to lean on so whatever religion meets that psychological need for you is right.

3. Moral values and principles are relative and dependent on the situation but going along with the group (harmony), perseverance and hard work are all required to be a “good” person.

4. The divine (god) is not a distinct creator of the universe; rather the divine exists within and is a part of the universe itself. Christ was a great religious leader, the same as Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius, etc.

5. No one knows for sure, but many “gods” or spirits may exist and are in and/or behind things and phenomena. They can bless or curse; so it is best that they be worshipped and appeased which is done by performing ceremonies and rituals at the right time and place.

6. Since “holy” things are mysterious, religion should be complex and difficult to understand. But, the practice of religion in Japan generally consists of observing many very simple rituals that anyone can do.

7. Certain people, places and objects have special power to help, heal, purify, and bring safety. For example, mountains, rocks, trees, water, shrines and statues can all have special spiritual power; healers, mediums and other spiritual people of power are consulted.

8. Being a respectable, responsible family member or employee means participation in various Buddhist and Shinto rituals and ceremonies.

9. The natural world can be understood and controlled. Science and technology are generally good and can be depended upon to discover what is true. Evolution is accepted as a fact.

10. Christianity is viewed with a deep mixture of fear and respect. Generally, fear wins out.

11. Even though most Japanese regularly participate in many Shinto, Buddhist and occult activities most view themselves as being nonreligious.

Warnings About Spiritual Obstacles in Japan
Japan is both an easy and a hard country in which to do ministry. It is easy in the sense that the government does not forbid Christianity or evangelism, the people are very polite and open and they want to get to know you. It is difficult in the sense that there is very little immediate fruit. There are also many spiritual obstacles that hinder ministry in Japan. The following are just a few to be aware of.

Self-Reliance
Although most Japanese people will say that they are a “Buddhist” or follow Shinto ways, the real, main thought pattern is self-reliance. Japanese are always taught to try their hardest and not to fail. The language itself even has many phrases for “Do your best”, “Thanks for working so hard”, and other such sayings.

As mentioned, honour towards one’s family is of high importance. After this comes honour to your company, school, etc. Personal failure means bringing dishonour to any or all of these people. As a result, many Japanese people will commit suicide rather than failing. Suicide used to be an honourable death back in ancient Japan, and its effects can still be seen today. Japanese rarely want to admit they need help and turn to someone who would offer it. That is one reason why they have a hard time grasping Christianity.

Consumerism
Another big spiritual obstacle to be careful of is consumerism. Japan is a land of fashion, technology, and the world’s most cutting-edge electronics. You are constantly trying to be sold something. Japanese people always need to have the latest, newest, biggest, smallest, most expensive, most practical piece of equipment out there. Many Japanese people try to fill their lives with money or things of great value. Something new and better is always coming out, and they just have to have it. Monetary things that Japanese try to fill their lives with include: making money (gambling, pachinko), cars, nice clothes, the best sporting equipment for whatever they play, and any type of electronics you can think of (cell phones, cameras, TVs, computers, music players, etc.).

Having things is not bad, but of course they are not fulfilling. Many Japanese people turn to them for a sense of self-worth and accomplishment. As many big-name electronics companies are Japanese, they are always pumping out the best stuff. While ministering in Japan, it can be easy to get caught up in all of it and start to “need” these things for yourself. Again, having things is not bad, but be careful where your heart is on the matter.

(Public) Sexuality
Sexuality is a strange topic in Japan. Sex is not really discussed openly, but this does not mean that the people are not sexual. Sex is considered more of something to be done privately, but however you see fit. With that said, openly advertising sex is not uncommon. It is not condemned either; if one finds it repulsive or has no interest in it, they just ignore it.

There are many cabaret and strip clubs in busy parts of the city. Some may be hidden down back alleys, but some may also be more blatant. There is no censoring of signs or pictures, so there may be a sign for a strip club with nude photos right next to restaurants, bars, or even drug stores. This mostly occurs downtown, so be especially careful in those parts. Although not as common as in years past, advertisements for sexual stores or sex “hotlines” may be plastered around certain parts of town. Many phone booths used to have the hotline ads taped up inside the booth.

Other material also remains uncensored. Pornographic comics and nude magazines are sold everywhere, from newsstands in the subway to your corner convenience store. They are neither hidden nor wrapped, so people are free to go in and browse them at their leisure. It is not unheard of to see ads with nude pictures even in newspapers (but maybe less common). Be careful when trying to rent a movie as well. Many DVD/Video “stores” are just for adult videos, so be careful not to walk in to the wrong place. Even well-known chain video stores usually have an adult section, so be careful there too. Finally, even some late-night television is uncensored in Japan, and it’s not uncommon to see nudity on TV either.

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