How Not to Be a Jerk in Japan
Before my recent visit to Japan, I did the same intrusive research I always do before my doctor’s appointment or interview. Unfortunately, this usually means that I come to every doctor’s appointment and interview convinced that I have a disease that affects one percent of the population.
In anticipation of the trip, I was very shocked by all the articles, travel guides and videos that I read and watched. You might fall down a rabbit hole trying to figure out how not to be an awkward tourist in Japan, and I was pretty sure I would accidentally do something terribly offensive.
Upon arrival, I quickly learned the truth: Barring a few rudimentary courtesies, you are not expected to know every aspect of Japanese culture and etiquette. In fact, many locals were happy to politely show me what I was doing wrong and correct me.
In the video above, our local producer Michael Tudda showed me some basic etiquette that every visitor should know when visiting Japan. Michael has lived in Japan for five years and as a foreigner who has learned to adapt to Japanese culture, he shared the best ways to become a good tourist in Japan.
There is a lot to learn, but perhaps the most important lesson: Don’t get hung up on it. Just be respectful, have fun, and be open to learning new things.