Hi! It’s Sensei.
Living in Japan, you might sometimes wonder, “Oh? Is this okay to do?”
Even if something is normal in your country, it might be seen as “Bad Manners (Mana ga warui / マナーが悪い)” in Japan.
Today, I’ll teach you the “3 Promises of Public Manners” to spend your time comfortably with the people around you in Japan.
1. “Speakerphone Calls” are a No-Go Anywhere!
Using the speakerphone function on your smartphone to make calls is a breach of manners in Japan. This applies not only inside trains and buses but also “while walking (Aruki-nagara / 歩きながら)” and in “Public Facilities (Kokyo shisetsu / 公共施設).”
With speakerphone calls, both the other person’s voice and your own voice tend to get loud.
Making loud noises on the street or in public places is very “Annoying (Meiwaku / 迷惑)” to the people around you. They might think, “That person is being noisy.”
When making a call, use earphones or move to a quiet place and speak in a normal voice. Even when watching short videos, the rule in Japan is not to let the sound leak out.
2. Don’t “Sit on the Ground” in Public Places
You might see people resting by sitting on the ground (Jibeta / 地べた) in parks, near stations, or in front of convenience stores. However, in Japan, this is not considered very good manners.
Especially sitting near shop entrances or places with many passersby can be a “Disturbance (Jama / 邪魔)” and doesn’t look good.
When you want to take a break, look for a nearby bench (Benchi / ベンチ) or chair to sit on.
If there is nowhere to sit, talk while standing or go to a nearby park or cafe.
3. Line up in a “Line” and Wait Your Turn
Whether at a convenience store, bus stop, or bank ATM, it is natural to wait in a “Line (Retsu / 列)” in Japan. Even if you are in a hurry, never engage in “Cutting in line (Yoko-iri / 横入り).”
Find the “End of the line (Saigo-bi / 最後尾),” line up, and wait while keeping a little distance from the person in front of you.
Japanese people will trust you more when they see you following the order properly.
Summary: Big “Trust” from Small Manners
These manners might be a bit tough until you get used to them.
However, by following them, the Japanese people around you will think, “This person knows the Japanese rules well; they are a wonderful person.”
Let’s stay mindful bit by bit to make your life in Japan even more enjoyable!
