As the relationship between India and Japan continues to grow, more Indian students and professionals are exploring opportunities to study, work, or collaborate in Japan. While this opens exciting doors, it also brings the need to understand and respect Japanese cultural norms. A little knowledge of etiquette can make a big difference in how you’re perceived and how smoothly your interactions go.
Bowing Is a Sign of Respect
In Japan, bowing is a fundamental way of greeting and showing respect. The depth and duration of the bow depend on the formality of the situation. A slight bow is casual, while a deeper bow reflects sincerity or gratitude. In business settings, combining a light bow with a handshake is becoming more common when interacting with international colleagues, but the bow remains an important gesture.
Business Cards Are Treated Seriously
When exchanging business cards in Japan, always offer your card with both hands, with the text facing the person receiving it. When receiving a card, take a moment to examine it respectfully before placing it in a cardholder. Avoid placing it in your pocket or writing on it during the meeting. This practice demonstrates professionalism and respect for the other person’s role.
Punctuality Reflects Professionalism
Being on time is not just polite in Japan; it is expected. Arriving even a few minutes early for a class, meeting, or appointment is considered respectful. Being late, even slightly, can reflect poorly on your sense of responsibility and commitment.
Communication Is Indirect and Considerate
Japanese people often communicate in a way that is less direct than what many Indians might be used to. They may avoid saying no outright and use phrases like “it may be difficult” to indicate disagreement. Listening carefully and paying attention to non-verbal cues is key to understanding what is being communicated. Maintaining a polite and calm tone is important in both formal and informal settings.
Shoes Must Be Removed Indoors
It is common practice to remove shoes before entering homes, traditional restaurants, certain schools, and temples. Indoor slippers are usually provided. Always make sure your socks are clean and in good condition, as walking barefoot is not typical in such spaces. Avoid stepping on traditional straw mats known as tatami with shoes or slippers.
Hierarchy Matters in Social and Professional Settings
Japanese society places great importance on hierarchy and formality. People are addressed using their last name followed by the honorific “san” as a sign of respect. In meetings, seating and speaking order often reflect seniority. Waiting for senior colleagues to lead a conversation or make decisions is considered respectful and appropriate.
Silence Is Not Uncomfortable
In Japan, silence during conversations is normal and even appreciated. It reflects thoughtfulness and respect rather than awkwardness. Unlike in many Indian settings where silence may feel uneasy, in Japan it often helps maintain harmony and gives space for careful reflection.
Gift-Giving Is a Cultural Norm
Giving a small, thoughtful gift is a common gesture when visiting someone or attending a meeting. If you’re meeting a host or business partner, a well-wrapped gift from your home country is often appreciated. Gifts are given and received with both hands, and it is considered polite not to open a gift in front of the giver unless invited to do so.
Dining Comes with Its Own Etiquette
Chopstick use involves several important rules. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this is associated with funeral rituals. Do not pass food from chopstick to chopstick, and avoid pointing them at others. Before eating, it is customary to say “Itadakimasu,” and after finishing, “Gochisousama,” to express appreciation for the meal. Interestingly, slurping noodles is acceptable and shows enjoyment, but speaking with a full mouth is discouraged.
Public Behavior Reflects Self-Discipline
In public spaces like trains, silence is preferred. Loud conversations, phone calls, or playing music in public are seen as inconsiderate. People queue in an orderly manner, respect personal space, and speak softly in shared environments. These small habits reflect the culture’s strong sense of mutual respect and orderliness.
Conclusion
Respect is the foundation of Japanese etiquette. For Indian students and professionals entering Japanese environments, understanding these customs is not just about following rules – it is about building meaningful, respectful connections. Adapting to Japanese etiquette shows cultural awareness and opens the door to stronger relationships, both personally and professionally.
Learning a language is one part of the journey. Learning the culture behind it is what truly sets you apart.