japanese customs

: Chopstick Etiquette: 13 Common Taboos Adults Should Avoid

Understanding chopstick etiquette is essential for respecting Japanese culture and ensuring a pleasant dining experience. In Japan, using chopsticks correctly goes beyond basic manners—it reflects your awareness, upbringing, and respect toward others at the table. Here are 13 common chopstick taboos, known as “kiraibashi”, that adults should be especially mindful of. 1. Reversing Chopsticks (Kaeshi-bashi) When serving from a shared dish, some people reverse their chopsticks to avoid using the end that touched their mouth. However, this means using the part your hands touched, which is unhygienic. Additionally, the now-soiled tips are used again to eat, which looks unpleasant ...

: Hyōsatsu: The Japanese Nameplates That Tell Stories of Home

When you walk through a Japanese neighborhood, you may notice small nameplates mounted beside the entrance of many homes. These hyōsatsu are more than labels—they reflect identity, hospitality, and a unique way of organizing daily life in Japan. A hyōsatsu placed beside the entrance reveals the family name of the home. What Is a Hyōsatsu? A hyōsatsu is a nameplate typically displayed near the front door or gate, showing the family’s surname. In some cases, the first names of family members are included as well. For visitors, postal workers, and delivery staff, the hyōsatsu serves as a clear confirmation ...

: Tsukimi: Japan’s Moon-Viewing Festival of Gratitude and Beauty

Every autumn, Japan celebrates Tsukimi — the moon-viewing festival — to appreciate the beauty of the full moon and to give thanks for the year’s harvest. The tradition dates back to the Heian period (794–1185), when aristocrats would board boats to admire the moon reflected on the surface of the water or in their cups of sake.What they cherished was not the moon itself, but its reflection — a symbol of elegance and refined sensibility in Japanese culture. They composed and recited poems under the pale glow of the moon, expressing gratitude and the fleeting beauty of the season. From ...

: Wrapping Service in Japan: Courtesy, Privacy, and Presentation

When you buy a book or a small gift in Japan, it’s common for the shop clerk to wrap it neatly — often within seconds. This may seem surprising in an age of eco-awareness and minimal packaging, but in Japan, wrapping reflects thoughtfulness and respect. Why Bookstores Offer Wrapping In Japan, even a simple purchase like a book often comes wrapped in paper featuring the store’s logo. The clerk folds the corners with precision, creating a neat cover in seconds. So, why is this practice still loved today? 1. Privacy: Many readers prefer others not to know what they’re ...