restaurant etiquette

: Why Do Japanese Restaurants Call Out “Sumimasen” Instead of Waiting Quietly?

Visitors to Japan are often surprised by something that happens in restaurants. The atmosphere may feel quiet and calm — yet suddenly someone calls out "Sumimasen!" to get the attention of staff. In some countries, customers wait quietly for a server to approach the table, so this can feel unexpectedly direct or even rude at first. In Japan, however, saying "Sumimasen" is usually considered a smooth and polite way to begin interaction when assistance is needed. Calling out "Sumimasen" in Japanese restaurants is traditionally a normal and polite way to request assistance. Rather than constantly interrupting ...