Japanese Culture

Information on Japanese culture, manners, food, martial arts, and more

There are many aspects and customs that are unique to Japanese culture. Traditionally, Japanese culture has many strict rules of etiquette for every situation from interactions between neighbors to how to eat from a bowl depending on its contents and the size of the bowl.

Below we have made some guides that should help you blend in. Some topics covered are business etiquette, praying manners at shrines and temples, and Japanese funeral manners. We also have guides with information for learning, watching, and experiencing Japanese culture and art.

Japanese Verbal & Nonverbal Communication for Business

wo When it comes to business, Japan has a vastly different way of communicating compared to many Western countries; and those who fail to account for that difference often find themselves lost in the discussion or even accidentally insulting those they are speaking with. >> Japanese Personalit…

Experience the Beauty of Sado, the Japanese Tea Ceremony

In a peaceful moment, imagine the design of an elegant kimono, the asymmetrical beauty of a flower arrangement nearby, the contrast of light bamboo implements and the dark cast iron water container, the tea bowl is at the ready and the tea master takes up his whisk to create the perfect zen bowl of…

Japanese Wedding Etiquette: 7 Steps from RSVP to Afterparty

When you've been in Japan long enough and have a local circle of young working adult friends or others who are older with grown children, then the chances are that one fine day you may find yourself invited to a wedding ceremony in Japan. Congratulations, as being asked to attend a Japanese wedding…

Polite and Useful Japanese Business Phrases

Working in a Japanese company requires not only knowledge of Japanese business culture but also the use of a polite form of Japanese that is not commonly used in daily life. Though some phrases and words do carry over into everyday normal conversation, some words have a strictly business feel about…

Great Places for 'Hatsumode' around Tokyo during the Japanese New Year

On the first day of the Japanese new year, you will see many people heading to shinto shrines and temples for "hatsumode," or the first prayer of the year. On this day, people bring back old omamori protective amulets - which are supposed to have a shelf life of one year - and obtain new ones from…

The Latest Modern Japanese Bathrooms

As you may have guessed from Japan's Hot Spring culture, Japanese people love taking baths. Japanese bathrooms are structured not only for taking a shower but also for soaking in a bath. In contrast to some western cultures where people shower in the morning as a way to wake up and start the day, m…

Tokyo Bonsai: How to Become an Expert Expat in the Art of Mini Trees

Bonsai is perhaps the most well-known and treasured of Japan’s botanical beauty. What you may not realize, however, is that “bonsai” is not the name of the trees themselves, but the name of the art form of raising these miniature saplings. Bonsai trees get their size from being grown in a small con…

A Beginner's Guide to Japanese Business Etiquette

In Japan, there are rules of etiquette suitable for interactions between acquaintances, between customers and shop assistants in shops and in all other social situations. These rules and customs are also essential for businesses in Japan. There are some cultural aspects unique to Japan that are not…

Dress Code in Japan: A Guide to Appropriate Japanese Attire

As a largely conservative society, Japan has different standards to Western countries in many aspects of life–including dress code. If you’re keen not to offend and want to be sartorially prepared, keep reading for some practical Japanese dress code tips for what to wear during life’s most importan…