The Japanese are known for their politeness, so it’s only natural that visitors to Japan want to know what to do, or not do, to avoid appearing rude. Check out this list of little behaviors that you won’t find in your guidebook.
faux pas
We asked Japanese people to tell us the things foreigners say or think about Japan that really gets their goat—and they were happy to oblige! How many of these faux pas are you guilty of?
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japanese Internet confused and intrigued by sudden influx of “choking Sasuke memes”
Man buys CD from amateur musician on streets of Tokyo, stomps on it in front of her face【Video】
Japanese woman finds out fiance she met when he “found” her lost phone is the man who stole it
Prior owners of Keiunkan ryokan, the world’s oldest hotel, liquidate company
Three-way “yankee” street brawl breaks out following Coming-of-Age Ceremony in Japan【Video】
Japanese netizens list their top 10 choices for ’90s anime remakes — What’s your pick?
Sakura jelly desserts are beautiful and back on sale so your “cherry blossoms will bloom”
“Meat futon” skit with girls in bikinis on Japanese TV slammed as sexist and outdated
Japan travel: Best places to see, eat and stay at Nagato and Mine in Yamaguchi Prefecture
“Real-world Pokémon” has Japanese Internet gushing, but what is the cute creature?
Weekly
“There are many mentally unwell girls in AKB48” claims ex-member of Japan’s top idol singer group
Seijinshiki 2019: Best wild kimono outfits from Coming of Age Day celebrations in Kitakyushu
Japan cherry blossom forecast 2019! Sakura coming earlier than usual to Tokyo
Budget entertainment: 12 fun things to do in Tokyo that will cost you absolutely nothing
Japanese netizens react to picture that disappears if you stare at it for 20 seconds
Tokyo’s new “real-life Mario Karts” make it ridiculously clear they’re unrelated to Nintendo
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako reveals jaw-dropping annual income
Buying property in Japan? This mini tower house can be yours for less than $12,000- Japanese woman finds out fiance she met when he “found” her lost phone is the man who stole it
Japan’s public broadcaster films science experiment at the country’s most famous porn location
Monthly
Japanese dad mercilessly beats son to tears in Smash Bros. after he says he wants to be pro gamer
Artist collapses at Comiket and dies, leading brother to make a request of all anime illustrators
Japanese 26-year old single mother arrested for inviting underage high school boy home
Cafe opens in Tokyo staffed by robots controlled by paralyzed people
Otaku husband returns home after argument to find wife has destroyed his anime robot collection
Loving husky dog gives her owner the most enthusiastic greeting, and also the loudest
Japanese idol asks fans to marry her, provided they can pay her 400,000 yen (US$3,550) a month
“He wore Uniqlo to meet me!” Japanese woman shares petty bad date story, Internet bites back- Japan’s public broadcaster films science experiment at the country’s most famous porn location
Real-world Final Fantasy wedding ceremony/reception plan to be offered in Japan
Yearly
- Japanese dad mercilessly beats son to tears in Smash Bros. after he says he wants to be pro gamer
Low-quality laughing stock of current anime season sends hidden cry for help in closing credits- Artist collapses at Comiket and dies, leading brother to make a request of all anime illustrators
To combat declining birth rate, Japan to begin offering “Breeding Visas” to foreigners- Cafe opens in Tokyo staffed by robots controlled by paralyzed people
- Japanese 26-year old single mother arrested for inviting underage high school boy home
Miss World Japan: The great-times-20-granddaughter of samurai lord One-Eyed Dragon
Edo-Period Japanese book depicts U.S. history in hilariously awesome illustrations
Shibuya Halloween event turns ugly with toppled truck, perverts, and upskirt photography
Miss Universe Japan debuts Sailor Moon ninja transformation dress as national costume for 2018
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Japanese netizens list their top 10 choices for ’90s anime remakes — What’s your pick?
Sakura jelly desserts are beautiful and back on sale so your “cherry blossoms will bloom”
“Meat futon” skit with girls in bikinis on Japanese TV slammed as sexist and outdated
Japan travel: Best places to see, eat and stay at Nagato and Mine in Yamaguchi Prefecture
“Real-world Pokémon” has Japanese Internet gushing, but what is the cute creature?
Pokémon Eevee becomes part of Ariana Grande’s body thanks to her new Pocket Monster tattoo
To combat declining birth rate, Japan to begin offering “Breeding Visas” to foreigners
Seijinshiki 2019: Best wild kimono outfits from Coming of Age Day celebrations in Kitakyushu
Kyoto massage parlor would like to offer you a head rub on a self-driving tatami reed floor【Vid】
Coca-Cola Japan unveils new sakura design bottle for cherry blossom season 2019
There’s a Kingdom Hearts hotel room with a functioning Keyblade coming to Tokyo Disneyland【Pics】
Lotte teams up with Your Name producer for new video starring Japanese sweets as anime characters
Cafe opens in Tokyo staffed by robots controlled by paralyzed people
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