Japan is a country known for its rich cultural heritage and distinctive way of life. From the moment you step foot in Japan, you encounter a plethora of habits and customs that are deeply ingrained in the daily lives of its people. These habits, shaped by centuries of tradition and social norms, have become an integral part of Japanese society. However, what works seamlessly in Japan may not necessarily find the same success in other countries. In this article, we delve into 60 unique habits that have been formed in Japan, exploring their intricacies and shedding light on why they might not be as effective or applicable outside of this captivating island nation. Let me start
1. Forgot how to lock the door.
In Japan, there exists a cultural belief reflected in the Chinese saying, “People do not take any articles left by the wayside, and doors are not bolted at night.” This saying encapsulates a sense of safety, trust, and low crime rates prevalent in Japanese society. As a result, some individuals in Japan may develop a habit of forgetting to lock their doors, even if they remember it afterward. This habit stems from a belief that their belongings will be respected and left untouched. However, in many other countries, security concerns may be higher, and it is crucial to prioritize locking doors for personal safety and the security of one’s property. It’s important to be mindful of this habit when living or traveling in other countries where different security practices may be necessary.
2. Trusting the kindness and friendliness of all policemen:
In Japan, there is a prevalent perception that policemen are kind, approachable, and willing to assist citizens in various ways. This belief is rooted in the community-oriented nature of Japanese society and the emphasis on maintaining harmonious relationships. It is not uncommon for Japanese policemen to engage in friendly conversations, share jokes, and even offer assistance such as lending money for a taxi fare. However, it’s important to note that this perception may not be universally applicable in other countries. Policing styles and cultural norms differ worldwide, and interactions with law enforcement can vary significantly. While there are many kind and helpful policemen globally, it’s essential to exercise caution, respect local protocols, and rely on appropriate channels of assistance when needed.
3.Lack of familiarity with counterfeit money due to its rarity in Japan:
One unique aspect of Japan is the relative rarity of counterfeit money circulating within the country. The strong emphasis on honesty, trust, and integrity in Japanese society contributes to a lower incidence of counterfeit currency compared to some other nations. As a result, many people in Japan may have little awareness or experience with counterfeit money. This can lead to a sense of security and a lack of concern when handling cash transactions. However, it’s important to recognize that counterfeit money exists in various parts of the world, and travelers or individuals conducting international transactions should remain vigilant and familiarize themselves with security features and detection methods to avoid any potential financial losses. Being informed about counterfeit currency is crucial beyond the borders of Japan where it may be encountered more frequently.
4. Not locking bicycles due to low theft rates:
In Japan, there is a notable cultural norm regarding bicycle security. Many individuals may feel comfortable leaving their bicycles unlocked when making quick stops or running errands. This practice stems from the overall low incidence of bicycle theft in the country, reflecting a sense of trust and safety within the community. Moreover, it is not uncommon to see personal belongings left unattended on bicycles without the fear of them being stolen. However, it’s important to note that this habit may not be advisable in other countries with higher rates of bicycle theft. When traveling or residing outside Japan, it is recommended to prioritize bicycle security by using locks or other deterrents to prevent potential theft and ensure the safety of your belongings. Being aware of local circumstances and adjusting one’s habits accordingly is essential to protect against theft in different environments.
5.Drinking tap water without hesitation:
Drinking tap water without hesitation is a common habit practiced by many individuals in various countries, including Japan. The availability of clean and safe tap water in Japan has instilled a sense of trust and convenience among its residents. Whether at home or in public places, people often opt for tap water when they feel thirsty, considering it a readily accessible and economical choice. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the quality of tap water can differ significantly between countries and even within regions. While tap water is generally safe to drink in many developed nations, it’s advisable to exercise caution and verify the water quality when traveling abroad. Depending on the destination, using alternative sources of drinking water, such as bottled water or filtered water, may be recommended to ensure your well-being and prevent any potential health risks.
6. Never count the change I got from the cashier. Anyway, there is never shortchange.
7. Bow to everyone even strangers. In Japan, it’s common to be bowed.
8. Never double-check the quality of the purchased product on the spot, even laptop. There is no fake in Japan.
9. Never look around while crossing the road.
10. Polish shoes once every half year.
11. Never ask who it is before opening the door.
12. Don’t know how to throw garbage. Combustible or Incombustible? Even have to check the calendar to know what kind of garbage is allowed to throw today.
13. Became a fan of vegetables.
14. Started to think that piracy is illegal.
15. Lost curiosity towards restaurants. All restaurants look the same in Japan. Similar menu, similar price.
16. Put umbrellas on the umbrella stand outside the house. Never mind. Nobody would steal it.
17. Don’t know how to choose good quality vegetable. Everything looks good in the supermarket.
18. Can’t bargain anymore. Every price in Japan is fixed.
19. Don’t know how to open doors except in my home because all doors are automated.
20. “Sumimasen” became a common saying.
21. Forgot how to quarrel. Japan is too peaceful.
22. No need to bring toilet paper while going out. Every public toilet has toilet paper.
23. Got used to carrying two wallets. One for the bill, one for coins.
24. Never worry there is no elevator while going out with baby-car.
25. Have blind faith in the weather forecast. If it says it won’t rain at 2 pm, I will go out with no umbrella at 3 pm.
26. Never worry about the short amount of the purchased food.
27. Tend to believe that seafood is cheaper than meat.
28. Strongly feel that littering and spitting everywhere is evil behavior.
29. Never worry to be discriminated by accent.
30. Never worry to get thought strangely by others for just playing no-buying in a toy shop.
31. Think that a clean city is a basic human need.
32. Think that every corner or public space should have vending machines.
33. Abandoned the belief of “cheap-things-are-all-bad”. Because 100 yen shop things are really cheap but excellent!
34. Believe all shops’ sales are real.
35. Be surprised at the news about accidents.
36. Think that making mistakes is strange.
37. Think that all food is safe and clean.
38. Got used to waiting for public transportation according to the schedule.
39. Feel normal to meet an old man in good spirit.
40. Believe advertisement is true.
41. Even though nobody sees it, still nod while talking on the phone.
42. Get off the train automatically to make way for the people behind when the train is too crowded.
43. Press the floor button and hold the open button naturally for other passengers in an elevator.
44. Never sound the horn while driving; never ring the bell while riding a bicycle.
45. Never worry even though the bag zip is open. Even leave it at the seat while away to order Starbucks coffee.
46. Speak Japanglish while speaking English.
47. Stand by the left-hand side at the escalator, letting people pass by the right-hand side. (Osaka is opposite side)
48. Keep the trash in our bags and throw it at home.
49. Always carrying handkerchief and portable ashtray.
50. Wait until the light turns green even though there is no cars on the road.
51. Line up for everything.
52. Feel normal to be bowed by public servants.
53. Buying and selling adult stuff normally
54. Sit at the park randomly.
55. Barefoot once got home.
56. Never check if there is toilet paper in the toilet because most of them are electronic toilets.
57. Never smoke on the street. Find a smoking area to smoke.
58. No need to wash the vegetable properly. Sometimes even cook it without washing.
59. No hurries even though the earthquake is happening.
60. Going school, Taking the train, going to work, paying bills, everything is punctual.
If You don’t believe me? Ask your friends who have lived in Japan they experienced it or not?
Translated from- weixin./com (source)