If you want to travel to japan, it might be helpful to know some Japanese customs about public be haviour, dining out, tipping and gift before you go.
Even though you may be familiar with pictures of people in Tokyo crowded into trains during rush hour, be aware that people in Japan value their personal space. You might be used to touch someone on tho the arm or giving a pat on the shoulder, but do not do in Japan. You greet a person by bowing or nodding, or sometimes by shaking hands. If you want to get the attention of a waiter or a salesperson, put your hand out in front of you, palm down, and wave it up and down. Don't confuse this with the gesture for "No" which is to wave your right hand back and fourth in front of your face, with your palm facing left.
When dining out, before you start a meal, you will be given a basket with a hot towel in it. Use this towel to wipe your hands and than put it back in the basket. A napkin is not usually used. Be sure to wait until the older people at your table pick up their chopstick before you begin eating.
You will find that gifts are important. You should bring something when you visit, but it shouldn't be too expensive or your host will be uncomfortable. Avoid giving for of anything the word for "four" is similar to the word for "death". All gifts, even money, should be wrapped, but your host will probably not open the gift in front of you, in order to show that the act of giving is more important than the actual gift. Use both hands when your give or receive a gift.
Question!
1. The text tells you about...
a. some Japanese customs
b. Japanese abilities
c. People live in Japan
d. Japanese greeting
2. The text is not how to greet people
in Japan
a. nodding c. shaking hands
b. giving a pat d. bowing
3. What does the last paragraph talk about?
a. The way to greet people in society
b. How to shake hands is in Japan
c. How to refuse one's invitation
d. The importance of gifts for people
4. Which is not right according to the text?
a. Bringing something when visiting someone
is unimportant
b. Gifts are given to respect people whom
one visits
c. Generally Japanese people won't open the
gift in front of the gift giver
d. The gifts to be given mustn't be expensive
5. "...but your host..." ( last paragraph)
What does the host word means....
a. Something one receives from their guests
b. Person who entertains guest
c. Anything the guests like
d. Someone who gives gifts
Even though you may be familiar with pictures of people in Tokyo crowded into trains during rush hour, be aware that people in Japan value their personal space. You might be used to touch someone on tho the arm or giving a pat on the shoulder, but do not do in Japan. You greet a person by bowing or nodding, or sometimes by shaking hands. If you want to get the attention of a waiter or a salesperson, put your hand out in front of you, palm down, and wave it up and down. Don't confuse this with the gesture for "No" which is to wave your right hand back and fourth in front of your face, with your palm facing left.
When dining out, before you start a meal, you will be given a basket with a hot towel in it. Use this towel to wipe your hands and than put it back in the basket. A napkin is not usually used. Be sure to wait until the older people at your table pick up their chopstick before you begin eating.
You will find that gifts are important. You should bring something when you visit, but it shouldn't be too expensive or your host will be uncomfortable. Avoid giving for of anything the word for "four" is similar to the word for "death". All gifts, even money, should be wrapped, but your host will probably not open the gift in front of you, in order to show that the act of giving is more important than the actual gift. Use both hands when your give or receive a gift.
Question!
1. The text tells you about...
a. some Japanese customs
b. Japanese abilities
c. People live in Japan
d. Japanese greeting
2. The text is not how to greet people
in Japan
a. nodding c. shaking hands
b. giving a pat d. bowing
3. What does the last paragraph talk about?
a. The way to greet people in society
b. How to shake hands is in Japan
c. How to refuse one's invitation
d. The importance of gifts for people
4. Which is not right according to the text?
a. Bringing something when visiting someone
is unimportant
b. Gifts are given to respect people whom
one visits
c. Generally Japanese people won't open the
gift in front of the gift giver
d. The gifts to be given mustn't be expensive
5. "...but your host..." ( last paragraph)
What does the host word means....
a. Something one receives from their guests
b. Person who entertains guest
c. Anything the guests like
d. Someone who gives gifts
