Communication Dos and Don'ts

Addressing people correctly: honorifics and titles

In Japanese culture, proper use of honorifics and titles is crucial for showing respect and maintaining social harmony. Always use the appropriate suffix when addressing someone:

• San: A general, polite suffix used for most people
• Sama: A more formal version of "san" used for customers or people of higher status
• Sensei: Used for teachers, doctors, and other professionals
• Chan: An informal suffix used for close friends, usually younger females
• Kun: An informal suffix used for close friends, usually younger males

Gift-giving customs and expectations

Gift-giving is an integral part of Japanese culture, with specific customs to observe:

• Bring omiyage (souvenirs) when visiting someone's home or returning from a trip
• Present gifts with both hands and a slight bow
• Avoid giving an even number of items, as it's associated with funerals
• Don't expect the recipient to open the gift immediately; it's polite to set it aside

Non-verbal cues and body language

Understanding non-verbal communication is essential in Japan:

• Maintain a respectful distance and avoid excessive physical contact
• Bow instead of shaking hands or hugging
• Use both hands when giving or receiving items
• Avoid pointing directly at people; use an open hand gesture instead

The importance of indirect communication

Japanese communication style often emphasizes indirectness and context:

• Pay attention to subtle cues and implied meanings
• Avoid direct confrontation or saying "no" outright; use softer expressions
• Be mindful of saving face and preserving harmony in conversations
• Practice attentive listening and show agreement with nodding and affirmative sounds

Now that we've covered the essential communication dos and don'ts, let's explore some surprising manners that may shock travelers to Japan.