Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!

Some people love Japan on the basis of having read a Murakami or some One Piece, downed a few matcha lattes, and eaten at Benihana's - and there's no shame in that!

We are totally against gatekeeping Japanese culture.

But we do want to say - there's a whole lot more to Japan than that. And Japanese people are really proud of a lot of their cultural traditions.

So, if you really want to live in Japan or not be one of "those" tourists, check these out!

Ultimate Guide to Japanese Culture

Japan might be most famous for one thing: respect. Not just the deep bow. Remember the 2022 World Cup, when Japanese fans hung back to clean the stadium? That same mindset keeps Tokyo tidy even without public trash cans. Why? Because they respect that these places are for everyone to share. And that attitude and thinking permeates throughout the culture, from meals, to riding the train, to everyday conversations. Read on to learn more!

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Ultimate Guide to Japanese Customs

When we say 'customs,' what we actually mean is manners and etiquette. So, if you're planning to visit Japan, there are quite a few to know! With that said, Japanese people don't expect visitors to obey customs they've never heard of or are not their own. For example, slurping noodles. It's a Japanese custom that shows appreciation to the cook. It says "yummmmmmmm" basically. But no one is going to care if you eat your ramen quietly or not. If you plan on dating in Japan, however, well then you've got some homework to do!

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Useful Japanese Phrases

Now if you are serious about visiting Japan and you've brushed up on your culture and customs, it's going to help some if you know what to say! Drop an itadakimasu before you eat, and a gochisou sama deshita on your way out of the restaurant and your Japanese friends will be like "woahhh are you Japanese!?"

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Side note: If you're serious about visiting or living in Japan, check out Japan Switch's affordable online and offline Japanese lessons and make sure you're ready to make the most of your time here!

For more information or other updates and tips on life in Japan, be sure to check out our website here.

Your Friends,

The Japan Switch Team