Three Important Japanese Customs to Foreigners
Nowadays, the number of the foreigners who visit Japan is more and more increasing. According to JNTO(Japan National Tourist Organization), over 8 million people visited Japan in 2007. Most of those people have gone back to their home to their country not knowing Japanese culture because these trips are temporary. However, it is very important to know the local culture to widen their vision and get along with Japanese people. Three important customs are the keys to do so. First, Japanese people take off their shoes when they come into their houses because they want to keep floors clean. This is especially important when there is Tatami in Japanese houses. It is made from mat rush, so if there is stain on it, it is hard to clean. Second, Japanese people soak in the bathtub and they do it even with strangers in places called Onsen.
It seems to be very strange for foreigners, but it is familiar to Japanese people. They can warm themselves and talk with their family or friends or even strangers over soaking in a bathtub.
Finally, there are many oppotunities to bow in Japan. When Japanese meet people, they necessarilybow to each other. They don't get used to the body being touched in greeting like other countries. In most of cases, it means "Hello", bur above all to old people or their bosses it means a mark of respect. At any rate, Japanese people bow in various situations even where they should not do so. In conclusion, it is very meaningful to know different cultures for foreingners. By trying to do so, they can join the native people.
