CultureELI5: How does bowing work in Japanese culture. I've heard there are so many subtleties to bowing that a Westerner should never attempt it. Is this true? What are some of these subtleties?
ELI5: How does bowing work in Japanese culture. I've heard there are so many subtleties to bowing that a Westerner should never attempt it. Is this true? What are some of these subtleties?
tealparadise on November 28th, 2017 at 17:18 UTC »
Here's another fun one. You are NOT to pour your own alcohol. At all. Ever. Except as a hilarious joke when you are drunk. (this is called "my speed" drinking)
If someone superior wants to toast & clink glasses, you clink the top of your glass against the side of theirs. Their glass stays higher.
At a party or socially, they are MUCH more comfortable if you are introduced by a mutual acquaintance instead of introducing yourself. I have had people get very awkward after I introduce myself and try to strike up conversation, then become very friendly after a mutual friend reintroduced us.
It's considered good, not weird, for everyone to order the same thing at a restaurant. If 3 people in a row order something, the rest of the table will generally conform.
I'll think of more I'm sure. There's a lot of wacky stuff, but as most people are explaining- as a foreigner you are NOT expected to know it.
theasianjoke on November 28th, 2017 at 16:22 UTC »
Am Japanese, am too awkward to do anything but a slight head nod toward strangers in any scenario.
kowalofjericho on November 28th, 2017 at 15:42 UTC »
Yeah the first time this happened to me in Tokyo, I was a little weirded out. Wife and I entered a high end department store in Ginza right as they opened and happened to need to go to the top level.
We were apparently the 1st customers because as we got off the escalator at the second floor, we were greeted by 5-10 sales clerks full on slow motion 90 degree bowing to us in unison.
This happened about 5-6 more times as we went up each level. As a westerner it was really strange experience but I did an awkward little bow in return each time.