Even if you do not drink, accept it and at the toast make a gesture of drinking it. A clear refusal of anything, especially at a time of enjoyment, is a bit jarring to Japanese sensibilities. However, going through the motions is perfectly acceptable.
After it's been poured and served, there is no polite way to refuse. It would be highly impolite to refuse. You just have to stay alert as to when they're pouring drinks, and politely refuse, be politely insistent, and place your hand over your glass, before it's poured.
It can feel rude or unfriendly to say no when someone offers a drink, but you can say no to a drink. People should respect your choice.
Pointing at people or things is considered rude in Japan. Instead of using a finger to point at something, the Japanese use a hand to gently wave at what they would like to indicate. When referring to themselves, people will use their forefinger to touch their nose instead of pointing at themselves.
The most basic rule of drinking etiquette in Japan is to never take a drink alone. Always wait for the whole group to receive their drinks before touching yours. Then wait for someone to offer a kanpai! before you raise your glass and take the first drink.
If you are under the age of 20, you are not allowed to drink alcohol in Japan. Offenders are subject to penalties under the law. Even if you are of legal drinking age, you must refrain from driving a vehicle (including a bicycle) while under the influence of alcohol.
Don't refuse food.
If you want to say no because you don't like the dish, you should still accept it but you are not obligated to eat. Similarly, if you are offered a drink you decide you don't like, simply leave your glass and don't empty it. No one will refill or replace the drink if you haven't “finished” it.
The Japanese are unfailingly polite. Usually very helpful. (To be fair, the odds of them inviting an unknown fellow Japanese for a cuppa are also ... Smiling is fine even though it is not customary in Japan.
Blowing your nose at the table, burping and audible munching are considered bad manners in Japan. On the other hand, it is considered good style to empty your dishes to the last grain of rice.
In Japan it's considered rude to yawn openly. Happily, you at least get to cover your mouth if you can't stop that yawn ... Prolonged eye contact (staring) is considered rude. Don't show affection, such as hugging or shoulder slapping, in public.
With some friends, you might feel comfortable having an open, honest conversation about your sobriety. With others, it's fine to keep it simple: “I've decided to cut back on alcohol,” or, “I'm not going to drink anymore.” People may press you for more information, but don't feel obligated to provide it.
Eating while walking in Japan is generally considered okay. There's also no cultural relevance that prohibits people from eating while walking. As long as you are following TPO guidelines, you should be good.
This means that it is legal to drink in public in Japan. You're able to consume alcohol in parks, at the station or – while frowned upon in most social circumstances – even inside a train.
The National Tax Agency in Japan is urging the public to drink more alcohol in a new contest aimed at young adults. The reason? Tax revenue from alcoholic beverages has been on the decline in recent decades as more and more young people in the country cut down or ditch booze entirely.
Do not thank people for complimenting you. If a Japanese person says something nice about you, like telling you that you look nice in your dress or you did a great job, you should not say “arigatou gozaimasu” (which means “thank you” in English).
According to Inazo Nitobe's book Bushido, the lives of the samurai warriors were ruled by 7 principles called Bushido. These 7 rules were Righteousness, Loyalty, Honor, Respect, Honesty, Courage and Consistency.
She explains that in Japan, tipping is similar to giving a child an allowance, or as it's referred to in Japan, an “okozukai.” So giving a working adult something akin to an allowance comes across as condescending.
In Japan, it is a sign of respect NOT to make eye contact with another person. Likewise, making eye contact with another person during conversation is considered rude. As children, the Japanese are taught to focus on the neck of the other person when in conversation.
PDA or public displays of affection might be common in your country but in Japan most couples will avoid kissing or hugging in public. Holding hands is popular, though. Even when first meeting up with a girlfriend or boyfriend or saying goodbye at the end of the night, Japanese people rarely hug or kiss.
Never hugging or kissing
In Japan, touching another person's body is considered rude, even with friends or family. Hugging and kissing are mostly for couples. Our editor Kanako said that she's never hugged any of her family members as a grown woman. She hugs her foreign friends but not the Japanese ones.
You can use the phone for texting or surfing the internet, as long as it doesn't make any noise. If you want to listen to music, you should wear headphones.
Exposure of thighs in public is a misdemeanor violation
Thus, if one exposes one's buttocks or thighs in a manner that is repulsive to those around them, one may be charged with a violation of the Misdemeanor Law. However, the judgment will vary depending on the degree of maliciousness and the circumstances.
Japanese customarily bow to each other rather than shake hands upon meeting. However, most Japanese accustomed to dealing with foreigners expect to shake hands with them and are rarely embarrassed when a foreigner offers his hand.