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.
Pointing the finger is considered rude in Japanese culture because the person pointing is associated with explicitly calling out the other individual for their wrong behavior or actions.
Do not address other people using their first names. In Japan, you do not address other people by using their first names like how things usually are in the Western world. That is not considered polite, especially if you are talking to a superior, someone older than you, or someone you meet for the first time.
Narcotics such as opium, cocaine, heroin, MDMA, magic mushrooms, stimulant drugs (stimulant drugs contained in an inhaler or items containing stimulant drug ingredients), cannabis, opium smoking paraphernalia and psychotropic drugs are not allowed in Japan.
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.
They hardly wear sunglasses
They cite reasons such as not wanting too much attention on themselves, because they find it embarrassing or as if they are trying to act like a rapper in a music video. So remember, don't gift your Japanese friends with sunglasses because they might not use it!
Public Displays of Affection
PDAs, gay or otherwise, are discouraged in Japan. Holding hands, kissing, and intimate embraces could garner disapproving looks and glances. That said, you're unlikely to witness any outright discrimination.
Drugs such as stimulants and cannabis, cocaine, psychotropic drugs, narcotics, opium, MDMA are regulated in Japan. It is illegal to possess or use them and taking them out of Japan is also not permitted.
We recommend that you bring your own lotions, toothpaste, and deodorant. It is highly unlikely that you'll find your brand or even anything recognizable. Most drug stores only carry a selection of Japanese brands and maybe, this is a VERY BIG maybe, one or two American brands.
Entering the Country: Japan Customs Procedures
Up to three bottles (760ml per bottle) of alcoholic beverages are allowed to be brought into the country duty-free, up to 400 cigarettes and up to two ounces of perfume are allowed.
Accepting something or agreeing
If you want to say “OK” you can give a person a thumbs-up or put your hands up above your hand, bend them in the elbows a bit to form a big “O” (called maru in Japanese). Remember, however, that thumb-down is an offensive sign in Japan.
The answer to this is quite simple… not often. It is not usual in Japan to use swear words or bad language in public. Of course, you certainly shouldn't say any of the following swear words in Japanese or phrases to anyone higher up than you, as Japanese is a very respectful language and culture.
Putting “-san” to your own name sounds very immature or arrogant. Another time you don't use any suffix is when you are calling people by their nicknames. So if you make a Japanese friend and if his/her nickname happens to be the same as his/her first name or last name, you do not need to use “-san” with that.
In fact, in Japanese culture, people are taught not to maintain eye contact with others because too much eye contact is often considered disrespectful. For example, Japanese children are taught to look at others' necks because this way, the others' eyes still fall into their peripheral vision [28].
Fortunately, your smile is unlikely to be considered rude or offensive, but it might cause misunderstanding since it is not a part of Japanese culture.
Therefore, it's considered bad manners to show off and explicitly exhibit your abilities and achievements. For this reason, people aren't used to receiving a lot of praise. However, it's still a good thing to give a compliment when someone has great traits or has done wonderful things.
Everything must be neat from head to toe, including hair and minimal make up. For men jackets/blazers can remain open but for women, buttoned is more acceptable. Any fragrances used must not be strong and all jewellery must be simple or better yet, not worn at all. Hair must be neat and a dark shade.
Bringing Ibuprofen to Japan
For over-the-counter Ibuprofen, individuals are permitted to bring in up to a two-month supply for personal use without the need for any paperwork.
2 Restrictions
* Containers exceeding 100 ml. in capacity are not allowed even if the content is less than 100 ml.) * Examples: Water, Juice, Toothpaste, Hair gel, Mascara, Spray etc. * 1ml is 1g(0.034oz), although solid objects may have a different density to fluid ones.
PROHIBITED ARTICLES (EXAMPLE)
Explosives, gunpowder, materials for chemical weapons, germs such as anthrax. Counterfeit, altered or imitated coins, bank notes or securities, and forged credit cards. Obscene or immoral materials, and child pornography. Articles which infringe upon intellectual property rights.
Food. Food items brought into Australia need to be declared on your Incoming Passenger Card if you come by plane, or on the parcels you mail. Biosecurity officers may need to inspect some of the food you're bringing with you.
Japan: In recent years, Japan has become one of the cheapest places to buy Rolex watches. The Japanese yen has weakened against the US dollar, making it more affordable for foreign buyers. Additionally, Japan has a competitive market for luxury goods, which has contributed to lower prices.
Crossing your feet in some cultures is considered very rude. In Japan you are expected to sit erect with both feet on the floor and never cross your ankle over your knee. In Singapore, as in many Asia cultures, the foot is thought to be unclean and should not be used to point at someone.
While temples and shrines aren't as strict in Japan as other places in Asia, it's still of the utmost importance to avoid revealing or unseemly clothing. Women should avoid wearing tops that expose their shoulders or chest.
If you're walking around temples and shrines, it is a good idea to be respectful and have a top layer with sleeves and no tummy or cleavage showing. However, it is not a rule and you'll sometimes see Japanese people not following these dress-code standards.