Some Japanese customs that may confuse foreigners
Last edited Thu Jul 19, 2012, 11:50 AM - Edit history (1)
TOKYO —
There are many customs and behaviors that are natural for Japanese people, either because they are historically accepted, imposed by society or because they are part of the Japanese psyche. To foreign visitors, some of these customs can be a bit confusing.
MADAME RiRi offers a few examples.
1. Making the peace sign (vee)
Many young Japanese people instinctively form a vee with their fingers when they pose for photos. In many other countries, this is the sign of peace. But there is no such meaning in Japan. Fortunately, Japanese make the vee sign with the palm of their hand facing the photographer and not the back of the hand, which might get them in trouble overseas. In any case, it’s a good way to spot who the Japanese tourists are in a crowd.
2. Sitting on the floor
Many foreign people wonder why Japanese people sit on the floor. It is very rare to see people sit on the floor in Western countries where tatami mats are not common. Many foreign visitors to Japan find it hard (and painful) to sit on the floor, opting instead for the familiarity of the couch or chair.
more...http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/some-japanese-customs-that-may-confuse-foreigners
***Edited to note: Please read the comments, some of it is very enlightening..
= new reply since forum marked as read
When you talk to Japanese they will often answer, "yes", ("hai"
In English that usually means they agree with you.
In Japanese it usually means, I am listening to you but doesn't imply that they agree with you.
Also Japanese sometimes giggle at Americans.
Americans see this as rude because they are laughing at you.
In Japanese culture it often means they are embarrassed, not that they find you funny.
There are many other subtle differences it the way the two cultures express themselves that can create miscommunication.
If you ever have dealings with Japanese businesses it is worth while to read up on some of these differences so you can understand each other better.
It can make all the difference between success and failure.
