Japanese Manner Visiting someones house
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7 years, 10 months ago
It is a honor to be invited to someones home in Japan, since many Japanese people consider their own house to humble to entertain guests. If you are lucky to visit a Japanese house, show your appreciation by sticking to some simple Japanese manners and you and your host will have a pleasant time.
While you enter the house, you can say O-jama shimasu (??????) which means Sorry for disturbing. Many Japanese customs are closely related to shoes, therefore you need to keep some things in mind, when it comes to footwear.
Always remove shoes at the genkan (??) the entrance foyer of the house. If your hosts offers your slippers, change to them. Socks are not generally removed, since bare feet are only accepted when you visit a close friend. Make sure, your socks are neat and free of holes. It is considered a good manner, to turn your shoes to point towards the door after removing them. Also make sure, to not step the genkan again after taking off your shoes.
On rainy days leave your umbrella outside or put it in a plastic bag to avoid dripping water all over the place.
When you enter the house and you find a Japanese style room (??) Washitsu dont step on the _Tatami _with your slippers. Take them off again and only step on Tatami with socks or bare feet. Also dont forget to place your slippers neatly in front of the Japanese room.
For reasons of hygiene you will probably find different slippers for the bathroom. When they are provided change to them.
If you get confused by all those rules concerning shoes, the best is to watch your host or ask them, if you are not sure about what to do. Japanese people know, that foreigners are not used to those shoe customs and they are always willing to help you.
Gifts and Souvenirs
Bring a gift, when you are invited to someones house. Coming straight from your country, local culinary specialties from your town or village are preferred gifts. You can also bring alcohol, chocolate or little snacks, if you dont have a Omiyage (???) souvenir prepared. Usually Japanese people will resist the urge to open the gift, unless guests ask them to do so. Accepting a gift can create a sense of unfulfilled obligation on the part of the receiver, therefore sometimes opening is refused depending on the situation.
Seasonal gifts can be differentiated by seibo (??) winter gifts and chugen (??) summer gifts. Those gifts are given to people you have a relationship with or who have helped you with a favor.
There are also impolite gifts in Japan. Usually the number 4 is avoided for gifts, since the number 4 is pronounced the same way as the word death. However, nowadays a very few Japanese people really care about this superstition. Avoid giving scissors, clocks or knives as a present. They represent cutting the relationship or that time is running out.
Other gifts are received and given on special events. Families or couples usually exchange small gifts on Christmas. On Valentines day women give chocolate presents to men. If you want to read more about the Japanese way of celebrating Valentines day, check out our blog on this special event.
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