Page 162 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Tokyo
P. 162
160 SUR VIV AL GUIDE
Etiquette and Language Smoking
In a number of Tokyo’s wards,
Etiquette is important in Tokyo – the social lubricant for smoking on the street (except in
a crowded community. In recent decades, attitudes have specially designated areas) is
relaxed, yet even the most apparently rebellious Tokyoite will punishable by onthespot fines.
There is often a small smoking
not break certain rules. What constitutes correct behavior zone outside major stations.
often varies according to the situation and status of the Smoking is banned on buses
individuals involved. Foreigners will be forgiven most gaffes, and trains (except for some
but good manners will earn them respect. The best approach longdistance trains, such as
is to be as sensitive as possible to situations, avoid loud or the shinkansen, which has
dogmatic behavior, and follow the lead of those around you. smoking cars), as well as all
stations. Lighting up is usually
permitted in restaurants and
Taboos bars, but the number of non
Few allowances are made even smoking venues is on the rise.
for foreigners on certain points,
mainly relating to Japanese Attitudes to Physical
standards of hygiene. It is
considered unforgivable to Contact and Sex
get soap or shampoo in a Members of the same sex are
bathtub; washing belongs to physically at ease with each
the shower area (see p111). other, and the atmosphere
At one time, eating while in singlesex public baths is
walking and on local trains and relaxed. Between the sexes,
buses was frowned upon. Such however, public contact is more
constraints have become more limited than in the West.
relaxed, though some older Couples hold hands in public,
people would still never engage The Japanese wear gauze masks to prevent but kissing is not so common;
in such practices. Eating on the spread of colds even a kiss on the cheek might
longer train trips is fine. cause embarrassment. In
Bodily emissions are Bowing general, sex is seen as free
considered very rude, though The formal greeting in Tokyo from shame, but something
anything drawn inward is is a bow, its depth reflecting to be indulged in discreetly.
acceptable. Thus, sniffing is the relative status of the Homosexual activity is less
fine, but blowing your nose in participants. However, visitors openly accepted than in many
public is reviled. Gauze face rarely need to bow – a hand Western nations (see p158).
masks are worn in public to shake is fine. In department Sadly, the sleazier side of the
prevent the spread of colds. stores, restaurants, and hotels, sex trade includes schoolgirl
bows are part of the service, prostitution, and pornography
and they can be ignored or met is widely sold in convenience
The Hierarchy
with a brief smile. If you wish to stores. Nonetheless, everyday
Respect for seniors is bow, hold your arms and back life is relatively sanitized, and
fundamental to Japanese straight, and bend from the it is important to remember
society. Seniors include not only waist, pausing for a moment that geisha and most bar
parents, grandparents, company at the low point. hostesses are not prostitutes.
bosses, and teachers, but even
those a year or two senior in
school or employment. The
term sensei (teacher) is used as
a term of respect for those with
high professional status, such as
doctors. Many Japanese regard
the emperor as being at the
pinnacle of the social hierarchy
and show him great respect,
but stop short of veneration.
Social attitudes are reflected in
the Japanese language, which
has a special form of honorific
speech. This is vitally important
in many social situations to
indicate the speaker’s respect,
humility, and politeness. Bowing between business colleagues who are close in status to each other
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