Japanese Gestures, Mannerisms, and Customs You Need to Know
In Japan, body language and gestures are as important, if not even more important, than words. A lot of what Japanese people think or feel goes unsaid and is instead conveyed through how they move or behave. If you want to fit in when you are in Japan, or at least be able to understand some of what people are telling you through their actions, then be sure to learn and try out these gestures, mannerisms, and customs.
Japanese Gestures
Japanese people use many hand gestures that might be unfamiliar to you, depending on what country you are from. Here are some of the common ones.
・Bowing
Bowing is a huge part of Japanese culture, expressing respect, gratitude, or apology. How deeply you bow reflects the bow's purpose. Here are some common ones:
Eshaku (15 degrees): A light bow used for casual greetings, small expressions of thanks, or when entering and exiting rooms during formal settings, such as interviews.
Keirei (30 degrees): A respectful bow used to show esteem, often seen when welcoming or sending off guests.
Saikeirei (45 to 90 degrees): The deepest bow, expressing the utmost respect or apology. This is used in very formal situations, such as apologizing sincerely or expressing deep gratitude to someone of high status.
You don't need to explicitly remember the names of each kind of bow or exactly how many degrees you should be bowing. Just understand that generally, the deeper the bow, the more respectful it is. In your daily life in Japan, light bows will serve you well.
・Waving Your Hand in Front of Your Face
When someone waves their hand in front of their face, with the palm facing inward, it usually signals "no" or "I don't know." It is often used to refuse an offer politely or to indicate a lack of knowledge about something.
・Beckoning Someone with Your Hand
Unlike the Western style of beckoning with the palm face-up, in Japan, the palm faces down and people repeatedly fold their fingers toward their palm. While in some Western cultures, this kind of beckoning gesture can seem demeaning, in Japan it is a friendly gesture. It is used all the time to invite someone to come closer or call them over.
・Making a Circle with your Thumb and Index Finger
This gesture usually means "OK" or "good." However, if the circle is made with your palm facing downward, it often signifies money. Be sure to keep this in mind so that when you are trying to tell someone something is okay, you don't accidentally make them think you are talking about money.
・Pointing to Yourself
When referring to themselves, Japanese people often point to their nose instead of their chest, which is more common in Western countries. Give it a try to look more like a native.
・Crossing Your Arms to Form an "X"
This gesture typically means "no" or "not allowed." It's often used by staff at tourist attractions or restaurants if there is a language barrier. If you do not speak any Japanese, and the staff do not speak your language, they may use this gesture to communicate something to you, like if the location is closed or full, or if they have run out of something.
Japanese Mannerisms
Many mannerisms in Japan may seem very different, if not possibly confusing depending on where you are from. Let's look at some common ones you may encounter in Japan so that when you see someone doing these things, you'll be able to understand why. If you move to Japan and live here for a long time, you may even find yourself doing these mannerisms!
・Bowing While on the Phone
It is not uncommon to see people bowing even when they're on the phone. Bowing is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, symbolizing respect and gratitude. It's instinctual for Japanese people to bow when expressing respect or gratitude, even when the other party can't see them.
・Putting your Hands Together When Apologizing
It is common to put both hands together when apologizing to close friends or peers, but this gesture is not typically used when apologizing to someone of higher status.
・Tilting your Head
Tilting your head slightly to the side can express confusion. It's a non-verbal way to ask for clarification or to indicate that you don't fully understand the conversation. You may encounter this mannerism quite often or see it in Japanese media, such as anime.
Japanese Customs
Last, let's look at a few Japanese customs. These customs may also be quite different from customs in your country, but following them while you are in Japan can help you fit in much more.
・Wearing Masks Even When Not Ill
Many Japanese wear masks even when they are not sick. This practice comes from a desire to protect others from germs and also as a way to avoid pollen or dust allergies. Hay fever is a big problem in Japan, which is part of why you'll see many healthy people wearing masks in the early spring.
・Pre-meal and Post-meal Phrases
Saying "itadakimasu" before eating and "gochisousama" after finishing a meal are practices that show gratitude for the meal. "Itadakimasu" expresses thanks to those who prepared the food, while "gochisousama" is said to thank the host or chef after eating. Japanese people will generally start and end every meal with these phrases, so if you live in Japan you'll want to try to do this as well whenever you are eating with others.
・Holding Bowls During Meals
Holding your bowl while eating is considered polite in Japan. Whether it's rice, miso soup, or other small dishes, lifting them closer to your mouth helps prevent spills and shows respect for the meal.
・Acknowledging Responses (Aizuchi)
During conversations, Japanese people often use small interjections like "hai" (yes), "un" (uh-huh), or "sou desu ne" (is that so?)This shows they are actively listening and helps with the flow of conversation.
・Calling Out Loudly to Waitstaff
This can be a tough one for foreigners to mimic, depending on what country they are from. In some traditional restaurants, like Japanese pubs, customers may call out loudly to get the attention of the waitstaff, usually by saying "sumimasen!" While this practice is decreasing with the advent of ordering through mobile apps or tablets, it remains part of Japan's dining culture. It usually isn't considered rude, unlike in some countries, so give it a try when you are at a traditional Japanese restaurant!
・Being Quiet on Public Transport
It's considered rude to speak loudly or take phone calls on trains and buses. Public spaces are treated as shared spaces where you should be respectful of others.
・Standing in Line
Japanese people are known for standing in orderly lines. Whether waiting for trains, buses, or services, standing in line patiently is the norm. Also, if you see a lot of people standing in line in front of a restaurant or shop, it means the food is good or there is something popular for sale there.
These are just some of the gestures, mannerisms, and customs you will come across in Japan. Hopefully, they are a good start to help you express yourself naturally without even using words. And now, if someone makes one of these gestures towards you, you won't misunderstand them. Be sure to give these gestures a try when you have the chance in Japan!
