Japanese Etiquette & Manners Every Indonesian Must Know

Why Etiquette is So Important in Japan

Japan is a society that highly values order and social harmony (和/wa). As an Indonesian citizen, understanding and practicing Japanese etiquette is not just about politeness, but also about being accepted in work and social environments. An ethical violation that is considered trivial in Indonesia can become a serious problem in Japan.

General Everyday Etiquette

Greeting (挨拶/Aisatsu)

• Bowing (お辞儀/ojigi) is the main way of greeting. The deeper the bow, the more respect is shown.
• 15 degrees: A light, everyday greeting (eshaku)
• 30 degrees: A standard greeting for superiors or customers (keirei)
• 45 degrees: A deep apology or expression of gratitude (saikeirei)
• Handshakes are not common, except in international business contexts.

In Public Places

• DO NOT talk on the phone on trains/buses - This is considered very rude. Set your mobile phone to manner mode (マナーモード).
• Queue neatly - The Japanese highly value queuing. Never cut in line.
• Don't eat while walking - Considered rude in most places. Eat in designated areas.
• Keep your voice down - Japanese people speak quietly in public. Avoid loud conversations.
• Take your trash with you - Trash cans are rare on the streets. Carry a small bag for your trash.

Dining Etiquette

• "Itadakimasu" before eating (いただきます) - It means "I humbly receive". Say it while putting your palms together.
• "Gochisousama" after eating (ごちそうさま) - Thank you for the meal.
• Do not stick your chopsticks upright in your rice - This is reminiscent of a funeral ritual and is a major taboo.
• Do not pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks - This is also related to a funeral ritual.
• Slurping noodles is OKAY - Unlike in Indonesia, slurping ramen/udon is actually considered a sign of appreciation for the dish.
• Don't pour too much soy sauce - Especially at sushi restaurants, pour only a small amount.
• When drinking with others - Pour drinks for others, not for yourself. Wait until everyone has a drink before saying "Kanpai!"

Etiquette at Someone's Home

• Take off your shoes at the genkan (玄関) - The entrance area of a house. Always take off your shoes and turn them to face the door.
• Bring a gift (手土産/temiyage) - When visiting someone's home, bring a small gift (cake, fruit, a local specialty). Say "Tsumaranai mono desu ga" (this is just a small token).
• Do not enter a room without being invited
• Wear the provided slippers - There are different slippers for the toilet (don't forget to change back!).

Etiquette at the Workplace

• Be on time - "On time" in Japan means 5-10 minutes BEFORE the scheduled time. Being late is highly unacceptable.
• Give your meishi (名刺/business card) with two hands - Receive others' business cards with two hands as well, read it for a moment, and don't put it away immediately.
• Use work greetings: "Ohayou gozaimasu" (morning), "Otsukaresama desu" (thank you for your hard work), "Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu" (excuse me for leaving first).
• Don't leave before your boss - Even if working hours are over, this is a culture that still exists in many companies (although it is starting to change).
• Nomikai (飲み会/drinking party) - Important for work relationships. Try to attend even if you don't drink alcohol.

Etiquette Often Broken by Indonesians

Etiquette at Onsen and Sento

• Wash your body BEFORE entering the bath - In the shower area, clean your body thoroughly.
• Do not bring a towel into the bath - The small towel can be placed on your head.
• Do not swim or play in the water - Onsen are for soaking quietly.
• Tattoos may be prohibited - Many onsen prohibit guests with tattoos. Look for one that is "tattoo OK".

Basic Polite Words

Understanding Japanese etiquette takes time and practice. Don't worry too much about making mistakes at first - Japanese people are generally understanding of foreigners who are still learning. The important thing is to show good intentions and an effort to respect their culture.