Crossing your arms This is considered a hostile position, and it's unlikely that anybody will approach you for a chat if you're standing with your arms crossed. If you cross your arms during a conversation with a Japanese person you don't know very well, they may take that as a signal that you don't want to talk.
Arms crossed, making an “x”, over their chest to say “closed,” “prohibited,” or “no!” A softer version uses two fingers (one from each hand) crossed to make an “x.”
Staring is considered quite rude in Japanese culture. While most cultures also generally disapprove of staring, people in Japan avoid eye contact with strangers at all costs most of the time, so when someone stares it is never received well.
It is particularly rude in China, Japan, and Indonesia. In some European and Middle Eastern countries, it is customary to point with your middle finger. However, this gesture is very offensive in most Western nations and considered impolite in many other countries, especially when taken out of context.
The peace-sign now is used by everyone in Japan from kids to their grandparents, across generations. Just like in English, “Say cheese!” is a common line when taking photos, in Japan they say, “Peace!” while posing.
Another colorful Japanese gesture is the raising of your pinkie finger to indicate another man's wife, girlfriend or mistress — or possibly all three, depending on the man. (Note: When yakuza raise their pinkie finger, the gesture means roughly the same, except that the woman has been decapitated.
Society and culture
For example, a burping guest can be a sign to the host that the meal satisfied them and they are full. In Japan, burping during a meal is considered bad manners. Burping during a meal is also considered unacceptable in Western cultures, such as North America and Europe.
Tipping in Japan is not customary. It is in the Japanese culture to take pride in your work. As such, employees have the highest standards when supplying a service and don't feel the need to accept tips to feel appreciated. Indeed, as stated in many Japan travel guide, attempting to tip staff can be offensive.
In Japan, a stunted pinkie signifies membership in the yakuza, or Japanese mafia. In a ritual known as "yubitsume," yakuza members are required to chop off their own digits to atone for serious offenses. The left pinkie is usually the first to go, though repeated offenses call for further severing.
Holding hands is okay. In smaller towns, you might get a dirty look if you're walking with an arm around your partner. Try to avoid snuggling up on a public bench, in queues or at restaurants. And don't stare lovingly into each other's eyes when others are around.
くそ (Kuso)
Kuso is the more common way to say 'sh*t' or 'f*ck' compared to chikusho (#6). And like chikushou (#11), it's a versatile word that can be used in many different ways. Fun fact, it's one of the most popular words for foreigners and new Japanese learners to use.
In fact, in Japanese culture, people are taught not to maintain eye contact with others because too much eye contact is often considered disrespectful. For example, Japanese children are taught to look at others' necks because this way, the others' eyes still fall into their peripheral vision [28].
Blowing your nose at the table, burping and audible munching are considered bad manners in Japan. On the other hand, it is considered good style to empty your dishes to the last grain of rice.
It's Rude to Cross Your Legs When You Sit
In Japan, crossing your legs in formal or business situations is considered rude because it makes you look like you have an attitude or like you're self-important.
Crossing your arms
In a meeting, though, you should always avoid sitting with your arms crossed, Goman says. Most people are going to interpret that gesture as you being resistant or closed off.
It signals a person who is distant, insecure, defensive or anxious. But, Hargrave says that crossed arms do have their pluses too.
This swear is considered to be the highest regard of all the promises. One possible origin of this traditional promise is Japan, where it is known as 'yubikiri', meaning “finger cut-off”. Supposedly, people in Japan believed that if you break a pinky promise, you have to cut off your pinky finger in return.
Shaking hands in Japan is more significant than it is in the west. It symbolizes things like strong relationships, large deal signings and high profile mergers. On another note, Japanese culture is not very touchy-feely.
In Japan, a stunted pinkie signifies membership in the yakuza, or Japanese mafia. In a ritual known as "yubitsume," yakuza members are required to chop off their own digits to atone for serious offenses. The left pinkie is usually the first to go, though repeated offenses call for further severing.
Etiquette expert Anna Musson says tipping in Australia is not essential, but certainly appreciated. If the budget allows, she recommends tipping up to 10 per cent of the bill, especially when in a group setting where more items are ordered and extra service is required.
It is rude to make noise while eating as here in the U.S. but there are a few notable exceptions: when you eat Japanese noodles (soba, udon, ramen, somen, whatever), when you have miso soup.
Moving food or picking out what you like from a shared dish is best left to the end of the chopsticks that don't go into your mouth. Don't stack your dishes when you finish a meal. It's actually good manners to return your dishes and chopsticks to how they were before you ate your food.
Loud slurping may be rude in the U.S., but in Japan it is considered rude not to slurp. Oh, and don't forget to use your chopsticks to get the noodles into your mouth. It is also acceptable to bring your small bowl of food close to your face to eat, instead of bending your head down to get closer to your plate.