In Japan the polite thing to do is ignore it, and not draw attention to it. It is also common to see people sneezing into the air, not covering their sneeze with their arm. To most western countries this may seem gross, but to them it is perfectly normal to sneeze openly.
Note: It is very rare for anyone to acknowledge a sneeze in Japan, and it is customary not to say anything at all. After multiple sneezes, they use these words. "Are you all right?" "Sorry." or "Excuse me."
In some parts of the world, the emphasis is on how many times you sneeze. One sneeze in Japan signifies praise (ichi home); two sneezes, criticism (ni-kusashi); three sneezes, disparagement (san-kenashi) while four or more is taken to mean that a cold is on its way. Some turn it into a conversation.
Pointing at people or things is considered rude in Japan. Instead of using a finger to point at something, the Japanese use a hand to gently wave at what they would like to indicate. When referring to themselves, people will use their forefinger to touch their nose instead of pointing at themselves.
“In East Africa, it can be considered quite rude to sneeze loudly. If you do it in front of older people, you may receive a disdainful look.
Sneezing and blowing your nose in public is considered rude (and sometimes funny). If you have to sneeze, try to make it quiet. If you do sneeze in front of somebody, make sure you apologise.
The Japanese are unfailingly polite. Usually very helpful. (To be fair, the odds of them inviting an unknown fellow Japanese for a cuppa are also ... Smiling is fine even though it is not customary in Japan.
In Japan it's considered rude to yawn openly. Happily, you at least get to cover your mouth if you can't stop that yawn ... Prolonged eye contact (staring) is considered rude. Don't show affection, such as hugging or shoulder slapping, in public.
Wear slip-on shoes
While flip flops are a big no-no for most occasions (save for a trip to the beach or a midnight run to the conbini), comfy ballet flats, loafers, boat shoes, or even a nice pair of slip-on sneakers are practical options. You might also notice that open-toed shoes and sandals are uncommon.
In Japan, touching another person's body is considered rude, even with friends or family. Hugging and kissing are mostly for couples. Our editor Kanako said that she's never hugged any of her family members as a grown woman. She hugs her foreign friends but not the Japanese ones.
PDA or public displays of affection might be common in your country but in Japan most couples will avoid kissing or hugging in public. Holding hands is popular, though. Even when first meeting up with a girlfriend or boyfriend or saying goodbye at the end of the night, Japanese people rarely hug or kiss.
Dietary Restrictions Are Not Always Accommodated in Japan
If you're from the US or Australia, or any other country where dietary restrictions are common, this may come as a surprise. But it's true: Unfortunately, special dietary requirements – even serious food allergies – will not always be accommodated in Japan.
If you sneeze once, you're being spoken of well. If you sneeze twice, the opposite is true. Three times and someone loves you, and four times, you have a cold. If your ear itches, you'll hear good news.
ハク HAKU ション SHON ！ Achoo!
Rather than sneezing once or twice, some people do so again and again. My partner often sneezes 20 or 30 times in succession. Is this common, and is there any explanation? There is a little-known condition called photic sneeze reflex, or autosomal compelling helio-ophthalmic outburst (ACHOO) syndrome.
In fact, in Japanese culture, people are taught not to maintain eye contact with others because too much eye contact is often considered disrespectful.
It's rare to see someone in Japan chewing on a piece while talking to a friend, and you'll pretty much never see service workers or other people who are on the clock and expect to be in customers' line of sight chewing gum either.
Train etiquette in Japan
Loud chatter or behavior is usually frowned upon because it invades others' space.
Public Displays of Affection
PDAs, gay or otherwise, are discouraged in Japan. Holding hands, kissing, and intimate embraces could garner disapproving looks and glances. That said, you're unlikely to witness any outright discrimination.
Shorts, jeans, and camisoles are perfectly fine to wear as long as you don't plan on attending religious sites. While denim isn't a popular fashion choice for those beyond their teen years, black jeans are more acceptable due to their versatile nature.
Did you know that in Japan, going out without any makeup on can be considered rude? Some women even feel embarrassed meeting people outside of their family without makeup, saying it's like showing up naked! If you feel astonished by either of these statements, you're not the only one.
Gomen Nasai or Gomen (ごめんなさい, ごめん) - I'm Sorry
This is perhaps one of the most common ways you can say “sorry” in Japanese. You can use “gomen nasai” or “gomen” in most instances, as it's a polite way to say sorry, but it's a casual and barebones expression.
The most common phrases when greeting someone familiar is “Ohayō gozaimasu” (Good morning), “Konnichiwa” ('Hello' or 'Good day'), and “Konbanwa” ('Good evening').
Social Norms. Refrain from talking too much or interrupting others. Although this practice is widely encouraged outside of Japan, it is important to remember that the Japanese will not try to interrupt you when you talk, so the same respect must be given back and there should always be room for responses when you talk.