Tokyo, Japan
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Tokyo?
We asked people in Tokyo if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"One time on the weekend of thanksgiving I was on a train with some friends. They handed me a beer, and I thought yeah sure I'm on vacation I'll have a beer on the train. It felt kind of wrong or something but I don't think it was illegal, just maybe culturally wrong. So I went to take a sip of my Kirin tallboy and watched in terror as it spilled and rolled across the floor of the moving train. 30 people instantly turned and stared at me, and I sheepishly tried to sop up the beer with some napkins. Really embarrassing," commented one expat who made the move to Tokyo, Japan.
AGS Worldwide MoversGet Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
AGS Worldwide MoversRelocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
"Yes, verbalizing my anger and frustration against lawyers and judges who told me you are not married what are you still doing in japan go home!!," remarked another expat in Tokyo, Japan.
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Tokyo?
- What do I need to know before moving to Tokyo?
- How do I find a place to live in Tokyo?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Tokyo?
- What is the average cost of housing in Tokyo?
- How do I meet people in Tokyo?
- What should I pack when moving to Tokyo?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Tokyo?
- Will I be able to find a job in Tokyo?
- What is life like in Tokyo?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Tokyo?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Tokyo?
- What is the social scene like in Tokyo?
- What advice to expats in Tokyo have about housing?
- What are medical services in Tokyo like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Tokyo?
- Is the cost of living in Tokyo high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Tokyo?
- Why do people move to Tokyo?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Tokyo?
If you live in Tokyo, newcomers to Tokyo would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
