Читать книгу A Gaijin's Guide to Japan: An alternative look at Japanese life, history and culture - Ben Stevens - Страница 14

‘Oh boy—anything to do with Japanese etiquette is an absolute minefield …’

So runs the usual reply from someone claiming to be expert on all things Japanese, in response to a question concerning when to bow, how to bow, and so on. In reality, if you get an answer like this then the person speaking probably doesn’t know too much themselves—or is just trying to scare you.

Certainly, Japanese etiquette can be incredibly complicated. But that’s something to worry about if you’re Japanese, or have lived and worked in Japan long enough for it to become an issue. And even then, quite often it won’t become an issue, simply because, whether you like it or not, you’re a gaijin who’s presumed not to know too much about such matters.

Smile—but not too broadly—when you meet someone (excessive smiling can be an indication of unease in Japan, and can also make you look a bit weird), and for the purpose of this exercise give something like a ‘half-bow’ from the waist. Don’t just nod, because that looks a bit half-arsed in any country. If you’re male, keep your hands by your waist; females should put their hands on their thighs with their fingers touching.

When saying goodbye, another bow can be given, though not as deep as the first one. And that’s about it. I’ve given the information about where to put your hands as general guidance, though to be honest the fact that you’re prepared to give any sort of bow will be appreciated by most Japanese people.

Oh, and by the way, it may well be that some Japanese people will offer to shake hands. It’s not true that the Japanese never shake hands; I’ve shaken hands with numerous Japanese men, as well as several women (albeit in a business environment). But let the person you are meeting offer their hand first—if they don’t, stick with the bow.

One final piece of advice: don’t ever try to embrace or kiss someone upon meeting them, even if it’s for the fourth or fifth time and you think that you’re getting on just fine. It might just result in you being branded a chikan and arrested.