What are the cultural taboos or etiquettes in Japan?

1.  Bowing Etiquette: A regular bow is 15-30 degrees (for daily greetings), while a 30-45 degree bow is used for important occasions (such as business meetings). A 90 degree bow is the most solemn gesture (reserved only for apologies or expressions of gratitude). When bowing, keep your eyes lowered and avoid direct eye contact, and ensure that both parties bow at an equal angle.

2.  Titles and Addresses: Directly addressing someone by their first name is prohibited; instead, append "さん" (e.g., "Yamada-san") after their surname. Only family members or close friends may use first names. In business settings, when meeting someone for the first time, present and receive business cards with both hands. After receiving a card, read it carefully before storing it away; avoid casually stuffing it into your pocket.

3.  Physical Contact: Avoid hugging or shaking hands in public (unless initiated by the other party), and maintain a half-arm's length distance between genders. Use both hands when passing items, and avoid pointing at people (use the palm of your hand to gesture instead).

4.  Dining Etiquette: Chopstick taboos include: do not stick chopsticks upright in rice (used for offerings), do not lick chopsticks, and do not pass them horizontally (symbolizes the transfer of ashes). After eating, return your bowl and dishes to their original positions; leaving more than 1/3 of your food may result in additional charges.

5.  Onsen (Hot Spring) and Hotel Etiquette: Before entering the bath, thoroughly wash your body and tie up long hair. Do not wear swimsuits or towels into the pool; those with tattoos must cover them or choose a tattoo-friendly onsen.

Traditional inns require adherence to a "curfew" (usually no outings after 22:00). When entering your room, remove your shoes with the toes facing outward and place them neatly.

6.  Transportation and Mobility: Keep quiet on subways/buses and set your phone to silent mode; phone calls are prohibited near priority seating. Men should avoid using women-only train cars. When riding escalators, stand on the left in Tokyo and on the right in Osaka; do not walk against the flow or stand side by side.

7.  Cleanliness and Order: Do not eat while walking (briefly holding a convenience store drink is acceptable); blow your nose in the restroom in public places. Take your trash with you to a convenience store or disposal point; do not litter. Cigarette butts must be disposed of in designated ashtrays.

8.  Unlucky Numbers: Avoid the numbers "4" (homophonic for "death") and "9" (homophonic for "bitterness"). Hotel rooms often omit these numbers. When giving gifts, avoid even numbers (used for funerals).

9.  Color Taboos: Avoid using large areas of purple (symbolizing sadness) or green (considered unlucky). Chrysanthemums are reserved for royal use only, and avoid giving camellia or pale yellow flowers when visiting someone in the hospital.

10.  Photography and Group Photos: Taking photos indoors is prohibited in temples/shrines. Always ask for permission before taking group photos with others; avoid standing three abreast (the person in the middle symbolizes being "sandwiched").

11.  Tipping: Tipping is not a way to express gratitude in Japan; it may actually embarrass the server. Their expectation for good service is deeply rooted in the culture, and they believe that providing excellent service is part of their job. Your good intentions may make the other person uncomfortable, and they may even refuse the tip.