Polite or Not? 7 Cultural Habits in Japan That Might Surprise You!
What’s considered polite in one country can be seen as rude somewhere else and Japan is full of these quiet surprises. You might be used to saying “bless you” when someone sneezes, or finishing your snack as you walk to work, but in Japan, those same actions can come across very differently!
Most people doing an internship in Japan already know the basics: show up on time, bow when greeting others, take your shoes off indoors, etc. But there are also smaller, more specific customs that aren’t as obvious at first, like why you should never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl. These might seem minor, but they can leave a lasting impression in the workplace or during everyday interactions.
This post is meant as a quick and easy guide for interns who want to blend in more comfortably, avoid awkward situations, and show they care about understanding Japanese culture!
1. Slurping Noodles = Good Manners 🍜
One of the first things that might surprise you while interning in Japan is the soundscape of a ramen shop. It might be loud, but that’s a good thing! Unlike in many Western countries where slurping is seen as rude or childish, in Japan, slurping your noodles is not only acceptable, but also considered polite. It shows that you’re enjoying the meal and, in many cases, it’s taken as a compliment to the chef.
This practice has cultural roots that go back generations, especially with dishes like ramen, soba, and udon. These meals are often enjoyed quickly during short breaks or busy commutes, and slurping became part of the rhythm. It also serves a practical purpose: slurping helps cool down hot noodles as you eat them and enhances the flavor by aerating the broth.
That said, this custom doesn’t extend to every dish, and you probably don’t want to slurp your spaghetti in a Western-style restaurant in Japan. So context matters and learning when and where slurping is appropriate is one of those small but valuable cultural lessons that interns should consider picking up during their time abroad.
It’s details like these that make internships in Japan such a rich experience, not just professionally, but culturally, too! In the end, you’ll leave with more than just professional skills, you’ll also learn and understand the deeper nuances when it comes to everyday life in a different culture and country.
2. Wearing a Mask When You’re Sick 😷
If you catch a cold during your internship in Japan, one of the polite things you can do, and are often expected to do, is wear a mask. Unlike in many Western countries, where masks became common mainly during the COVID-19 pandemic, in Japan, wearing a mask when you’re sick has been a normal courtesy for years.
The logic is simple but deeply rooted in social values: you wear a mask not to protect yourself, but to protect others. It’s seen as a small but meaningful act of thoughtfulness, showing that you’re aware of your surroundings and trying not to inconvenience those around you. On the other side, not wearing a mask when you’re clearly sick, especially if you’re coughing or sneezing, may come across as inconsiderate or careless, even if unintentional.
Even now, long after pandemic restrictions have eased, it’s still common to see people wearing masks on trains, in the office, or even outside, especially during flu season or allergy season. Some wear them out of habit or comfort, but when you’re visibly sick, it’s good manners!
Internships in Japan are full of moments like this: everyday actions that reflect deeper cultural values. Knowing them in advance helps you adjust more easily and shows a level of awareness that locals really appreciate!
3. Pouring Drinks for Others, Not Yourself 🍶
If you’re invited to a nomikai (a work or social drinking outing) during your time interning in Japan, here’s a custom to keep in mind: it’s considered polite to pour drinks for others, not yourself! In group settings, especially among colleagues or acquaintances, attentiveness to everyone’s glass is a quiet sign of respect and awareness.
Topping up someone else’s drink shows that you’re paying attention and value their presence, while pouring your own might seem a little self-centered or unaware of group dynamics. Of course, no one will fault an intern for not knowing this right away, but following the custom, or even trying, goes a long way in leaving a good impression!
When someone offers to pour your drink, there’s etiquette on your side too: you should hold your glass with both hands (or at least with one hand supporting the bottom) to show appreciation and humility. It may seem like a small and insignificant detail but is one that doesn't go unnoticed.
Even in relaxed or casual team outings, these kinds of unspoken rules can shape how smoothly interactions go and knowing customs like this will help you build stronger relationships, and maybe even have a little fun while doing it!
4. Not Tipping (and Why It’s Awkward If You Do) 💸
If you intern in Japan and come from a country where tipping is the norm, this is one you can’t forget: tipping is not something that is done, and trying to tip can actually create confusion or discomfort.
In Japan, good service is considered part of the job. Waiters, taxi drivers, hotel staff, etc., are paid to be professional, and offering extra cash may be seen as unnecessary or even patronizing. You may hesitate and consider it rude not to leave anything, but appreciation is simply expressed differently here!
If you leave money on the table at a restaurant, don’t be surprised if someone runs after you to return it; to them, it looks like you’ve forgotten your change! So how do you show gratitude? A polite smile, a bow, and clearly saying “ごちそうさまでした (gochisousama deshita),” meaning “thank you for the meal,” as you leave the restaurant is more than enough to simply and respectfully acknowledge the good service!
5. Never Stick Your Chopsticks Upright in a Bowl 🍚
Even during everyday meals while you’re interning in Japan, chopstick etiquette matters more than you might expect, and a small misstep can send the wrong message. One gesture to definitely avoid is placing your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice.
This specific gesture resembles a ritual performed at Japanese funerals, where a bowl of rice is placed as an offering to the deceased, with chopsticks standing upright in the center. Because of this, doing it at the dinner table is seen as highly inappropriate and inauspicious.
And chopstick etiquette doesn’t end there. Other habits to avoid include:
- Passing food from one pair of chopsticks to another (this also mimics a funeral ritual involving cremated bones being passed between family members during the ceremony)
- Pointing with your chopsticks
- Licking or sucking on them
- Hovering them indecisively over shared dishes while choosing what to take
If you’re eating out with colleagues or your host company, following these unspoken rules shows that you’re respectful and culturally aware, even if you’re still mastering your chopstick skills! And when in doubt, just place your chopsticks neatly on the rest (or across your bowl) when you're not using them; it’s a simple way to show good manners and avoid unintentional offense and an awkward moment at the table.
6. Wrapping Gifts? Presentation Matters! 🎁
In Japan, gift giving its an art form, and presentation is a big part of the message. Unlike in many other countries where the gift itself takes center stage, here, how you wrap something speaks volumes about your respect and thoughtfulness, and even small items like snacks, regional souvenirs (omiyage), or thank-you tokens are expected to be neatly and carefully packaged.
That’s why many shops in Japan, from department stores to airport kiosks, offer complimentary wrapping services, often with elegant paper, soft ribbons, and seasonal motifs. The goal is to show effort and care, even if the item itself isn’t expensive.
If you’re doing a Japanese internship and want to give a small gift to your supervisor or team, keep things simple and professional. Avoid bright, overly decorative, or personal wrapping styles. Go for clean lines, soft colors, and traditional wrapping if possible; in the workplace, understated always wins over flashy. This is a simple way to show you understand the culture and are making an effort to participate respectfully, something that your coworkers will definitely appreciate!
7. Don’t Walk and Eat at the Same Time 🚶🍙
In many countries, grabbing a snack and eating on the move is totally normal, but in Japan it’s generally seen as poor manners. Eating while walking can come across as messy, distracting, or inconsiderate to others, especially in clean and orderly public spaces. That’s why you’ll rarely see people munching on a sandwich as they rush down the street, even in busy cities like Tokyo or Osaka.
This cultural habit reflects the value placed on mindfulness and respect in everyday actions. Even if you’re just having a quick rice ball or sandwich from a convenience store, it’s considered more polite to stop and eat in one place. Many konbini even have designated standing counters, seating areas, or benches nearby where you can take a moment to eat.
There are, of course, exceptions: during matsuri (festivals), in food zones at tourist spots, or certain train station areas, it’s perfectly fine to snack as you go. But as a general rule, it’s best to pause and enjoy your food rather than multitasking while moving. So, if you’re grabbing a quick bite between work hours, look for a quiet park bench, eat outside the store, or in the designated area of your office.
Everyday Manners That Make a Big Difference
Getting used to life in Japan isn’t just about mastering the language or knowing how the trains work, it’s also about picking up the small habits that help you blend in. These customs might seem minor at first, but they reflect deeper values of respect, attentiveness, and consideration.
As an intern, no one expects you to get everything right. What matters most is your willingness to observe, adapt, and stay open to learning. When in doubt, watch what others do or just ask, people appreciate the effort. These everyday manners might feel unfamiliar at first, but over time, they’ll help you feel more at home in your new environment!
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🍜 If you’re someone who values cultural curiosity and wants to avoid missteps while settling into life abroad, our internships in Japan are a great way to experience daily life up close while gaining professional experience. Feeling ready to get started? Head over to our website and send in your application! Not quite sure yet? No problem, reach out anytime and we’ll help you explore all the opportunities available!
