Eating/Rudeness Clarification

Emoni · 27 Sep 2005

Alright, it is late here in Japan so I figure I'd ask this on the forum instead of waiting till tomorrow when I'll probably forget till I'm reminded again.

It is pretty common that we know eating/drinking and walking on the street is considered slightly rude in Japan. At least that is what I was told. However, when I buy something from the vending machine or a few munchies from the conbini, where exactly are good places to SIT. Often in Sangenjaya, you don't even have benches around, just maybe a few steps and it seems possibly rude to sit down on a step and start chowing down. However, there aren't really any spots nearby. Right now I'm playing it safe in assuming you just have to bring it home or to a building that you might see that is an eating area yet not another restaurant.

Sorry for the rambling question, but you get the idea. (Had one hell of a tiring day, so excuse the posting)

Thanks to those in the know.

Silverpoint · 27 Sep 2005

No one is going to give you a second look if you walk down the street eating some snack from a vending machine. I wouldn't sweat about it.

Emoni · 27 Sep 2005

Seriously? I haven't noticed anyone else doing this, and have also heard that it is considered rude.

Although, I've also heard many other things about Japan that have proven to be false as well. I'd be glad if this was one as well.

Silverpoint · 28 Sep 2005

Emoni said:
Seriously?

Seriously.

nice gaijin · 28 Sep 2005

I would avoid walking down the street having a meal, but if you get nikuman or something no one is going to be offended if you eat it as you're going down the street or eat it outside of the conbini... I would avoid eating it in big crowds or on the trains, but I've seen (young) Japanese people doing even that.

NovaTeacher · 28 Sep 2005

Habits

As we all know, Japanese people are overally concerned about eating hygeine. Eating burgers from the paper without touching the burger buns with your fingers is one example.

Also, the chances of having ice-cream drip down your hand or a crisp break and fall from the corner of your mouth is annoying and messy when your are standing or walking too.

I think Japanese people don't like doing it rather than frown upon it.
However, I have heard older Japanese people criticise younger Japanese people for doing it.

Kara_Nari · 28 Sep 2005

Yes, when I was in Japan, and bought korokke from the store, my friend dragged me upto street level across the street, through a shopping mall and out into a park before she would let me sit down and eat it.
Honestly I dont care about drinking in public areas, its hot, im on the move, why would I want to stop every 50 metres to take a sip of my drink? Here in Korea we buy beer in a combini and sit outside and drink it... anywhere. Its a fairly common sight, amongst all ages.
I agree with eating on the go, just being messier. I have been known to eat on a bus once before though, and I did feel bad (this was in Korea), but not so bad when I saw that the bus driver was smoking while driving.
In New Zealand we have signs at the front and middle of the bus saying 'No Food/No Drinking/No feet on chairs' or they have the little symbols for each. Stil I'd be more inclined to eat on a bus there, than I would in Japan.

Mike Cash · 28 Sep 2005

Emoni said:
Seriously? I haven't noticed anyone else doing this, and have also heard that it is considered rude.

I see it practically every day lately.

Ask yourself the following question....."Rude to whom?"

misa.j · 29 Sep 2005

It is hard to find a spot to sit down and eat outside in Japan. I have eaten my sandwich in a tiny path next to conbini once. It was hidden and dark, but that was the only place where I could sit without having people bumping into me.

I think there are usually benches around or inside a train station, and conbinis are usually located near it. That might be an option for you.

Eating/Rudeness Clarification

Emoni

先輩

Silverpoint

後輩

Emoni

先輩

Silverpoint

後輩

nice gaijin

Resident Realist

NovaTeacher

Not Given Up Yet

Kara_Nari

Angel of Life

Mike Cash

骨も命も皆此の土地に埋めよう

misa.j

先輩

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