This is a mobile optimized page that loads fast, if you want to load the real page, click this text.

Interactions with strangers.

  • Thread starter Thread starter JohnSan
  • Start date Start date
J

JohnSan

Guest
Let's say I'm walking down a street and someone passes by. I then proceed to say "good morning" or "good afternoon" to him/her.

Is this common? Here in the west people usually tend to greet each other sometimes, even though they've never met before. I'm not sure if you're all understanding what I'm referring to, but do people in Japan do that as well?

Is it something that's only limited to neighbors or individuals we encounter frequently, like, say, a shop owner? Speaking of which, is it common to thank a store or a shop's clerk after we're done paying for our stuff?
 
No, it's not common, nor where I come from (U.S.) is it normal, either. People here won't do it unless they know someone or at least recognize them from frequent encounters.

Yes, thanking a store clerk is perfectly normal and acceptable. I would guess that foreigners do it more than locals, though.
 

Alright, also, when thanking them and other public workers or figures of authority and whatnot, should we do a little bow?
 
When I'm out walking the dog, pretty much everyone says ohayo or greets in some way. It feels kind of odd when someone passes and doesn't say anything. (the dog is cute and is probably a catalyst)

Downtown tho, nothing, as you might expect.
 
You don't have to bow. Nobody expects it.
 
I have another question. If it's a situation where we say "excuse me" because someone else is blocking our way and whatnot, should we say thank you afterwards? I know it's probably a bit silly to ask, but I need to know everything to the smallest detail, as I don't want Japanese people to look down upon me if I'm not doing something right.

Also, say you ask someone for directions. Should you do a little bow after thanking them?
 
^ You don't have to say thank you in that situation, though you can say if you want. I think it just depends on each person in each case.

Bowing is also the same. It's not really necessary especially if you look a non-Japanese because we know only Japanese do it (of course we also know other Asians also do, but that's a bit different way/situation.)
 
If it's your culture to say thanks, do so. It certainly won't hurt.
As for bowing, please get over it. Nobody expects a foreigner to bow here. Nice, but not expected or needed.

You are focusing on way too tiny details. When and why are you coming?
 

I find that in rural/isolated places, people do greet. I've been in small towns (a few hundred people) or hiking, and people greet each other. In an elevator, a nod is polite enough, but it depends on the person. In the cities, it's pretty odd.
 
Thanks for the replies, guys

I just find it important to blend in as much as possible, hence all my questions. As for why they're so specific, well, that's just me ;P I pay attention to all details and I'm never satisfied if I leave anything out, so, yeah ^^
 
Trust me, unless you look and speak Japanese, you will not blend in well. I would say pay more attention to less picky things, but best of luck.
 
Have a good time and pay attention to what you want to. You're experiencing a new culture, and you will find something new and interesting regardless of how you act. People are people, so ultimately, you'll find a lot more in common than you'll find different. Enjoy!
 
I live in a kind of rural area, and on top of that in the outskirts of the city. So, there are not many westerners where I live. People tend to stare at me when i walk aorund and f they do I usually greet them. It seems like a reasonable thing to do. Most people greet me back.
People you see a lot, like the old couple living between my home and the nearest playground, who also have a dog that my son lives to look at, ate a good example of when it is better to greet than to not.
I'd say this fall under common sense, do what you have done back home. No one will expect you to be "japanese" any way so it's better t just be yourself as long as you are not a complete donkey. Glenski is right by the way, there are more important things to pay attention to...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Best universities in Japan for Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) study
Replies
5
Views
11K
Rorsch
Japan interactive map? Pls help
Replies
9
Views
4K
budd
T
Interactive Forum For Buddhists
Replies
3
Views
2K
shannon
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…