shocking things japanese people find rude that australians do every day

Being an Australian Korean, I thought it would be quite easy for me to assimilate into Japanese culture — but I did a little bit of research to check in and see if there’s anything I’d be unfamiliar with culturally. And guys, I was surprised. Surprised is an understatement.

There are a handful of things that I’ve learnt, Japanese people may find rude that us Aussies may not be aware of due to our cultural differences:

1) Eating while walking

In Australia (where I’m from anyway) it’s super common to eat on the go, especially with takeaway food. The amount of times I’ve ordered a soft serve from Maccas or an acai bowl on the way to the beach and walked like a jolly old child are countless.

One of first vignettes I saw in my mind when thinking about travelling to Japan was walking around the streets of Tokyo with street food in both hands, scurrying to find the next cat cafe that I could squeeze into for the entire day (smile).

Apparently, this image I had in my mind was completely off as it’s considered rude to eat while walking. It was surprising for me to hear that Japanese people consider eating whilst walking on the streets is unhygienic and disrespectful for the environment.

Do you guys think this is a myth? Is there anyone who’s already been to Japan who can comment on this?

The little rebel in me wants to walk the streets everyday whilst eating sushi from 7-11 just to see if I can get a strong reaction from people. What dyou guys think?

2) Talking loudly in public

Guys, if you don’t already know —my family are notorious for being literally the loudest in every single restaurant or shop we go to. We are so rowdy, it’s like we actually forget that we’re in public. But I kinda love that about us, you know?

I always seem to forget I’m in public — even when talking about really controversial or private topics with my loved ones. I often find whole store starting at our table when I’m out and about. When I found out that talking loudly in public places is considered quite rude and disrespectful in Japan — I went to buy a shovel to dig my own grave.

Rather than seeing this as uptight, I understood that the only reason why it’s considered as rude to speak loudly in public is because it can be quite disruptive to other people. (Makes sense). I feel as though it’s just a very considerate thing that Japanese people take into account. They know that the world doens’t just revolve around them. Unlike our family, who sometimes forget that other people enjoy eating their dinner with a little more peace and quiet (smile).

Is it just my family? I have a good feeling that Australians in general tend to be a little (or a lot) more expressive and louder in their communication, even in public spaces.

3) Wearing shoes indoors

I grew up out west. I walked around barefoot outside, and for some reason, felt more comfortable wearing shoes inside at times. I know I come from a Korean background, but when you grow up in Western Sydney, everything just becomes blurred.

I should know better than this, but I think I might find it a little hard to remember that in Japanese culture, it’s customary to take off your shoes before entering a home or traditional establishment, such as a temple or shrine.

Coming from Australia where it’s common and incredibly normal to wear shoes indoors, even in someone's home — this will be something I’ll have to be mindful of when travelling to Japan.

4) Not bowing

Handshakes, hugs, kisses on the cheeks and even the good old fist pump. These are pretty common ways we say hello and greet people that we love here in Australia. In Japan, it’s completely different. Rather than hugging or doing a firm handshake, Japanese people bow as a common greeting and a sign of respect.

It might feel a little awkward and out of character, but I’m definitely ready to get my bowing game on. Don’t laugh if I come back to Australia and start bowing at everyone I see instead of the good old fashioned hug that I adore.

5) Blowing your nose in public

This is a random one? Aussies tend to be more casual about everything it seems. Including blowing our noses in public. In Japan however, it’s apparently considered quite rude to blow your nose in public, as it’s a sign of having poor manners.

I wonder how they got through Covid or even just the common cold — with runny noses being quite a prevalent symptom. Do people have to find a private corner to blow their nose? Do they just let it run until they’re back at home? If you’ve been to Japan in winter, or in another season where it’s more common to have a runny nose, have you seen people blow their nose when they’re out and about? I’m genuinely curious (smile)

Lucky Jaime and I are going to Japan in summer, otherwise we’d probably be getting weird looks due to our ignorance and casual Australian habits.

6) Being late

Okay, so this one isn’t really just unique to Japan. It’s probably considered quite rude being late in other cultures too. Perhaps not Fiji though. Quite a few people run on Fiji time here in Australia, so I’m guessing it’s a little more socially acceptable here down under. How many times have you texted a friend “On my way” when you’re still at home getting ready? I’m guilty as charged.

In Japan on the other hand, punctuality is highly valued. Apparently being just a few minutes late is considered quite disrespectful. In comparison to this standard, Australians definitely come across as more relaxed about punctuality. Perhaps we’re accustomed to just scrolling on our phones, or reading a book and chilling out when someone’s late. Maybe it depends on personality, time and context. But overall, it sounds like Aussies don’t place as much emphasis and weight on being on time like the Japansese do.

I know that I haven’t boarded the plane to arrive in Tokyo, or let alone ever been to Japan before. But I wanted to write this article as I believe it’s important to be aware of any cultural differences when traveling to any country to be frank.

I feel that it’s important to respect the culture and standards in a certain country each time I leave home, and I especially wanted to honour that in Japan. I want to keep their mannerisms and socially acceptable customs in mind as meeting Japanese locals and having a positive interaction with people is high on my priority list.

I believe that by being respectful and open-minded, you can avoid unintentionally offending others and create positive relationships with people from different cultures. Wish me luck!