I didn't know that a traditional gift between men in Japan was typically alcohol . The first time I realized this was when I told my Japanese father-in-law that I was going to visit my family in the US. He and my mother-in-law wanted to send gifts to my parents because they had not met each other yet (long story—maybe I will share in a future post). I noticed two things when I got the gifts from my wife's parents. On one hand my mother-in-law wanted to give my parents snacks and tea that are famous in her region . It was very reminiscent of every gift I ever got from others in Japan—aside from a hand towel that I got from a fellow teacher (I will get into that later). My father-in-law, on the other hand, wanted to give my dad a bottle of very expensive-looking whiskey. My father—a Muslim imam. In contrast, when my father had come for the first time to visit his granddaughter, his idea of a gift for my father-in-law was a jacket. Both ideas are valid within their own ...

I cannot independently verify this, and I don't know if it's true. But when I was still a student at my community college in Southern California, a manager at the restaurant I worked at told me that 80 percent of people would steal if they knew they could get away with it. The number itself was never backed up by any scientific evidence, but the sentiment was later substantiated during my time as a support technician for a security camera company. Crimes like theft are less likely to happen when people know they are being watched. It makes you wonder—are people really that despicable? A few American proverbs come to mind when I think about theft back home. If a person was negligent or simply forgot something on a train or in a taxi, the response was "Oh, you can kiss that goodbye." And the thief might mutter "Finders keepers" to themselves as they get away. Is there a culture around stealing in the United States that I was missing all these years...

12 Japanese table manner rules—from funeral faux pas to soy sauce etiquette—that'll save you from getting side-eyed. Last updated: February 2026 At my first group meal in Japan, I knew the rules were different—I just didn't know how different. Out of caution, I watched everyone closely. We all had our own beautiful kaiseki sets, but no one was eating. Eventually, one brave soul took a bite, and I followed. Big mistake. Turns out, there was a pre-meal speech. He got scolded. I wanted to vanish.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. It is not an endorsement of smoking, but a guide to understanding Japan's smoking regulations and etiquette so visitors can stay respectful and compliant. If you or someone you know wants to quit smoking, the Japanese government offers support through the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare . A traveler's guide to Japan's smoking laws, designated areas, and the etiquette behind them. Last updated: February 2026 There was recently a viral TikTok video showing a Japanese man angrily scolding an Australian couple for smoking at a ski resort in the mountains of Japan. But that isn't an isolated incident. More and more locals are confronting tourists for smoking where they shouldn't be.

No trash cans, no litter—how Japan keeps itself spotless, and what tourists need to know. Last updated: February 2026 Japan beat Germany 2–1 in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and it surprised a lot of people. But the story coming out of that tournament wasn't just about Japan winning soccer games in miraculous ways—it was about the Japanese fans who stayed after the match and cleaned the stadium. It made headlines all over the world. And the concept that shocked everyone? Clean up after yourself. Mind blown. What a concept! The crowds around the world discovered for the first time in history that if you picked up the trash around yourself, you would be clean. Yes. That is sarcasm.

In many cultures, our hands tell stories. From saying hello to a friend to getting a thumbs up from a parent—gestures are the easy way to communicate a thought or a feeling. Japan is a culture that values harmony and respect, and here, a gesture is worth a thousand words.

The etiquette of eating while walking in Japan—and when it's actually okay. Last updated: February 2026 Angry sister eating ice cream Last April, my sister visited me in Japan for the first time. While showing her around Arashiyama Sengen Park, we grabbed some soft-serve from a nearby food truck. When I told her we shouldn't eat while walking and suggested sitting near the truck, she wasn't happy. She spent the rest of the trip pointing out people eating and walking—making sure to note whether they looked Japanese.

Four everyday Japanese greetings, and a brief guide to the nuances of greetings in Japan. Last updated: February 2026 Picture yourself walking through a serene mountain village in rural Japan. The locals on the street pass by with a warm smile and a friendly greeting. Would you know how to respond?