as been said.
Silence or what is not said can be just as important as what is said. If one point is said, the listener is expected to understand the others points that are not said. You must read in between the lines or pick up on what has been implied. Often the subject of a sentence is not stated in so many words; it is just understood «who» or «what» is being referred to.gestures
The uncommitted face of the Japanese is very common. It is considered rude to overtly express your emotions in public. The «Poker Face» is used to cover up negative emotions as well as used as a shield to protect your privacy.
The smile can often be an expression that conceals embarrassment, pain, or anguish. In an uncomfortable situation it is not uncommon for the Japanese to give a nervous laugh or awkward smile to conceal the true emotion.
Eye contact is often a Western signal for confidence or sincerity. In many cases, the Japanese consider direct and constant eye contact a rude gesture that means defiance or challenge. The Japanese may shift their eyes or look down to show respect to another.
In the beginning, it is best to refrain from forms of physical contact such as a pat on the back or a hug. The Japanese do not show signs of affection or emotions in public. Young couples may be seen holding hands, but it is embarrassing to see spouses kiss in public.respect to objects
Material objects or items from someone are shown just as much respect as the person might be. Business cards are not folded, written on, or fiddled with. A guest s coat is not thrown over a chair but instead hung up carefully, sometimes taking care to brush away imaginary lint. The wrapping paper on a gift that has been graciously presented is not crumpled up insignificantly, rather it is gently folded and the ribbon often retied around the paper or placed carefully on top of the wrapping paper. At a traditional Japanese restaurant or home, the guest s shoes are placed together and turned around so that the guest can easily put his or her shoes back on when leaving. Furniture is used properly; you do not lean on a desk or sit on a table.
It is best not to use hand or other gestures as you might mistake the correct meaning of the signal or use them at inappropriate times. The following is a short list so you are aware of some signs of communication between the Japanese.
«Me» - pointing to one's nose or touching the nose.
«Listening» - nodding one's head up and down, this should not be mistaken with a «yes» gesture. It means that one is listening, not necessarily agreeing.
«Negative» - fanning one's hand back and forth in front of the face as if to nod «no» with the hand or fan away flies.
«Modesty or embarrassment» - covering the mouth with a hand, usually by women.
«Anger» - pointing the index fingers up from the temples - mimicking a devil with horns.
«Fighting» - cris-crossing the index fingers or tapping the index fingers together.
«Money» - forming a circle with the thumb and index fingers together - similar to what is sometimes used in the West to mean «OK».
«Eating» - holding an imaginary rice bown in the left hand while pretending to shovel rice into the mouth with chopsticks with the right hand.
«Drinking» - miming the wrist action of taking a drink from a small sake cup.
«Come here» - waving the hand in a back and forth motion with the fingers pointed downwards. [«Japan Guide» - # justify gt; Japanese eating customs
Meals prepared in traditional Japanese style are served on low tables set up on the floor. People sit on the floor and do not start eating until the oldest male or someone says let s eat and everybody says «itaeakimas.» When offering a plate, dish, glass or bottle to someone who is older than you, you show respect by using two hands to present the object.
Japanese generally do not use napkins. At restaurants, customers are served hot towels, which sometimes can be used like a napkin. At home people sometimes use tissues. In any case, it is good idea to have your own tissues handy in case you need one. Many Japanese carefully fold their towel or tissue after finishing their meal rather than wadding it up.
Sometimes Japanese don t drink anything with a meal. Sometimes water or green tea is served. Often a soup serves the same purpose as a drink. It is served in a lacquered bowl which is picked up and sipped like a drink. Items in the soup are picked out with chopsticks. A spoon is not use...
