Japan, known as Nihon or Nippon by its people, means “Land of the Rising Sun.” This name comes from the Chinese characters “日本,” meaning “Origin of the Sun.”

Japan’s history spans about 2,000 years but most peoples understanding focusing within the last 700 years. It was dominated by a powerful warrior class, the samurai, who shaped much of the nation’s culture and values.

Even in modern times, Japan’s society continues to be deeply influenced by the samurai’s legacy, with an enduring emphasis on order, structure, and discipline.

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Current Social Environment

Since reopening the country post-COVID, Japan is experience a tourism boom and set record levels of visitors. What this means is that things are becoming overcrowded and the locals are becoming “agitated” as many foreigners are not respecting the norms.

⚖️ Legal Things

Important to Know

It is legally required to carry your passport with you at all times if you are a foreign visitor. Here are the main reasons:

To qualify for tax-free purchases, you must present your physical passport at the store.

Police have the authority to conduct random ID checks. Not carrying your passport may lead to complications, including extended questioning.

Japanese police can detain you for 23-days without due-process

In Japan, if you are suspected of a crime, the police can detain you for up to 23 days without filing formal charges. During this time, you may have limited access to a lawyer, particularly during interrogations.

🎎 Cultural Things

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Culture of Respect

In Japan, bowing is a common gesture of gratitude, humility, and respect.

It’s similar to a respectful nod in Western cultures.

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Standing Culture

In Japan, escalator etiquette varies by region:

Stand on the left in Tokyo (Kanto Region).

Stand of the right in Osaka (Kansai Region).

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Train Culture

There is a saying, “Tanin ni meiwaku o kakenai”, which translates to, “Do not cause trouble for others”

When on a public train in Japan, there are 3 Important things to remember:

Reserved Seating for the elderly and pregnant women

You will see empty seats in a crowded train, those seats, typically green, are reserved as the locals are shy and not ask to sit there if someone improperly sits there.

All-female cabins (noted in pink)

Sexual assault occurs often in trains (groping), so there are dedicated cabins to females, which are coloured.

No eating or loud things on trains

Considered highly rude and disrespectful. Just don’t do it or keep it minimal.

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Convenience Culture

Japan has been designed for efficiency.

You will find every few hundred metres Vending Machines. They sell many things such as;

Hot Meals

Ice Cold or Hot drinks

Emergency Clothing

You will also find every ~1000 metres a Lawson’s or 7-11 store that sell Hot Meals, Ice Cold or Hot Drinks and emergency goods.

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Tattoos are Stigmatized

Japan’s history of tattoos dates back hundreds of years.

It has and still is associated with Yakuza and criminals. In the past, criminals where forcibly given tattoos so society knew their history.

Certain places will deny service if you have a tattoo. Its best to ask in advance.

💴 Paying for Things

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Currency Denominations

Japan is a cash-based society, >60% of transactions occur in cash.

The lowest denomination is the ¥1 coin to ¥10,000 bank note.

¥10,000 =

¥66.67

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¥1,000 =

¥6.67

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¥100 =

¥0.67

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Paying in Cash & Tipping

In Japan you will see Blue Trays at points of sales.

When paying in cash and receive change, you must drop the cash in these trays. There is a 404 event if you don’t.

In Japan it is also rude to tip, so don’t.

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Apple Wallet - SUICA Card

SUICA is the local transit pass to access the metro system. Its highly recommended to you iOS version of SUICA, found in Apple Wallet, as it saves time in acquiring and reloading the card.

One cool thing about SUICA, you can load money onto the digital card and use it to pay for food and drinks if you see the logo at vendors.

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