7 articles

Public Manners

Shared spaces and everyday etiquette. Pick a theme and learn the small cultural cues that make everyday life in Japan easier.

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I dropped my wallet and got it back — is Japan just that honest?Public Manners There are almost no public bins — so why are the streets so clean?Public Manners Lots of healthy-looking people wear masks — is everyone sick?Public Manners Some crosswalks chirp or play a little tune — what's that for?Public Manners Why do people buy street food but then stand still to eat it?Public Manners People here queue for everything — ramen, pancakes, product launches — calmly, for hours. Why is lining up almost a hobby?Public Manners Dog walkers here carry water bottles and pour water where their dog peed — what is that about?Public Manners