With a population approaching 130 million in a country the size of California, Japan is predominantly urban. Tokyo, with its associated suburbs, is the largest city in the world, and many other Japanese cities have a population exceeding one million.

Where am I?
Addresses are written the reverse of how they are written in Western countries, with the postal code coming first, followed usually by the prefecture, city, subdivision, neighbourhood, block, building, flat number and finally the addressee’s name. Most streets do not have names. This means finding a particular address can be a real chore even for the Japanese, let alone travellers from another country.

Bowing
Japanese bow frequently in daily life, though some bows may be less formally executed. There are two important rules when bowing:

• Resist the temptation to lift your eyes. Instead, let them naturally point downward as you bow.

• A subordinate should bow at least marginally lower than a superior. Take a quick peek and adjust your bow accordingly.

Meeting People
 

• Japanese customarily show respect for their superiors, and expect as much from their inferiors. Within the family, children address their mothers as okaasan and their fathers as otousan; it’s a bit like calling one’s parents “Mrs Mum” and “Mr Dad”.

• Address people by their surnames and correct title: e.g., Tanaka-san. Remember that it is rude and embarrassing to use given names in public situations, even among good friends.

Confused by Shoes?
 

• Take off your shoes before stepping into a house, or into some schools and restaurants. If slippers are provided, put them on, but remember it is impolite to walk on Japanese straw mats (tatami) in any kind of shoe or slipper.

• Change into the toilet slippers when using the toilets, and don’t forget to change out of them when leaving!

Other quirks
One thing that some visitors find immediately striking about Japan is the amount of cuteness going on. You’re likely to see young adults driving cars with stuffed animals or Hello Kitties piled up on the dashboard, college students practising wheelies on their bicycles on campus, and middle-aged office workers whiling away their empty hours reading comic books. 

An extract from Culture Shock! Japan–A Survial Guide to Customs and Etiquette, published by Marshall Cavendish Editions, available at leading bookstores.