学进去

If you’re planning to visit Japan, it is a good idea to understand some basic customs.

Americans are always in such a hurry that we grab lunch at the drive with one hand while holding onto the steering wheel with the other.

The Japanese don’t walk around while eating or drinking. This seems strange in a culture that like vending machines (自动售卖机). In fact, the Japanese will often get a snack or soda out of a vending machine and then stand there, next to the vending machine, until they’ve finished it.

Seeing photos of people in Japan wearing surgical masks, you might wonder if surgical masks are just a fashion. Meanwhile, in America, we cough into the open air, and sneak out of restrooms without washing up.

In Japan, it’s not nice to share germs (细菌). If you’re sick and you must leave your home, you put a surgical mask because that’s polite. Surgical masks are also worn out of caution — if you travel in a packed train during flu season, it’s a good idea to do so.

You’re probably used to eating white rice with soy sauce (酱汁) all over it in American Asian restaurants, but don’t do it in Japan. Soy sauce in Japan is not meant for drowning out the subtle flavor of white rice.

Wearing shoe in the house is just not something people do in Japan. You should remove your shoes immediately after entering a Japanese home and also when entering most historic buildings.