Manners and Customs of the Japanese People (Essay Sample)

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Manners, Customs and the Japanese Way
Japan is famous for being a nation of polite people and this has been attributed to the specific manners, customs, and way of life. From the proper way of lining up when waiting to board the train, regardless of how crowded it might be, to the proper way of bowing, the country stands out as one that has cherished polite culture, manners, customs, and norms. For example, the general principle of polite behavior in Japan is to avoid conflict at all costs, avoid direct criticism of one’s character in front of outsiders as well as avoid boasting. In other words, the essence of the unique culture of the Japanese people is to maintain peace and harmony by avoiding explicit disagreements.
First, in Japan, it is expected that one would avoid pointing at people or staring at them. While Japan may not be the only country where this way of life is observed, it is evident that doing so might be offensive to the people of Japan. (Davis and Ikeno, 33) Directly pointing a finger at someone is considered a rude gesture. Besides, people of Japan are not used to looking at others directly into the eye for more than a minute. It only happens when talking to someone but the same must be accompanied by an occasional break of eye contact. The reason for not looking directly in the eye is to allow the other person to be comfortable with the conversation.
In Japan, it is said that people are peaceful because they are orderly. However, the orderly