Is it rude to offer your seat in Japan?

There is a strong social convention that people should give up their seats (not just the designated priority seats) for elders, very young kids, the disabled/injured and pregnant. Nobody will be offended or think you rude for doing that. They might call you out if you don’t.

Why can’t you talk on the train in Japan?

TLDR Noise on Japanese trains goes from absolutely silent to fairly noisy. However generally talking that can be heard clearly above the train noise by others is regarded as inconsiderate, in crowded commuter trains that means it virtually impossible to talk at all. Phone use in the carriage is not allowed.

Can you eat on bullet trains in Japan?

When riding the Shinkansen or on a long train ride in a green car (reserved seating) you are allowed to eat and drink. The seats actually have tables and cup holders. There are also food, drinks, and snacks being sold in these train cars. But on commuter trains, avoid eating.

Is it rude to use a phone on a bus in Japan?

It is regarded as a real invasion of privacy for someone to have a private conversation on the phone if there are others around who can hear what is being said, and are therefore forced to listen. On trains and buses in Japan, people are using their travel time to sleep, think, work, or just calmly sit and read.

Can you drink on the train in Japan?

In Japan you can drink in public. This doesn’t mean you can use the street as an izakaya or nightclub, but you can enjoy a can of beer on the street or on a train. You may be allowed to do this, but it is often something that may be looked down on by some in Japanese society.

Why do Japan eat KFC on Christmas?

In 1970, Takeshi Okawara—manager of the first KFC restaurant in Japan—began promoting fried chicken “party barrels” as a Christmas meal intended to serve as a substitute for the traditional American turkey dinner. Eating KFC food as a Christmas time meal has since become a widely practiced custom in Japan.

Is it rude to rub chopsticks together?

Rubbing your chopsticks together is seen as an insult in Japan. If you rub your chopsticks together it implies you’re trying to get rid of splinters because they’re cheap.