Question 1

Is it rude to take photos in Japan?

Accepted Answer

It is not rude to take photos in Japan. But when taking pictures, there are signs you should watch out for. A crossed-out camera is a sign that it is not okay to take a photo of the object. Without the sign, taking photos should not pose any problem at all. Japan has a horde of beautiful corners to take photos of. But when taking photos here, you need to understand a few things. Today, I will tell you when it is okay and when it is not okay to take photos in Japan. Here are some rules that surround the act of taking photos. Yes, You Can Take a Photo The obvious sign that it is not fine to take photos is the crossed-out camera signage. What this means is that it is not okay to take a photo of the object. If you cannot find this signage in the area, it means taking photos is okay. Generally, parks, buildings, and festivals are subjects that you can photograph. And when taking photos, don’t worry about the crowd. If they don’t prefer to be in the picture, they would tell you so. Or they would also move out of the way so you can take photos without them. Otherwise, it is fine to take photos of the crowd/subject. No, You Cannot Take a Photo. Aside from the crossed-out camera signage, there are also a few things to remember when taking photos. Do not take photos of children. Also, do not take photos of people unless they agree. Taking photos inside the train is also rude. Additional Reminder Most stores do not allow people to take photos of whatever they are selling. And if they do, they usually ask why you would like to take photos of their wares. When shopkeepers ask you, make sure to be honest. It is always alright with shopkeepers if you tell them. Just make sure that when you are in a store, ask the shopkeeper first if taking photos is fine.

Question 2

What should I avoid in Tokyo?

Accepted Answer

Aside from the photography etiquettes, what else is there to remember? There will always be rules about wearing shoes indoors, not giving tips, and not breaking chopstick etiquettes. There are also more. Japan is a country with a very rich culture. And for first-time visitors, learning all these rules can be daunting. But fear not because there are a few basics you just need to remember. Knowing these basic norms can go a long way. If you are visiting Japan anytime soon, here are a few things you need to know. Chopstick Etiquettes For most of us, using chopsticks while eating can be uncomfortable. And the Japanese get easily impressed if you know how to use them. If you do, remember not to stick the chopsticks vertically, especially when you are eating rice. Doing such is a symbol of a funeral ritual. There are chopstick holders beside you. Use them. Also, don’t rub the chopsticks. That isn’t polite. Shoes Out Visiting Japanese homes require you to take your shoes off before entering. This is because shoes that you use outside the home are what they consider dirty. Once inside the house, you can wear slippers they wear inside. The same rule applies in schools, some hospitals, and temples. And an indicator that you should take off your shoes is if you see shoes lining the doorway or the entrance. This is also the same when using the toilet. There will always be toilet slippers available. These are those you wear when you head to the toilet. Queue Wherever you go, you will always find Japanese lining up in a single file. It could be at the train station, the bus stop, or even the elevator. When there is a queue for something, never squeeze yourself in front of somebody. Always line up just like they do. It is rude to skip the lines. And it doesn’t matter that you are a tourist. When in Japan, do as the Japanese do. Line up! Eating on the Go Unlike in the US, the Japanese usually don’t eat on the go. When the Japanese are in a hurry, they usually buy their food, eat them standing up, and leave when done eating. The same rule applies when you are commuting. Eating in trains or buses is rude. Unless, of course, your trip takes long hours, then it is fine. Blowing Your Nose Don’t do this in public. It isn’t nice. Find a private place or blow your nose while in a toilet. Tipping One of the important things you should know is that tipping in Japan is a big NO. Workers may construe the tip as an insult. Even taxi drivers will not accept it if you round off the fare. Waiters will even run after you if you leave a coin or two at the table after eating. When in Japan, don’t tip.

Question 3

Is photography popular in Japan?

Accepted Answer

With camera manufacturers growing in Japan, it is obvious that photography is here to stay. Selfies, for instance, are getting more popular. The same is true with other types of photography. Photography is an essential part of Japanese culture and technology. Why would it not be? If you look at the major camera brands, most of them are from Japan. The list includes Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic. Sony and Olympus also have their manufacturing sites in the country. It was the Dutch that first brought a camera to Nagasaki in Japan. The camera would pass hands for many years. Remember that this was in the 1800s when Japan closed its trading to most countries. The Dutch were exceptions. Japan opened its trading to other countries in the 1850s. It was at this time when cameras, accessories, and everything else in-between started coming in. It was also the start of foreign photographers coming into the country to take photos of its landscapes, people, and culture. By this time, photography is becoming more popular even to the locals. More and more Japanese started opening studios in the country. It was in the earlier parts of the 20th century when Japan started working on its camera industry. With its use over the years, the Japanese started learning about photography and its tedious process. It was then that cameras became cheaper. Even the Second World War did not put off the Japanese camera industry. By the 1950s, after the war, Japanese cameras are becoming more popular for their high standards. Their standards even surpassed those of giants like the US and Germany. And with the digital and internet age ramping up, everyone is so used to photography. It is what the Japanese use as a medium for when they need to express or document something. As mentioned earlier, selfies are becoming more popular as well. Cameras are also getting more popular. Almost everyone in Japan has at least one type of camera. The Japanese are innovative geniuses. With this in mind, you can expect that the photography industry will soar in the country in the years to come.

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