9. Don’t point in Japan (and try to avoid raising your voice in anger).
Street scene in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Pointing at people or things is considered rude in Japan. Instead of using a finger to point at something, the Japanese use a hand to gently wave at what they would like to indicate. When referring to themselves, people will use their forefinger to touch their nose instead of pointing at themselves. It’s also considered bad manners to use your chopsticks to point at something. In the same vein, manners go a long way in any type of communication, and raising your voice in anger or misunderstanding is majorly taboo.