Cross-Cultural Experience Indonesia-Japan: Do’s and Don’ts

By: Ali Syarief

Every year and this year is on March 2025, a group from Indonesia participate in a cross-cultural experience in Japan with Japanese families and communities through homestay and snow camp. To ensure a harmonious and respectful interaction, it is crucial for both parties to understand each other’s social etiquette, customs, and values. Below are some do’s and don’ts for both Indonesians in Japan and Japanese people interacting with Indonesians.

Do’s and Don’ts for Indonesians in Japan

Do’s:

1. Bowing as a Greeting Bowing is a primary form of showing respect in Japan. It is appropriate when meeting someone, expressing gratitude, or apologizing.
2. Maintaining Order and Cleanliness Japan highly values cleanliness and order. Always dispose of trash properly, avoid eating while walking, and keep noise levels low in public places, especially in public transportation.
3. Respecting Queuing Culture Japanese people strictly adhere to queuing etiquette in stations, shops, and public places. Always follow the queue and avoid cutting in line.
4. Removing Shoes When Required When visiting a Japanese home, temples, or specific places, make sure to remove your shoes before entering. Indoor slippers are usually provided.
5. Using Both Hands When Giving or Receiving Something Accepting or handing over items, business cards, or money with both hands is a sign of respect and politeness in Japan.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid Speaking Too Loudly Japanese society values a calm and quiet atmosphere in public places. Refrain from speaking loudly or engaging in boisterous conversations.
2. Do Not Give Tips Unlike in some other countries, tipping in Japan is unnecessary and may even be considered rude.
3. Do Not Point with Your Finger Pointing at people or objects with a single finger is considered impolite. Instead, use an open hand gesture.
4. Do Not Stick Chopsticks Vertically in Rice This resembles a funeral ritual in Japan and is considered taboo. Instead, place chopsticks on the designated rest.
5. Avoid Touching Someone’s Head In Japanese culture, touching someone’s head, even a child’s, is seen as impolite.

Do’s and Don’ts for Japanese People Interacting with Indonesians

Do’s:

1. Show Warmth and Friendliness Indonesians appreciate warm and friendly interactions. Smiling and a friendly attitude are valued in social settings.
2. Respect Religious Practices As the majority of Indonesians are Muslim, it is important for Japanese hosts to be mindful of dietary restrictions, such as avoiding pork and alcohol in meals.
3. Use Respectful Greetings Indonesians appreciate polite greetings, such as using “Pak” or “Bu” to address older individuals as a sign of respect.
4. Embrace the Culture of Communal Dining In Indonesia, dining together is a significant social activity. It is polite to wait until everyone is served before starting a meal.
5. Be Flexible with Time Unlike Japan’s strict punctuality, Indonesians may have a more relaxed approach to time. Some flexibility in scheduling can facilitate smoother interactions.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid Asking Personal Questions Too Directly Questions about salary, marital status, or other private matters may be considered intrusive.
2. Do Not Criticize Openly Indonesian culture tends to avoid direct confrontation. Feedback should be given in a polite and considerate manner.
3. Do Not Decline Meal Invitations Rudely If invited to dine, it is considered impolite to decline outright. If necessary, provide a polite excuse.
4. Do Not Ignore Small Talk and Greetings Indonesians value social pleasantries, such as greetings and small talk. Ignoring them may come across as disrespectful.
5. Avoid Physical Contact with the Opposite Gender Without Consent In Indonesian culture, particularly for Muslims, physical contact between non-related men and women is often restricted. Avoid initiating handshakes unless the other party extends their hand first.

By understanding and practicing these etiquettes, both Indonesians and Japanese participants can foster meaningful and respectful interactions. This cross-cultural experience is not just an opportunity for cultural exchange but also a way to strengthen the long-term relationship between Indonesia and Japan.