Etiquette Guide to Japan: Know the Rules that Make the Difference! (Paperback)

~ Boye Lafayette De Mente (Author) "The primal impetus for the development of an etiquette-oriented culture in Japan no doubt originated in the native religion called Shinto, which translates as "way..." (more)
Key Phrases: shitsurei shimasu, condolence money, etiquette system (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Etiquette Guide to Japan offers an inside look at the social norms of the Japanese-when to bow, how to propose a toast, when to pay the bill, the careful art of gift-giving, how to deal with public transportation, dating, weddings, funerals, and last, but not least, how to say good-bye at the end of your stay. If you want to save yourself from possible embarrassment during your stay in Japan, you will find the Etiquette Guide to Japan to be a much-needed companion.

About the Author

Boye Lafayette De Mente is an acknowledged authority on Asia and the author of more than 30 books. He first came to Japan in 1949 and has since worked as a journalist, editor, lecturer, and writer.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (August 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804834172
• ISBN-13: 978-0804834179
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #40,907 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #11 in	Books > Travel > Asia > Japan
  #95 in	Books > Reference > Etiquette

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better work on your bow!, August 23, 2007

By	Michael K. Smith (Gonzales, Louisiana) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

In Japan, as visiting foreigners keep discovering -- if they're paying proper attention -- "etiquette" means a great deal more than simply knowing which knife and fork to use. (Or, in this case, what not to do with your chopsticks.) Japan has been a deeply and subtly ritualized and mannered society for millennia, and even with the postwar easing of some rituals and the introduction and acceptance of certain Westernisms -- and even though the Japanese are generally tolerant of minor faux pas on the part on non-Japanese -- the foreign visitor still needs to be very aware of the expectations of those around him. However, this book is also an excellent source for the non-visitor who simply has an interest in Japanese society and culture. The author has been both a periodic resident and been otherwise closely involved with Japan for going on six decades, and he's also a very observant and thoughtful writer, which makes him an ideal guide for the westerner on all things Japanese. He not only tells you what to do, what not to do, and what you can get away with, he provides the historical background, the psychological rationalization, which not even some Japanese are really aware of. This will help you to extrapolate your behavior in other situations, and will assist you toward an understanding of why the Japanese are the way they are. Those shallow-thinkers who consider the Japanese simply "inscrutable," alien, and beyond American understanding should definitely read this book.

40 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Virtually essential, September 2, 2001

By	R. Getter (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Etiquette Guide to Japan (Japan Quick Guides) (Paperback Bunko)

Virtually essential when travelling to Japan for business (or visiting relatives) and extremely helpful for the casual tourist. In spite of its brevity, it covers nearly all of the essentials and provides a weath of historical and cultural background for many of the customs. Even though this is the only one I have read so far, I would imagine that other books by De Mente are well worth reading.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Be prepared before you go!, December 21, 2007

By	A. Schmidt (Eugene, Oregon) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My daughter was going to Japan to spend several weeks with her boyfriends family. I figured she needed some help in the subtle manners that would prepare her to be the best guest she could. It makes for great reading on a long flight! She felt that there were many bits of information that really helped her. Going to Japan with a local is extremely advantagous, but sometimes they forget the details. Lots of good info.