Japanese society, known for its polite orderliness, is heavily dependent on unspoken understandings and behavior aimed at maintaining the “wa” — the idea of social harmony. With Tokyo bracing for an influx of tourists for the 2020 Summer Olympics, here are some lesser-known tips for first-timers on avoiding faux pas and other cultural missteps while in Japan. No tipping requiredAttending the Summer Olympics in Tokyo will be an expensive undertaking for visitors, so it should be some relief to know that tipping is not customary in Japan’s service industry. Use the small tray at the register, rather than handing money to the cashierA common sight in Japanese stores is a small plastic tray next to the cash register. For shops without a tray, it is acceptable to hand your cash directly to the cashier.

Source: New York Times January 29, 2020 09:56 UTC