Important Japanese gestures and how to do them correctly

Although language is an important form of communication between cultures, there is a lot of information between the lines. In every culture, there are subtleties to pay attention to in order to comply with social customs and rules of courtesy .

Here’s a breakdown of important gestures in Japanese culture, from the proper way to sit on a mat to how to point to yourself.

The correct way to sit on tatami

The Japanese have traditionally sat on tatami (a padded straw mat) in their homes. However, many houses today are completely Western-style and do not have Japanese-style tatami rooms. Many young Japanese are no longer able to sit properly on tatami mats.

The correct way of sitting on a tatami is called seiza. Seiza requires one to bend the knees 180 degrees, tuck the calves under the thighs, and sit on the heels. This can be a difficult pose to hold if you’re not used to it. This seated posture requires practice, preferably from an early age. It is considered polite to sit seiza-style on occasion formal .

Another more relaxed way to sit on a tatami is with your legs crossed (agura). Starting with the legs straight and folding them into triangles. This pose is usually for men. Women generally moved from a formal to an informal sitting posture by moving their feet to the side (iyokozuwari).

Although most Japanese don’t worry about it, it is okay to walk without stepping on the edge of the tatami.

The right way to attract in Japan

The Japanese sign with a waving motion with the palm facing down and the hand flapping up and down at the wrist. Westerners may mistake this for a wave and not realize they are being called. Although this gesture (temaneki) is used by both men and women and of all ages, it is considered impolite to call a superior in this way.

Maneki-neko is a cat ornament that sits and has its front paw raised as if it is calling someone. It is believed to bring good luck and is displayed in restaurants or other businesses where customer turnover is high.

How to tell you (“Who, me?”)

The Japanese point to their nose with their index finger to indicate themselves. This gesture is also made when asking without words, “who, me?”

banzai

“Banzai” literally means ten thousand years (of life). It is shouted on happy occasions while both arms are raised. People shout “banzai” to express their happiness, celebrate a victory, hope for longevity, etc. It is usually done together with a large group of people.

Some non-Japanese mistake “banzai” for a war cry. This is probably because Japanese soldiers yelled “Tennouheika Banzai” when they were dying during World War II. In this context, they meant “Long live the Emperor” or “Hail to the Emperor.”