DO AS WE DO Japan instructs visitors on etiquette

Posted on 05/03/2016 | About Japan

The 2008 release of the Chinese movie ‘If You Are the One’ showcased Japan’s northernmost island Hokkaido. The film is credited with increasing Chinese tourism to the area by 20 times from the previous year. Now, the destination, known for volcanoes, hot springs and ski resorts has released a Chinese etiquette brochure telling visitors what is appropriate behaviour when visiting.

The Japan Tourism Agency has estimated that Chinese tourists are the biggest spenders among the country's tourists, spending about a quarter of the $17 billion total brought in by foreigners. That works out to be about $2,000 per tourist. Japanese citizens were offended when Hokkaido Tourism Organization released a brochure with an X across images of unacceptable behaviour, saying the text was condescending. The agency admitted it showed bias and pulled the brochure, and recently released a new one, with an intended more conciliatory tone. The leaflet is also posted in English, and suggests that, “When in Japan, do as the Japanese?”

The instructions include the following titles: 1. Speak in a whisper? 2. Everything in modesty; even belching! 3. Always orderly, even in long queues! 4. Be mindful of private property There is a sidebar called ‘Only take home Disposable or Consumable Items’ which instructs:

‘Of the items provided at your accommodation, you may generally take home disposable or consumable items such as soap, shampoo and razors. However, please do not remove other items such as cutlery, dishes, kettles, hair dryers or the like from your guest room — taking such items is considered theft.’ There is a section on public bath etiquette with a reminder, ‘In the west, take a bath to get clean. In Japan, get clean to take a bath.’