The national language in Japan is Japanese, and English isn’t even a second language. You can expect a low score when it comes to English Proficiency Index at 51.51, ranking them to be 53rd among 100 different countries and regions.

Language Skills
You may luckily bump into other expats and actually be able to speak english when discussing, however with locals, you may also want to try a few words from Japanese language to adapt to their very unique language culture. Most professionals in Japan are able to speak and understand English, but don’t expect it to be as fluent as yours. Dealing with foreigners is not something new to locals who do business transactions, but be patient and bear with them for you may find their grammar and usage of English a little different from yours. Generally, Japanese people will try their best to connect and welcome you even if it means getting into an English conversation. Foreigners don’t usually have trouble communicating, especially within the big cities of Japan.

Body Language
Greetings in Japan are known as ‘ojigi,’ meaning ‘a bow.’ But you’ll be surprised how this is used in so many ways. They used the bow in greeting, apologizing, and even in saying goodbye. If you are a foreigner, they don’t expect you to know the proper way to bow and even a nod would be sufficient. Also, don’t feel odd when they are silent during the bow, sometimes, it’s just how it is done for them. But don’t be shy to use some extra ‘good morning’ during your bow.

When greeting someone who has a higher status than you, try to bow a little deeper than they did. This is a display of utmost respect for the Japanese and they will really appreciate it. When addressing them, don’t call them by their first names. Use the titles ‘Mr’ or ‘Mrs’ along with their family name, or add ‘san’ at the end of their family name. For example, if a local’s name is ‘Yuriko Mashaito’, you can either call him ‘Mr. Mashaito’ or ‘Mashaito-san.’

You may also find the locals in the country to be conservative and reserved. You should take note that physical contact is not advisable especially in public areas. For example, if you are waiting for the train, avoid standing too near from a person and value their personal space. Avoid touching in public and using physical contact to approach a person.

Topics for Discussion
You’ll never get wrong in talking about food with a Japanese local. They love it when you bring up your personal experiences about their local cuisine. They may even suggest the next dish you should be trying! Food is part of Japanese culture and you may get along well with them if you are open to trying out what they offer. Along with the good topics about Japanese cuisine, it is also best that you bring up subject matters about the cities you’ve been to during your trip. Japan is a mixture of modernization and cultural heritage even within their main cities, appreciating the beauty of their tourist sites will make them carry on a pleasing conversation.

Any travel stories in different places you’ve been to whether outside or inside Japan is also a great conversation starter. Japanese people are also fond of travel and you may get a good exchange of stories if you choose this path of conversation.

When your discussions drag you to several topics you aren’t familiar with, just take note not to mention sensitive topics that are too personal like family, educational attainment, and religion. Although some Japanese might initiate asking a little bit about your background, it is considered rude if you ask too much personal stuff to a local.

Here are other things you would like to take note during your visit in Japan: