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New: practical guides to visas, work and everyday life in Japan

Life in Japan

Culture & Etiquette

1 guide

Guides

Three sorting bins with bottle, can and leaf symbols in front of a block wall and a neighbour’s roof

Life Guide

Garbage, neighbours and everyday etiquette in Japan: sorting rules, noise, trains and work

Garbage rules are set by each city: check your city's English guide and collection days the week you move in. Keep noise down, especially at night, and follow your rental contract. On trains, keep quiet and avoid phone calls. At work, be on time and report early. After-work drinking is optional, and you can say no politely.