In our country, the habit of slurping while eating is not customary – this is considered a bad form. In Japan, in certain contexts, slurping is considered socially acceptable. About when the Japanese made sounds at the dinner table and why – in the Rambler documentary.
Why do Japanese people slurp when eating?
First of all, residents of the Land of the Rising Sun slurp their way through noodles – ramen, soba and udon, which form an important part of their daily diet. The origin of this habit is related to how and where Japanese culinary culture was formed. Noodles in Japan were originally eaten on the streets or in small, crowded establishments. The dishes are served very hot and there is very little time for the meal. Inhaling the noodles along with air helps the noodles cool faster in the mouth, while swallowing the broth without burning.
Over time, practicality has become a part of everyday life. It is believed that noisy smoking enhances the flavor: air helps the aroma of the broth develop better. In Japanese cuisine, the sense of smell is an important part of the culinary experience, and eating noodles loudly is considered a way to get the most out of the dish. Silent, careful chewing in a noodle shop seems strange to Japanese people.
There is also a social aspect. In Japanese culture, it is not customary to publicly praise the food or the chef. Instead of words, indirect signals are used. The slurping sound coming from visitors is one such sign. It means the food is delicious and the person eating it is happy. Ramen shop owners are more likely to be wary if there is suspicious silence in the room.
At the same time, it's important to emphasize: slurping is not always acceptable and not everywhere. It is only suitable to eat noodles and soup with them. Rice, meat, fish or sweets are eaten quietly in Japan. In formal settings – business dinners, fancy restaurants or formal events – noise at the dinner table may seem inappropriate. Context still matters.
Chomping in other countries
Of course, the Japanese are well aware that slurping is unusual for foreigners and, in some traditions, even unacceptable. Therefore, when traveling, they often try to eat quietly so as not to attract attention or cause judgment. However, in some other countries, similar traditions still exist.
In China and Korea, eating large noodles is also considered the norm, especially in inexpensive establishments. In some parts of Vietnam and Thailand, slurping is also a common custom. In Mongolia and partly in India, sounds during meals can be considered a sign of satisfaction with the food. So the idea that you should eat in complete silence is not a universal rule.
Why do they rarely eat beef in India, but in Japan they don't eat cheese?
Other strange habits of Japanese people
1. Sleeping at work
Japan is often known for its daily habits that may seem strange to foreigners. For example, in our country it is considered normal to sleep at work. This phenomenon is called inemuri, which literally means “sleep while remaining present.” We're talking about taking a nap in a public space – at work, on the subway, at university, at a meeting.
Historically, this has been related to Japanese work culture. After World War II, a model of handling and high loyalty to the company was established in the country. Working hours are long and entertainment outside the home is limited. Under these conditions, taking a nap at work has become a compromise between one's physical capabilities and the expectations of the employer.
It is important that inemuri follow unwritten rules. You cannot sleep “too comfortably”: you cannot lie down, take off your shoes, use pillows or blankets. The posture should be such that you can “return” to work at any time – sit, slightly bow your head, sometimes close your eyes. This demonstrates a willingness to stay on task.
Social status is also important. Inemuri is typically reserved for middle-aged and older employees who have proven their commitment. A young worker who regularly sleeps during work hours risks being considered undisciplined. Managers can buy inemuri with almost no consequences – this is considered a sign of high workload.
The same logic applies in transportation. On Japanese trains and subways, people often sleep, sometimes standing. This is not considered a sign of being tired with life or feeling unwell. On the contrary, this is a signal: a person works a lot, has a busy schedule. Sleeping in public does not violate social order and does not cause condemnation.
2. There is no trash can
The absence of trash cans on the streets of Japanese cities often shocks visitors. In Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, you can walk several blocks without seeing a single trash can, but the streets are still clean. This is not an accident or a heavy fine but the result of a sustainable culture every day.
A major decline in the number of trash cans on the streets occurred in the 1990s after a series of terrorist attacks, including a gas attack in the Tokyo subway. The trash cans were considered a potential safety hazard and were removed en masse. However, this decision is based on the existing tradition of personal responsibility for waste.
In Japan, it is considered normal to bring trash home. Wrappers, bottles or napkins are placed in bags and thrown away afterwards. This rule is learned from childhood. In school, children clean their own classrooms, hallways and bathrooms – no cleaners are needed. Thus, the idea was formed that cleanliness was not someone else's responsibility but a common cause.
A special place is occupied by waste classification. In most cities, waste is divided into many types: flammable waste, non-flammable waste, plastic, bottles, aluminum cans, glass, bulky waste. Each category is released on strictly defined dates. Breaking the rules doesn't attract fines so much as it causes public criticism – improperly sorted trash bags can be returned to the owner.
Even the packaging in Japan reflects this system. Many products have multi-layer protection, which is often criticized by environmentalists, but each part of the packaging is designed to be handled separately. Buyers know in advance what and where to throw away.
Attitudes towards littering are closely related to the concept of meiwaku – “inconveniencing others”. Throwing trash on the street means transmitting that problem to others, which is considered socially unacceptable. Purity is thus maintained not by external control but by internal prohibition.
What is considered bad manners in one culture may be a sign of respect, joy, and good manners in another. That just goes to show that notions of politeness and decency are not universal.
Previously, we told you why the Japanese launder money.
