Some things Japanese want tourists to understand

1. Go backward and carry your backpack in front of your chest when the train is crowded: In a crowded train, walk backwards to avoid getting stuck and wear your backpack in front of your chest to avoid colliding with others.
2. Do not take photos of students or children: Avoid taking clear photos of students and children's faces, as the protection of children's personal information is very important in Japan.
3. Stand to the left when getting on an escalator: When using an escalator, stand to the left to give way to people in urgent need to get up quickly, and leave the right lane for those standing still.
4. Do not stare into women's eyes for more than 3 seconds: On public transport, limit staring into women's eyes for too long to avoid causing annoyance and being considered sexual harassment.
5. Do not wipe chopsticks in restaurants: Avoid wiping chopsticks, spoons or bowls in restaurants as this can cause misunderstandings and give you the impression that the restaurant is not clean.
6. Do not whistle at night: Avoid whistling in the evening, as whistling at this time can create a feeling of fear and cause concern for people.
7. Don't talk too loudly in public: Avoid talking too loudly in public places like subways, libraries, train stations, and other quiet areas. The Japanese attach great importance to not making noise and respect the quiet in common spaces.
8. Take off your shoes when entering the house and put them next to the door: It is a tradition in Japan to take off your shoes when entering a house and leave them next to the door. This helps keep the house clean and doesn't bring in dirt from the outside.
9. Set the correct amount at checkout: When paying at a store or restaurant, be sure to set the correct amount or use an automated payment system. This helps speed up transactions and avoids inconvenience to employees and other customers.
10. Non-Smoking Walking: Smoking on the street is not recommended in Japan. Look for a dedicated place like a smoking area or an area that offers a separate stop for smoking.
11. Respect quiet zones in hotel rooms: If you're staying in a hotel, respect quiet zones and keep quiet in common areas, especially in elevators and lobbies.
12. Do not overtime parking: When parking in public parking lots or other places, observe the specified parking time and avoid overtime parking. This helps keep traffic orderly and avoids fines.

The foregoing represents some of the codes of conduct and respect in Japanese society. When traveling to Japan, knowing and following these rules will help you make a good impression and avoid disturbing the locals.