Japan Survival Guide, (the real low-down on living in Japan) Volume 1--Food and Drink

There is a universal code of conduct that we all live by; respect each other's space, mind your own business, and cover your mouth when you sneeze. This is true in Japan as well but there are other rules and codes to living in Japan that no one would ever tell you about until, well, until it's too late. Some of these rules are to avoid losing face, some to save your life. Some may seem absurd but they are all real.

The following codes of food and drink conduct are based on personal observations and first hand experiences. Maybe my Japanese friends might disagree with me but they weren't with me when we were politely kicked out of a restaurant because the kids were disturbing the other diners!

• When you want to buy a banana in Japan, you must purchase the entire bunch of bananas. The produce in Japan is exceptional and that includes the bananas, most on the brink of ripeness, hardly a bruise or mark on them. I think in order to maintain that quality, no one is allowed to "man handle" the bunch.



• The Japanese find it rude to eat and drink out in public, even on the run. The exception to this are festivals, Chinatown and other touristy areas where street food is often served from open window stalls and street carts.

• The Japanese generally do not accept silly behavior unless you are 1) paid to do it, 2) if you are under 7, or 3) if you have been drinking.



• The Japanese really love children but not in nice restaurants. Unless the restaurant is a family style restaurant such as Fujiya or loud yaki-nikus and sushi-go-rounds, find a sitter and keep your little ones home.



• If you do take your little ones with you, do not be surprised to see booster seats and high chairs without appropriate straps to keep you babes in the seats. I suggest you carry an extra belt in your diaper bag for such occasions.



• It's yaki-niku, not yaki-nekko!

Next on Japan Survival Guide, "How I crossed the street in Japan and lived to tell about it".