I saw this article Basic etiquette tips for Japan: The social rules of conduct. Those are the same basic rules that we promote on this blog. It is remarkable how much we have in common with the rest of the world. We all know that different countries have their own etiquette rules, but you will find that we have more in common than differences. The point is that basic manners are not only applicable in the USA, but you can practice them anywhere you go. Your classy behavior will be appreciated.

You should also consider that many people love American culture. American TV can be found in every country on the planet. They watch all the movies, shows, and reality TV. Everyone know what bad behavior is, and what a bad attitude looks like. Regardless of race, color, or ethnicity.

No Eating or drinking on trains

No Speaking in a loud voice on trains
No Public displays of affection

There is even an older article 16 Etiquette Tips When Riding Trains In Japan. Check out the list below and you will realize that more than half are rules that we follow here in America. My favorite rule is number 16. It is truly fascinating that they would be considerate of women. As a woman you can fall victim to unwanted touches from a man in a crowded train. This is a great way for women to feel more comfortable on their commute.

Step off to the Side If You Cannot Get Through
Pay Attention to Which Side You Walk
Keep Your Head Up When Walking
Only Smoke in Designated Areas
Wait in Line Before Boarding
Let People Get off First
Don't Rush onto the Train
Move Into the Car
Silence Your Phone and Don't Make Phone Calls
Lower Your Volume
Refrain from Eating
Hold Your Bags Close to Yourself
Don't Take Up Too Much Space
Give Up Your Seat in Priority Seating
Avoid Rush Hour
Female Passengers Can Use Designated Cars

How to sneeze in public

Practice sneezing at home. Aim for making your sneeze as quiet as possible. You can do it.

If one is available, Sneeze into a tissue. Throw it away immediately. As in right away. Excuse yourself and cross highways if necessary to dispose of the used tissue.

Sneeze into your elbow. Sneezes can be a surprise. You’re in public. You don’t have tissue. There are people next to you. You know it’s going to be a big one; maybe a little wet, and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Lift your elbow to your nose before the sneeze is expelled and release into the crook of your arm. Excuse yourself to the restroom immediately. First to finish blowing your nose. Second, to clear any extra moisture. Third to check for anything extra hanging from your nose.

The practice of saying “Bless You”, dates back to at least 590 CE, when Pope Gregory I commanded that anyone who sneezed immediately be blessed out of fear that it was a sign they had contracted The Plague.

At one time people believed a man’s soul could be inadvertently thrust from his body by an explosive sneeze.

Conversely, the sneeze itself was the expulsion of a demon or evil spirit which had taken up residence in a person.

The heart was believed to momentarily stop during a sneeze (it doesn’t)

Yet other folks echo the theme of other superstitions about sneezes, that these expulsions are either in themselves lucky or foretell good fortune.

Finally, some see the sneeze as a blessing bestowed by the sneezer upon the sneezed-upon.