Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2010

The Tokyo Metro’s “Please do it at home” poster campaign is just one example of a push to re-educate the Japanese public about good manners. The July issue of Nikkei Otona no Off magazine also offers a crash course on the finer points of civilized behavior. Here are a few of the more obscure tips from their “manner advisers.”

Don’t…

…step on the shikii (threshold) when entering and exiting a Japanese-style room
It’s like “stomping on the host’s face” and wears down the wood, meaning that sliding doors won’t open smoothly

…give someone a gift in the paper bag in which it was brought
It risks passing on the dirt and grime accumulated during your journey

…move the zabuton cushion placed for you
It’s not just there to make you comfortable: it may also hide a tear in the tatami

…wipe up spilt food or drink with your oshibori
The towels are for your fingers, not the table. And women, take note: wiping up spills for your tablemates may make men think that you have, ahem, “companion” experience

…refuse to sing at karaoke
Declining to sing at all risks ruining the party mood. Just belt it out: if you’re awful, you’ll make everyone else feel better about themselves

…bring a gift worth less than ¥2,000 when staying for more than two nights
If you’ve got the family in tow, it won’t compensate for the food and shelter. Bring something worth at least ¥10,000—this applies when visiting other relatives, too