Japan
A society built on quiet respect and meticulous order.
Silence is golden. On trains, in queues, in elevators — keep your voice down and your phone on silent.
Strictly Prohibited
Possession of any narcotic (even cannabis) — minimum 5 years prison + deportation.
Carrying certain prescription drugs (Adderall, codeine, pseudoephedrine) — verify with embassy before travel.
Tattoos with offensive Japanese characters or covering most skin may bar entry to onsen (hot springs), gyms, and beaches.
Filming or photographing inside trains, especially of women, is treated as harassment.
Don't enter shrines/temples with shoes on, in revealing clothing, or while loud.
Don't stick chopsticks vertically in rice or pass food chopstick-to-chopstick — both are funeral symbols.
Don't blow your nose audibly in public — step into a washroom.
Don't tip — leaving money on the table can be returned to you or considered rude.
Laws to Know
Drug laws are extremely strict — even possession of small amounts leads to detention.
Jaywalking is uncommon and frowned upon, even on empty streets.
Photography of strangers without consent can lead to legal trouble.
Common Immigration & Visa Mistakes
Booking a non-refundable flight before visa is issued.
Submitting a vague itinerary — Japan requires day-wise plans with hotel addresses.
Showing low or sudden-spike bank balances — looks suspicious.
Forgetting to declare medication (Adderall, codeine, pseudoephedrine) — confiscated at airport.
Overstaying even 1 day — automatic ban from re-entry.
Working on a tourist visa, including freelancing — instant deportation.
Penalties for Foreigners
Overstay: deportation + 5-10 year re-entry ban.
Drug possession (any amount): minimum 5 years prison + deportation.
Working illegally: up to 3 years prison + ¥3M fine.
Photographing in trains: arrest + ¥1M fine.
Public drunkenness causing disturbance: detention + fine up to ¥500,000.
Not carrying residence card/passport: ¥200,000 fine + detention.
Public Conduct
Carry your trash with you — public bins are rare. Sort it later.
Bow slightly when greeting or thanking someone.
Don't blow your nose loudly in public; step away discreetly.
Don't smoke while walking — use designated smoking areas only.
Public Transport
Queue in marked lines on platforms and wait for passengers to exit first.
Set phones to manner mode (silent). Avoid voice calls inside trains.
Don't eat or drink on commuter trains. Long-distance shinkansen is fine.
Don't put bags on empty seats during peak hours.
Dining
Say 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'gochisousama' after.
Slurping noodles is acceptable and even appreciated.
Never stick chopsticks vertically into rice — it resembles funeral rites.
Don't tip. Service is included and tipping can be considered rude.
Banned Substances — Don't Carry
Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and most ADHD stimulants — banned even with prescription.
Pseudoephedrine (in Sudafed, many cold tablets) and codeine-based cough syrups.
Cannabis, CBD oil, hemp products — zero tolerance.
Knives over 6 cm, brass knuckles, stun guns, pepper spray for self-defence.
Pornographic material featuring uncensored genitalia (yes, still enforced at customs).
Test what you've learned.
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