When in Japan, do as the Japanese do. You've heard the ever-popular saying. A seemingly easy feat, that is, unless you have never been to Japan! Let me share seven learnings we are glad to have been warned of as they certainly are important. Though far from the last of the learning's, I am sure. - Mastery of Chopsticks Our skills might be up to the challenge of picking up every grain of rice from your plate, there is a right and a wrong way. Crossing your chopsticks or manipulating them in a way that ends up looking like a death grip is not going to get you any kudos. When held correctly, chopsticks should be straight and only the upwards oriented stick should move (pinkie up is optional). - Always Show Up Early Believe it or not, stereotypes do not always hold true and the Japanese are just as prone to lateness as the rest of us (although their excuse is probably work related). That being said, showing up to the decided destination early shows that you would rather wait than be waited upon. Expect your company to apologize profusely. Bring Back Omiyage Whether you climb Mt. Fuji or go across the street to the convenience store, bring something back for everyone. This especially applies if you intend on telling people about where you went. Walking into the office and talking about your fantastic weekend is only bound to make everyone else feel crappy about their own. It does not matter how small or seemingly insignificant it may be, listening to someone's boring story is easier to do with a face full of cookies. Greet Everyone You Meet Greetings are an important part of the Japanese culture in expressing your gratitude or acknowledgement of people. You may have noticed this in the high-pitched voices that bench test your eardrums every time you enter a store. A simple, clear "Ohayougozaimasu!" (good morning) can change the approach and atmosphere. - A deceptively easy concept, following the rules goes a long way in Japan. Rohan and I decided to simply not walk on the pedestrian red, stop light, even when cars are nowhere in sight. Rohan is far better at sticking to this high moral standard than I. We often got parted by zebra crossings…it then became known to me that Ro would rather catch the red to take a break during our run, but ever so grateful for this point he has proven - feels so good to be ethical and do the right thing. I have cottoned onto the high standard he has set - love it and him for this. I challenge myself to still do this when back in South Africa - where people will look on us as if we have lost the plot by obeying a coloured light! - You will notice when visiting Japanese friends or at a restaurant, that their toilet paper is neatly folded in a triangle-like shape. Easily mistaken for a origami trick completed with time to kill, this gesture is actually quite important. The thought process behind the fold is that it gives the user the feeling that they are the first and only ones to use the toilet. This idea of a special privilege is the perfect example of the accommodating characteristic of the Japanese people. If you happen to visit someone's home who does not do this, folding after you use their toilet is the ultimate in guest manners. - Learn the Language The fact of the matter is, we are in a foreign country with a foreign language. Learning the customs and language of your newly adopted residence makes all the difference in your communications with people and how they perceive you. Luckily, the Japanese people are usually extremely patient and willing to help you get over all of those bumps in the road. Such small gestures that truly go a long way and straight to ones' heart.