Is blowing your nose in public that badly seen in Japan?

I am about to travel to Japan for a year, and I am trying to list things that shouldn't be done in the country so that I don't offend anyone while I am there. One thing I have heard a lot is that Japanese people would rather sniff a lot than blow their nose, as snot is apparently something as badly seen in public than pee.

As I totally respect their way of seeing it, I feel like it may be a problem during my trip. I am often (at least once every two weeks) sick, as if I had caught a really bad cold, and I am used to often blow my nose so that I can breath normally again. The problem is that, as I really don't want to be disrespectful to anyone, I am not sure how I will manage this situation at the moment, except trying to live with it until I reach a private place where I could do it.

Is blowing your nose in public really badly seen in Japan? And, if that's the case, are there any places where it is accepted, except in total privacy?

japan culture

Best Answer

It is not offensive to blow your nose in public. That Japanese people prefer sniffing to blowing is because many people (especially men) don't usually carry tissues, and also because of the lack of trash cans in public.

To keep sniffing your nose is likely considered more rude than to blow your nose (one-off sniffing is no problem at all).

However, some people (likely from 15% up to 40%, I guess) find it disgusting to see someone blow his/her nose while eating. It is OK in fast-food chains such as cheap beef-bowl restaurants since no one cares about the manner there, though (actually it is common to see middle-aged salarymen eat like a barbarian, chewing with his mouth open and issuing obnoxious noises, which is considered far more offensive). But in normal restaurants (price per person exceeds 2,000 JPY) you might be better to avoid it if possible.

If you could still be more attentive, go to a toilet and blow your nose there. But I feel this is going too far.

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Is blowing your nose in public that badly seen in Japan? - Photo of Cars in the Street

Is blowing your nose in public that badly seen in Japan? - Photo of a Man in the Middle of the Road

Is blowing your nose in public that badly seen in Japan? - Group of People at the Street

What is seen as rude in Japan?

Pointing at people or things is considered rude in Japan. Instead of using a finger to point at something, the Japanese use a hand to gently wave at what they would like to indicate. When referring to themselves, people will use their forefinger to touch their nose instead of pointing at themselves.

Is sneezing rude in Japan?

Note: It is very rare for anyone to acknowledge a sneeze in Japan, and it is customary not to say anything at all. After multiple sneezes, they use these words.

Is blowing your nose in a restaurant rude?

If you feel it's going to be loud or that you'll need to blow your nose several times, it's best to leave the room. The exception to all of this is at the dining table. You can wipe your nose at a dining table, but never blow it.

Can you yawn in Japan?

In Japan it's considered rude to yawn openly. Happily, you at least get to cover your mouth if you can't stop that yawn, but too much yawning shows fatigue or boredom, which is why it's considered taboo.

Blowing Your Nose In Public!

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