n Japan people greet each other by bowing. When bowing to someone of higher social status, a deeper, longer bow indicates respect. Conversely, a small head nod is casual and informal. However, most Japanese do not expect foreigners to know proper bowing rules and so a nod of the head is usually sufficient. It is also common to bow to express thanks, to apologize, to make a request or to ask someone a favour. When business men meet for the first time, they exchange Meishi (business cards). It is customary to take the Meishi with two hands while bowing. It is considered rude to take it and put it straight into your pocket, observe it for a minute and make a polite comment about the card.When entering a Japanese house, outdoor shoes are always replaced by slippers at the doorway (genkan). Slippers are provided by the host. Before eating it is customary to say “Itadaki-masu” which can be translated to ‘Bon Appetit’. The saying “Gochiso-samadeshita” is said after your meal which indicates you have finished eating. Unlike western culture, when eating noodles such as soba or ramen, it is accepted to slurp loudly. In actual fact, it is encouraged as it is said to enhance the meals flavour. However, it is considered bad manners to burp. Blowing your nose in public, and especially at the table, is considered bad manners. When catching the train throughout Japan, it is considered rude and inconsiderate to talk on your mobile phone while in the carriage. Also there are silent carriages and lady carriages on many trains, please be aware of which carriage you enter and abide by the correct practise.