japanese culture
 

so i've finally made enough money to be able to choose where i live, and japan is one of the places! however, i'm shit-scared about offending people as i know that the japanese culture is more "rich" than the western one. can anyone give me some pointers?

Weeelll I am by no means an expert but you will be a gaijin in japan, and expected to make mistakes, so people won't be quite as offended by any mishaps you make. The trick is to use 'sumimasen' a lot (when bumping into people, asking for people to move, saying please/thank you, etc). Learn politeness formulas and make sure to use 'san' and 'kun' where appropriate. Also learn the gestures...for instance, the movement for when someone beckons you looks a lot like the western 'go away', and it can be extremely confusing.

First question:
Do you speak fluent Japanese?
If the answer to that is no, then you are going to have a learning period during which you can pick up the language and culture.
I can't think of anything that is flat out insulting in Japan that is done in English speaking countries (assuming that is where you are from)... So unless you act like a jerk regularly, you likely will not end up doing anything incredibly offensive.

If you have the presence of mind to be observant of your surroundings and not be obnoxious when compared to everyone else (being loud and rowdy in public, for example) then you should be fine. No one is going to expect you to be proficient in the details, particularly not if you cannot speak the language... And by the time you have picked up the language you should be alright.

check out the japanchannelID on you tube. This is an Australian individual who is married in japan and has been living there for a awhile. He makes videos that are called Japan-How to #1- Genkan. And going all the way to #78+. It is the best way to learn about japanese culture that i know of. He gives you advices and everthing,