FOOD NEWS
Avoid This Rude Tipping Mistake If You're Dining In Japan
BY BRIAN UDALL
In the United States, tipping is practically required, and failing to do so is a social stigma. However, in Japan, a tip is unexpected and is seen as quite demeaning.
In Japan, tipping comes across as belittling because workers take pride in their work. It may feel like friendly generosity, but it appears as an assertion of social dominance.
Japanese people will go out of their way to return a tip, sparking an uncomfortable conversation. An exception is Japanese ryokan, a type of inn, but this is a specific exception.