Culture Tips for Travelers

equal value to the one you received the next time you see someone who gave you a present or money for some reason other than a business transaction, unless the money was given because you had a death or in-patient illness in the family. In those cases, a present of approx. 50% of the value of the money given is appropriate.
Do give small, inexpensive, useful presents (like laundry soap or bath powder) to your neighbors immediately after moving to a new house or apartment. This lets you introduce yourself to them. They in turn will tell you useful things about the neighborhood, like when the trash gets picked up and so forth. Some might respond with a present the next day, but if you're a gaijin, don't get your feelings hurt if it doesn't happen.
Do give a present anytime you inconvenience your neighbors, e.g. by asking them a favor, or if you garden starts spawning web worms that spread to their yard (of course, you must also pay to have their yards sprayed, the present is on top of that). You should at least apologize before and after any long, loud evolution such as having extensive yard work done or having lots of furniture delivered by trucks that will block the street for a long time, etc. (the initial move-in present covers this if it occurs during the move-in).

ON THE GO

Don't get upset if you get shoved around on the train. Public places belong to everybody, and you don't get any personal space there.
Ladies: Do clobber somebody if he grabs your breasts, rear end or other private areas while on the train. The Japanese women won't, but my personal opinion is, it's time to teach these dirty old men (called chikan) a lesson. You will not, however, receive any support from those around you, so be prepared to go it alone.
Do shove your way on and off trains if necessary. Everyone else will. To be polite, however, you should say "Shitsurei shimasu." Don't hold your breath waiting for others to say it, though.
Don't sit on the seats on buses and trains which are either red or silver. These are for the handicapped or elderly.
Do let others pull in front of you on the road when they need to. Drivers are a team here. You won't win in court if you slam into somebody who didn't technically have the right of way.
Do give cars with half-green/half-yellow arrow stickers on them a wide berth. They are first-year drivers and

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