Known as aruki-sumaho (lit. “walking-smartphone”) this practice is generally looked down upon in Japan, and yet it happens absolutely everywhere. In crowded cities like Tokyo, a smartphone-screen-gazing salaryman can become a serious pedestrian hazard. It’s even more dangerous on train platforms when one misstep could land you on the track. That's why Japanese cellphone carrier Docomo put out this public service announcement for people to stop using smartphones while walking.

A lot of people in Japan have a strong sense of privacy, and many use pseudonyms online as well as opting out of using pictures of their face on social media. If you’ve ever browsed a dating site in Japan, you’ll find lots of people attempting to hide their face in their picture. It’s a strange phenomenon in this world of online over-sharing, but with many people in Japan drawing a clear line in the sand between their work and private life, it’s often essential.

One brief glance at your smartphone would ruin the illusion of diligence at your Japanese company, so just don't do it.

We think we can skip this point, because doesn’t this happen in every country in the world where people have access to smartphone technology? It sucks, but it’s not unique to Japan. Sorry Yahoo!

Perhaps this goes back to the imaginary friend theory from No. 4?

Now that you know some smartphone etiquette in Japan, why not learn about some advanced dining etiquette, too?

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