Having lived in Tokyo for several years, conveying a range of cultural, social and gastronomic norms in the city became a bit of a habit after being inundated with questions from visitors and long-term residents alike.
Etiquette columns
I took over the previously freelancer-led Courtesy Calls column series when I started at Time Out, and wrote them consistently for two years. That included guides on how to use a Japanese toilet, not making a fool out of yourself at a shrine or temple, being a great wedding guest, becoming a hanami expert, and finally, the best ways to say goodbye.
Kirsty Bouwers 