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Oct 19
How to go to the bathroom. In Japan.
Here’s the “official” way to do this:
- Approach the stall or urinal, but stop a step or two in front (space permitting—you obviously don’t want to get in people’s way in a busy subway restroom, for example).
- Bow discreetly.
- Clap your hands together twice (softly—again, you don’t want to disturb people).
- Lower your head for just a second and give thanks. This is kind of just a pro forma gesture, but the idea is you’re giving thanks for the liquids you’ve drunk (remember clean water used to be a lot harder to find), and the people who have provided the facilities, and the people who maintain them, etc.
- Use the facilities as normal.
- Step back, bow again, and go on your way.