A neighbor in Tokyo explained why burping after a meal is rude here

Last month I was having dinner at a friend's house in Tokyo. After the meal I let out a small burp without thinking. Everyone went quiet for a second. Later my neighbor told me that in Japan burping is seen as really disrespectful. She said it shows a lack of manners and control. Back home in the US it is often seen as a compliment to the cook. I felt bad for making that mistake. Has anyone else run into a food habit that was totally different in another country?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_ben1mo ago

Burping in Japan got me banned from a friend's mom's kitchen forever.

the_cameron1mo ago

Hang on, are we really supposed to believe getting the boot from a kitchen forever is a real thing over one burp? I've been to Japan a few times and yeah, people are polite, but they also understand accidents happen. If you let out a loud one by mistake, a quick "sumimasen" and an embarrassed laugh usually smooths things over. Seems like there's got to be more to the story, like maybe you did it right in the mom's face during a prayer before eating or something. Or maybe that friend just wanted a reason to keep you out of the kitchen for good.