Japanese Customs and Etiquette - A Practical Handbook
by Albrecht Rothacher
(i borrowed from sengkang library)

This is a really interesting read! Despite the fact that the entire book seems to be full of words but the words flow easily and i finished the book in less than a day. There are very useful pictures at various parts to aid in explanation. It covers important points on Japanese etiquette in various situations - short and succint, without becoming draggy.

a few pts
- don't blow nose in public
- let them know in advance of dietary restrictions
- at least, try to try all the food and express appreciation
- don't hug or kiss, unless it's a baby or your lover(?) - i got a hug initiated by a Japanese, just trying to be more Western or do they really do that at times?
- no surprises, plan and inform everything in advance
- family names before first names usually but on English namecards, will usually give first names first

Common Japanese Family Names and their Meanings

Tanaka - In the rice fields
Nakamura - In the middle of the village
Yamamura - Mountain village
Hayashi - Little forest
Mori - Forest
Ishikawa - Stone river
Yamamoto - At the foor of the mountain
Kosaka - Little hill
Hirata - Broad field
Kaneda - Rich field
Yoshida - Old field