When I tip, you tip, we tip?

Back home in Australia, tipping isn't really part of life. You pay what's on the bill and that's that. However, I'm married to an American, and back there tipping is second nature, whether at a restaurant, in a taxi, or even for a tour guide. Living in Japan adds another layer of complexity, since tipping here has traditionally been seen as unnecessary or even uncomfortable.

That said, I've noticed some exceptions. I lived for several years at an Air Force base in Fussa (western Tokyo) while my husband was still in the military, and many local businesses surrounding the base had tip jars by the counter. The area is so Americanized that some shops even accept U.S. dollars as a method of payment, and it's a reminder that culture often shifts where communities mix.

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With record-breaking numbers of tourists visiting Japan (over 21 million in just the first half of this year), tip jars are appearing in more places, especially in tourist hubs like Asakusa. Some business owners in that article I linked say they've put them out because foreign customers were already leaving money behind.

However, surveys suggest most Japanese still resist the idea. Hospitality here is rooted in omotenashi, service given with respect and care, without the expectation of extra payment. Even though a handful of tourist-oriented shops may embrace tips, it seems unlikely that Japan will adopt American-style tipping culture as a norm. 

Personally, I think the resistance is refreshing. I'm glad that there's still the idea of giving great service without needing extra remuneration for it. 

Have you noticed tip jars popping up in your local area? Is it a norm in your home country?