This means don’t start up a conversation with a random stranger because they’ll feel uncomfortable not knowing you, and if you’re wondering about how to act it is better to quietly observe what everyone else is doing before you ask questions.
To navigate Tokyo you must use maps, but how would you react if you saw this symbol (卍) on the map? I know what you’re probably thinking, but please be assured that there’s no need to freak out. In Japanese, (卍) is called “manji” and it is an auspicious Buddhist symbol, known as “svastika” from Sanskrit. Buddhism entered Japan around the sixth century CE from India, so manji is used to this day on maps to mark the location of Buddhist temples. The majority of Japanese people think of manji as a Buddhist symbol, not the shameful emblem appropriated by the Nazis. When you travel to different countries, make sure you pay attention to the historical context around symbols and etiquette.
