Oops! Japan #33 — Eating While Walking Isn’t Illegal… But It’s Not Cool （食べ歩きは違法じゃないけどマナー違反!?） Why Walking Around With Food Might Get You Glares in Japan

 Oops! Japan #33 — Eating While Walking Isn’t Illegal… But It’s Not Cool

（食べ歩きは違法じゃないけどマナー違反!?）

Why Walking Around With Food Might Get You Glares in Japan

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English:

You’re enjoying a snack from a konbini — maybe an onigiri or a hot dog — and decide to eat it while strolling through the street. It’s quick, easy, and normal where you’re from. But in Japan? Not so much.

While eating while walking isn’t illegal, it’s frowned upon culturally, especially in busy public areas.

Why?

• Japanese streets are expected to stay clean — food spills and wrappers are discouraged.

• It’s hard to find trash cans, so people don’t want to carry food waste.

• Eating while walking is seen as sloppy or inconsiderate by some locals.

• If you buy food at a stand, you’re usually expected to eat it there — not walk off with it.

Tip:

Look for benches, corners, or even a space near the shop where you bought it. Even standing and eating neatly in one place is totally fine.

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日本語の補足：

日本では「歩きながら食べる」ことは法律では禁じられていませんが、マナー違反と見なされることが多いです。

特に人通りの多い場所や観光地では、「汚すかもしれない」「見た目がよくない」と感じる人もいます。

屋台や売店で買ったものは、その場で食べるという暗黙のルールもあります。

移動中の軽食は、立ち止まって食べるのが基本マナーです。

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Next up: Oops! Japan #34 — Left? Right? It’s a Sidewalk Puzzle

次回予告：Oops! Japan #34 — 歩道はどっち側を歩く？ 左右バラバラな“歩行ルール”に混乱！