Bob:
Yuki. I really need your advice. It's about something very, very (1) [importance / important] ?

Yuki:
Sure, Bob. How can I help?

Bob:
I need you to teach me about manners in Japan. You know, the (2) [ correctly / correct] way to behave in social situations. I want to do the right thing and (3) [be / do] polite. I don't want people to think I'm being rude.

Yuki:
Yes. Many of Japan's manners are quite unique. But Bob, you're not rude. Don't worry. You're always, polite and respectful when you're with me.

Bob:
That's very kind (4) [of / to] you to say so. Thank you. But I'm still worried about (5) [upset / upsetting] people in public. You know - strangers - people who don't know me. Can you teach me the (6) [basic / basics] ?

Yuki:
OK. First, let's look at (7) [greetings / greets] . In Japan, we bow most of the time when we meet someone. The deeper you bow, the more respectful you are. And don't forget to greet them - good morning, good evening... you know. But, it is becoming more (8) [commonly / common] to shake hands.

Bob:
Yes. Japan is changing. Maybe bowing (9) [all / every] the time is unique to Japan. I like it. And I should also say "please," "thank you," "excuse me" and so (10) [on / off] - of course in Japanese. Yuki, should I bow deeply to my Japanese friends?

Yuki:
No. They might think that's strange and feel a (11) [bit / bite] uncomfortable. But you might have to bow deeply if you have done something very bad and you need to (12) [apology / apologize] .

Bob:
Yes. OK. How about when I'm out in public. Waiting for a train, for example.

Yuki:
Well... In Japan we stand (13) [on / in] line on the platform. If you cut in to get a seat, people will think you are impolite. You have to wait your turn.

Bob:
That's easy. I do that in England. And I give (14) [up / down] my seat for someone who is elderly, disabled or pregnant.

Yuki:
Wow, Bob. You are polite. It sounds like you're good at following rules.

Bob:
I think I am, but sometimes people really stare (15) [in / at] me on the train. I wonder what impolite thing I've done. Maybe I forget the basics in public.

Yuki:
Does that happen often? Do people stare at you a lot?

Bob:
No. Not really. I think the most (16) [embarrassing / embarrassment] time was when I tried on a shirt in the fitting room at Uniqlo. There was carpet in the tiny (17) [fit / fitting] room and I didn't understand I had to take my shoes off, so I went into the fitting room with my shoes on.

Yuki:
Oh dear. You have to take your shoes off when there's carpet, tatami, or in the (18) [entrance / entrants] to someone's house. Did anyone in Uniqlo say anything?

Bob:
No. But the sales assistant stared at me. She stared for a long time at my shoes, stared at me again, and then stared at my shoes again. Then I understood my mistake.

Yuki:
Ha ha. You won't do that again. But... staring at someone is a bit rude.

Bob:
Another mistake I (19) [made / did] was taking this guy's business card with one hand and putting it in my pocket without reading it.

Yuki:
Ooooh. Not good Bob. Not good. You take business cards with TWO hands... and read them. OK..... The week after next, I'll teach you about chopstick manners, using the toilet, (20) [given / giving] gifts and table manners. How does that sound?

Bob:
That sounds great. Thank you very much. Have a lovely day, Yuki.