In Japan, there is a cultural practice of going around to greet neighbors when moving into a new place for the first time. However, this custom is not strictly necessary if your new residence is in a housing environment such as an apartment or condominium.
So, in what situations is such a greeting considered appropriate? Additionally, when and how should it be done? I'll show you the main points bellow.
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Is It Necessary to Introduce Yourself to Neighbors When Moving?
Generally, It Is Much Better If You Do
Based on survey results, nearly 66% of people who have moved reported that they went around greeting their new neighbors.
If you live with your family, building a good relationship with neighbors is very important. For this reason, many people still maintain this custom. Even if you only greet them once, if something happens someday, you can at least ask them for help. In Japan, there is a saying that “neighbors who are close by are more helpful than relatives who live far away.”
In addition to informing others about your move, one advantage of introducing yourself is that it helps you understand what kind of people live around you. You can learn who lives alone, who lives with family, who might be approachable, and who may seem intimidating. This can help you feel safer in your new environment.
On the other hand, among those who live alone, only about 38% introduce themselves to neighbors after moving. It seems that many people who live alone do not follow this practice.
If You Live Alone, Decide Based on the Surrounding Environment
Those who live alone and choose not to introduce themselves to neighbors have several reasons.
One reason is that in urban apartment buildings and condominiums, there are many residents, and sometimes there are no clear opportunities to get to know neighbors. In addition, for women living alone, this may raise safety concerns, so some people choose to avoid it. If you live alone in a residential area in the city, it is perfectly acceptable to decide that introducing yourself is not necessary.
On the other hand, in rural areas or suburban neighborhoods, more people, including those who live alone, still tend to introduce themselves when moving in.
Additionally, in specialized living environments such as student housing, women only residences, housing for foreign residents, shared houses, and other community based living arrangements, building relationships with people nearby is often important. Therefore, when signing a rental contract, it is advisable to ask the landlord whether introducing yourself is expected or not.
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting for Self Introduction
1. Which Neighbors Should You Visit
If you plan to introduce yourself when moving into a new place, who exactly should you visit?
Traditionally in Japan, there is a custom of greeting “the three houses across from your home and the two houses next to you,” meaning your immediate neighbors on both the left and right. If you live in an apartment or condominium, “the three houses across” is usually replaced by the units directly above and below yours.
This is because sounds from your room are more likely to be heard by neighbors above and below, which can sometimes lead to problems. In addition, there may be situations where communication is necessary, such as in the case of a water leak. For these reasons, it is safer to be acquainted with them.
2. The Right Time to Visit
You can visit your new neighbors before moving in, but if that is not possible, it is best to visit them on the day you move.
Introducing yourself before moving is recommended because it allows you to apologize in advance for any inconvenience caused by the movement of people and belongings on moving day. By doing so, your neighbors will already know when you are arriving and may be more understanding of any noise or disruption.
If you are unable to introduce yourself beforehand, it is advisable to do so on the day of your move. If you wait several days, there is a chance you may run into them while taking out the trash, so it is better to introduce yourself first and leave a good impression.
As for timing, it is best to visit between 10 in the morning and 8 in the evening. Visiting too early or too late may disturb them.
However, it is important to note once again that introducing yourself is not a requirement.
If you happen to run into your neighbors at some point, simply greeting them with “konnichi wa” or “doumo” is generally considered sufficient.
3. What Should You Bring
It is common practice to bring a simple gift when introducing yourself to new neighbors. The most frequently given items include towels, cloths, tissues, and similar everyday goods.
Other items such as soap and detergent are also popular, and many people bring small snacks or sweets. However, you should not simply hand over items purchased from a convenience store or supermarket as they are. They should be wrapped neatly in decorative paper or placed in a box, accompanied by a special gift wrapping paper called “noshi.”
On the “noshi,” you should write a short phrase indicating it is a greeting gift, and your full name should be written at the bottom.
The items you wish to give can be purchased from online shops such as Rakuten Ichiba, Amazon, and others. In addition, they are available at department stores and supermarkets. When wrapping the gift, do not forget to include the “noshi.” In department stores or large supermarkets, there is usually a counter near the cashier that provides gift wrapping services.
For each household, a gift priced around 500 to 1,000 yen is considered appropriate. If you choose to give towels, it is recommended to give about two pieces. For tissues, it is better to choose a cute design or a slightly higher quality box.
4. Appearance and How to Introduce Yourself
You may wear casual clothing when visiting, but avoid wearing dirty or worn out clothes.
When introducing yourself, it is important to provide basic information so that your neighbors are not surprised. Introduce yourself politely, for example:
“Hikkoshi no goaisatsu ni ukagaimashita. 〇nichi ni 〇goushitsu ni hikkoshitekuru ×× desu. Hikkoshi no sai ni wa gomeiwaku wo okakesuru kamoshiremasen ga, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.”
“I have come to greet you as I am moving in. My name is ××, and I will be moving into room number 〇 on the 〇. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience caused during the move. I look forward to your kind cooperation.”
Conclusion
This concludes the explanation about introducing yourself to neighbors when moving.
By introducing yourself, you can build good relationships with your neighbors. However, many people who live alone do not do this, so it is better to adjust to your situation before deciding whether or not to do it.
If you inform your close friends at school or work about your move, they may introduce you to their acquaintances. For example, they might say, “My friend also lives there, I will introduce you.” In this way, you may find someone you can become friends with.
If you have such an opportunity, do not hesitate to ask for an introduction in order to expand your social network.