Daily Life Lessons · Neighbors
Learn whom to greet, when, and what to say when you move in, and be able to decide for yourself whether to greet your neighbors based on local customs and your own situation.
In Japan, there is a custom of visiting your neighbors to greet them when you move in. In general, people often visit the three houses across the street and the houses on either side for a detached house ("mukō sangen ryōdonari": 向こう三軒両隣), or the units on either side for a condominium or apartment.
The greeting can be short. Briefly give your name and where you moved in, such as your unit number. Some people bring a small item for everyday use, such as a towel, detergent, or a box of sweets. It does not need to be expensive; prepare only what you comfortably can.
Greeting is not required by law, and some people do not do it. If you feel uneasy going alone, you can go with a friend, someone from work, or someone who understands Japanese.
日本では、引っ越した とき、近所（きんじょ）の 人に あいさつを する 習慣（しゅうかん）が あります。
- 一戸建て（いっこだて）：向かいの 3けんと、となりの 家 - マンション・アパート：となりの 部屋
名前と「〇〇号室（ごうしつ）に 引っ越してきました。よろしくおねがいします」を 伝えます。 タオルや おかしなど、小さな ものを わたす 人も います。高い ものでなくて 大丈夫です。
あいさつは きまりでは ありません。しない 人も います。 ひとりで 行くのが 不安な ときは、友だちや 日本語が わかる 人と いっしょに 行っても いいです。
Is greeting your neighbors when you move in required by law?
Greeting is a custom, not a law. Some people do not do it.
In a condominium or apartment, whom do people often greet?
In general, in condominiums and apartments people often visit the units on either side.
What do people commonly say when greeting?
It is common to briefly give your name and the unit you moved into. A long greeting is not needed.
Which is often given as an example of an item to bring when greeting?
Small everyday items such as a towel, detergent, or a box of sweets are often mentioned. They do not need to be expensive.
You live alone and feel uneasy visiting the homes of people you don't know. What do you do?
If you feel uneasy going alone, you can go with a friend, someone from work, or someone who understands Japanese.
Q. What should I bring?
A. Items often used in daily life, such as towels or detergent, or boxed sweets are considered good. They do not need to be expensive; prepare only what you comfortably can.
Q. Why do people give an item?
A. It makes it easier to express the feeling of "I look forward to being your neighbor" (これからよろしくお願いします).
Q. Is it OK if I can't speak Japanese?
A. A long greeting is not needed. A simple self-introduction is fine, such as: "I'm ___, and I just moved into unit ___. Nice to meet you" (〇〇号室に引っ越してきた〇〇です。どうぞよろしくお願いします).
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-10-03
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original