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| Meet our Contributor in the Spotlight for March 2025, Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama |
Elena is a specialist in Japanese protocol and etiquette, and European social etiquette. The founder of the project Etiquette748, Elena is also a member of the National Association Specialist of Protocol. She authored the best-selling book “Japanese Etiquette: Ancient Traditions and Modern Rules” after living in Japan for over 20 years.
Below are links to Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama’s articles on etiquette which you’ll find on Etiquipedia:
The following is a Q. & A. with Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama:
What was the impetus for starting your Etiquette business or career involving Etiquette?
I have always been interested in the traditions of different countries, especially in the East. While working at the Institute of Asian and African Countries of Moscow State University (named after M.V. Lomonosov), I was lucky enough to take part in the organization of international conferences and meetings, as well as participating in international conferences and internships in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China and Japan. It was from studying the history and culture of Eastern countries that my interest in the rules of Eastern etiquette began, which ultimately led me to my current profession. After graduating from Waseda University, I work for an international company in Tokyo. I play golf, study Japanese calligraphy. Both hobbies are related to culture, tradition of respect, politeness, observance of rules of etiquette and showing consideration for other people.
I studied European etiquette, visiting the UK for this purpose, where I studied at Debrett’s Academy (London) and International Social etiquette consultant (The International Etiquette and Protocol Academy of London), where I received the Trainer certificate. I also studied European etiquette in France and Italy in 2014. Those studies were with my friend Kseniia, we created a page on Facebook, “Etiquette 748”, and on other social media networks.
For 10 years now, every week I have been writing an article on etiquette in Japan. During this time, I wrote more than 500 articles on the topic of etiquette and protocol. Most of the articles were devoted to Japan. In 2020, my book “Japanese Etiquette: Ancient Traditions and Modern Rules” was published in Moscow. The book became a bestseller and I received a national award for the top book in the field of protocol and etiquette.
What (or who) do you find the most enjoyable with regard to Etiquette and your work?
Thanks to my work, I often travel to other East Asian countries, such as China, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, India, and Mongolia. I am very interested in learning about the etiquette which is representative of these cultures.
What types of classes or training do you offer, if any? If you don’t offer classes or training, how do you share your expertise?
Currently, I teach etiquette online in Japan and offline for undergraduate and graduate students at leading universities in Russia. In Japan, I conduct my own “World of Japanese Etiquette” tours, where I give lectures and master classes on Japanese etiquette and protocol, and also conduct an excursion program to the very places which are the basis for Japanese culture and Japanese etiquette.
What age group do you enjoy working with most when it comes to etiquette? And why?
I like to work with children when they take their first steps in the field of communication, based on knowledge of behavioral etiquette and traditional culture. I also like teaching students because they ask interesting questions, and we explore topics on etiquette from the point of view of historical events. I really enjoy conducting master classes and seminars on table etiquette. In Japan, table setting and food culture are very important. Japanese table setting is a work of art. For the Japanese, a meal is a journey into the world of beauty and harmony, which is why elegance, grace and tradition are so important in table setting.
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| For 10 years now, every week I have been writing an article on etiquette in Japan. During this time, I wrote more than 500 articles on the topic of etiquette and protocol. |
Thanks to my work, I often travel to other East Asian countries, such as China, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, India, and Mongolia. I am very interested in learning about the etiquette which is representative of these cultures.
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| Currently, I teach etiquette online in Japan and offline for undergraduate and graduate students at leading universities in Russia. |
What do you find the most rewarding aspect of your career regarding Etiquette?
I like the ethical aspect – the moral principles of etiquette – and how it combines with ancient traditions in Japan. Also how historical events influence the development of etiquette. |
| In Japan, I conduct my own “World of Japanese Etiquette” tours, where I give lectures and master classes on Japanese etiquette and protocol, and also conduct an excursion program to the very places which are the basis for Japanese culture and Japanese etiquette. |
Currently, I teach etiquette online in Japan and offline for undergraduate and graduate students at leading universities in Russia. In Japan, I conduct my own “World of Japanese Etiquette” tours, where I give lectures and master classes on Japanese etiquette and protocol, and also conduct an excursion program to the very places which are the basis for Japanese culture and Japanese etiquette.
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| I really enjoy conducting master classes and seminars on table etiquette. In Japan, table setting and food culture are very important. |
I like to work with children when they take their first steps in the field of communication, based on knowledge of behavioral etiquette and traditional culture. I also like teaching students because they ask interesting questions, and we explore topics on etiquette from the point of view of historical events. I really enjoy conducting master classes and seminars on table etiquette. In Japan, table setting and food culture are very important. Japanese table setting is a work of art. For the Japanese, a meal is a journey into the world of beauty and harmony, which is why elegance, grace and tradition are so important in table setting.
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| I like the Mitsui Memorial Museum and my reference book now is: “Generations of Mitsui Family Treasures”. |
I enjoy reading old works of Japanese authors, especially Tetsuo Owada’s, “Bushi no sahou” and I like the Mitsui Memorial Museum and my reference book now is: “Generations of Mitsui Family Treasures”.
If you would like to reach Elena, you can can contact her via her Instagram page or on Facebook @Etiquette748
🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia
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