Hey forum!

I hope you are all doing well.
My name is Patric and I'm living in Tokyo at the moment.

It would be great if some of you had any advice for me. I'm looking for some guidance on how to behave around my girlfriends grandparents.

I'm Swiss, my girl is half Japanese half American and we are going to visit them sometime in the next months.. it scares me.

All the little things to mind...

-greeting
-politeness level
-the first visit
-gifts
-formalities
-behavior in general
-etc

Best regards
pato

I can't really offer any advice on meeting Japanese people, however I'm not sure you need to worry too much- if she is half American, I would imagine her parents will be used to Western behaviour.

I'm not sure whether you mean she was born in America to Japanese parents or has a Japanese parent and an American parent.

Of course, if you can show them you know about japanese ettiquette, that will probably impress them so go for it!

Her mom is Japanese, her dad is American but they split up a long time ago.

I'm more worried about her grandparents.
Because of some weird coincidences I'll meet them first.. and they are very old fashioned and proud Japanese. Her granddad is a very dedicated man. In fact, he was invited to the palace twice to drink tea with the emperor to honor his life work.

I just want to make a good impression!

The attitude you have about making a good impression is great!
With that attitude and the ability to watch and learn, you will be fine.

Check all these out too:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheJapanChannelDcom#g/c/54734B4601A97FC7